Thailand forum

Tourist Visas

Thaiman

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 201

Private message

Have just read that the Thai Government is issuing free tourist visas from between 25/06/2009 to March 2010 in an effort to increase tourist arrivals.

#1 Posted: 24/6/2009 - 15:21
ChangFai

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 139
Located in:

Only single entries though .

#2 Posted: 25/6/2009 - 00:19
pamjane

backpacker
Posts: 16

nice... thanks for the info!

#3 Posted: 25/6/2009 - 01:34
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

PamJane

Like so many countries, the 'cost' of entering Thailand by air has been incorporated into the cost of the airline ticket.

So, they drop the 'charge', will you get a refund on your airline tix?

Cheers

#4 Posted: 26/6/2009 - 09:17

------------------------------
An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
SBE

mahout
Posts: 1735
Located in:

Private message

?? I don't quite understand that Bruce!

The departure tax was incorporated into the air ticket a couple of years back but there's nothing to stop you entering by air and leaving the country overland if you want to avoid paying it.

Has a new tax been incorporated into the price of air tickets now?

#5 Posted: 26/6/2009 - 14:54
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

SBE

Tourist entry visa's not departure tax.

Cheers

#6 Posted: 26/6/2009 - 15:29

------------------------------
An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
SBE

mahout
Posts: 1735
Located in:

Private message

Well airline ticket prices are plummeting at the moment so I guess we are getting a "refund" on our airline tix as well!

#7 Posted: 26/6/2009 - 19:19
pamjane

backpacker
Posts: 16

plus, i'll need a 60 day visa, so i guess i'll save money despite not getting a refund on my airline ticket!

#8 Posted: 27/6/2009 - 16:01
khunwilko

som tam seller
Posts: 560

Tourist visas are often issued by Honorary Consulates - i.e. Private companies operating on behalf of the Thai Govt.
THese have not been compensated for the loss of earnings so you may fuind there is an admin fee added on to the free visa.

#9 Posted: 29/6/2009 - 15:33
SBE

mahout
Posts: 1735
Located in:

Private message

Is there a list of "official" as opposed to "private" consulates somewhere? Just wondering what the status of Penang, Yangon and KL consulates are as I predict one of those will be the most convenient place for me to pick up a free 2 month visa next trip!

#10 Posted: 29/6/2009 - 18:08
khunwilko

som tam seller
Posts: 560

Try Google - I think you'll find most of them are private businesses.

this is a typical complete mess introduced without any consultation or forethought by the Thai govt - a nape-of-the-neck decision which could result in yet more confusion as consulates either pack up or refuse to handle those visas.

#11 Posted: 30/6/2009 - 08:22
MADMAC

mahout
Posts: 3999

As an aside, I went to an honorary consulate to get my first type O visa to move to Thailand in 2006. It was incredibly painless, took me about 15 minutes and I was in and out the door. I couldn't believe it. All I needed was a copy of my marriage certificate.

In contrast getting my marriage visa once I was in Thailand was a NIGHTMARE. A story so comical it's almost worth retelling, but not today, it's too long.

#12 Posted: 30/6/2009 - 12:36

------------------------------
Victory in Pattani
Thaiman

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 201

Private message

I sent an e mail to the Thai Consulate in Hobart,Tasmania asking them to confirm that the Tourist visa fee had been waived from 25/06 to March next year.The reply I received stated 'Touris visa fee only' and that was it.Guess I'll send one to the Consulate in Sydney and see what they say.As Khunwilko stated-looks like a mess.

#13 Posted: 30/6/2009 - 15:08