Visa-on-Arrival to Help Revive Thailand’s Economy

Thailand will be extending the exemption of the B2,000 visa-on-arrival fee for visitors from 21 nations until July 31 of 2019 to give a much needed boost to its tourism industry.

Somkid Jatusripitak, the Deputy Prime Minister said investors are expected to take a wait-and-see approach over the next three months while the new government is formed. He said the tourism industry will play a significant role in contributing to the economic growth during the period.

"Infrastructure projects such as the high-speed rail to link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-tapao airports; the port expansion of Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut; U-tapao aviation city; a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre; and Bangkok mass transit projects are expected to continue regardless of which parties form the new government."

Surachate Hakparn, the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau said they have also introduced a new service called e-visa-on-arrival to facilitate the immigration process. He said the new service cuts processing time for visas on arrival at airports to as little as one minute. Kakparn also said that the bureau is scheduled to utilize artificial intelligence in the immigration process over the next four to five months. This will be implemented during the Asean summit in November.