Thailand is relaxing its visa requirements

As per a report on travelmole.com, Thailand has given the green light to multiple-entry, six-month visas for all, which is expected is to be a huge boost for tourism.

Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha granted the move, which will be effective within 60 days after receiving Cabinet approval.

Currently, citizens of 57 countries are offered single-visit visa-free entry to the country, for stays of between 14 and 90 days, depending on the nationality. The government plans to charge THB5,000 (US$142) for the six-month visa.

The campaign drew 12.48 million tourists in the first five months, a growth of 25% from the same period last year, and generated 592 billion baht in revenue.

The TAT is now aiming to generate about 2.33 trillion baht in tourism revenue in 2016 by attracting middle-income tourists through activities that encourage consumer spending.

It would also relax travel conditions and increase cooperation with other countries, particularly Thailand’s neighbours.

Most recently, Myanmar and Thailand agreed to waive entry visas at major airports, which would allow its citizens to travel between the two countries without an entry visa.

The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry has also planned to expand the regional tourism market by improving links with countries along the Mekong River, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Each country is assigned to lead one of seven areas including tourism marketing, product linkage, tourist exchange, tourism product development, tourism safety and private sector involvement.