To waive visa fees for Indian and Taiwanese visitors to boost Thai tourism

Chatrudee Theparat

To waive visa fees for Indian and Taiwanese visitors to boost Thai tourism

The cabinet approved to waive visa fees for Indian and Taiwanese visitors for six months in a bid to boost tourism industry during high season.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the cabinet approved to waive visa fees for 30 days to Indian and Taiwanese tourists. The temporary measure will be implemented for six months from this November 10 to May 10, 2024.

“The measure will be implemented as a temporary measure with six-month period because between November 2023 and May 2024 is the high season among the Taiwanese and Indian visitors.”

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said the temporary measure is aimed to boost Thai tourism industry during high season.

Tourism and Sports Ministry reported this year the number of Indian arrivals was 1.62 million from January to September and 1.5 million projected in the remaining three months of the year. Indian visitors have spent 41,000 baht in average per trip (7-8 days).

The number of Taiwanese visitors to Thailand is projected to reach 700,000 this year, with average 43,000 baht per trip (eight days) spent during their stay.

Mr Chai said the government estimated this temporary measure of six-month period will attract additional 900,000 Indian and 400,000 Taiwanese visitors, putting the total number to 1.3 million visitors and generating 55 billion baht in tourism revenue.

In a separate development, the government approved to waive one baht per litre of the excise tax for gasoline for three months, taking effect on November 7. This could lead the government to lose two billion baht.

A reduction of the excise tax has helped the government to reduce one baht of retail price of gasoline 95. For gasoline 91, it will be cut by 2.50 baht per litre, which 1.50 baht will be contributed by the Oil Energy Fund.

The Energy Ministry is required to manage on the Oil Energy Fund which has so far contracted due to the launch of the government’s subsidy scheme for diesel oil price.