Bangkok, Jan 17 (IBNS): The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Thursday announce that the Royal Thai Government has approved the extension of the visa-on-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 countries until Apr 30.
Previously, the exemption of the visa-on-arrival fee was from Nov 15 , 2018 to Jan 13, 2019.
The decision was announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on Jan 11, reasoning it as a measure to stimulate and promote tourism as well as to enhance the kingdom's attractiveness among foreign visitors during the high travel season.
Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the continuation of the stimulus visa-on-arrival measure came at a perfect time as Thailand is set to celebrate Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year (Songkran) in April.
Yuthasak said: "This year, the Chinese New Year official opening ceremony will be held at Siam Square, one of the most popular shopping areas in Bangkok. We aim to attract more of the younger generation to enjoy the traditional performances."
For the Thai New Year (Songkran), TAT will continue its strategy to promote Thai traditions and cultural values, the core part of almost all traditional events and festivals in Thailand, according to Yuthasak.
"As usual, TAT will provide support to the organising of Songkran celebrations in various destinations throughout the kingdom."
The Songkran Festival, 13-15 April, is an event where boisterous fun and ancient traditions go hand-in-hand.
For tourists, the event offers a chance to enjoy a huge celebration where water parties break out in the streets of Thailand's towns and villages. For locals, it is a time when they can spend precious moments with their families and visit the temples to observe ancient rites and make merit.
The list of countries eligible for the visa-on-arrival fee waiver until 30 April:
Citizens of Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, mainland China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan will be exempted from the 2,000 Baht visa-on-arrival fee for the purpose of touring in Thailand for not more than 15 days.
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