DRBangkok: The visa-on-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 countries, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), informed, has now been extended to April 30 after approval from the Royal Thai Government.
The announcement was made in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on January 11 as a means to promote tourism during the peak tourist season.
Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that the visa-on-arrival extension was good timing as Thailand is due to celebrate Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year (Songkran) in April.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of cooperation between TAT, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy for organising the annual Lunar New Year festivities in Thailand. This year, the date falls on February 5.
Yuthasak added that this year, the Chinese New Year official opening ceremony would be held at Siam Square, one of the most popular shopping areas in Bangkok in an attempt to attract more of the younger generation to enjoy the traditional performances.
As part of cultural exchange every year, China sends over 100 traditional Chinese dancers and musicians, martial artists, Chinese opera performers and acrobats from several cities. Performances are also held in key cities around Thailand where Chinese New Year is celebrated in a grand manner apart from the opening ceremony that is held at Bangkok’s Yaowarat (China Town). TAT, in return, organises education tours of Thailand for the performers.
“As usual, TAT will provide support to the organising of Songkran celebrations in various destinations throughout the kingdom,” Yuthasak said.
The Songkran Festival from April 13-15 April is an opportunity for tourists to be a part of a huge celebration where water parties break out in the streets of Thailand’s towns and villages. Other notable events and festivals during the period include the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony on March 17 in Ayutthaya and Poi Sang Long Festival (held during March or April) in the northern province of Mae Hong Son.
The list of countries eligible for the visa-on-arrival fee waiver until April 30:
Citizens of Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China including Taiwan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, 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.
