What a disappointment: Thailand Tourism Authority says no plans for visa exemption for now

▲Ms. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Director of the Eastern Asia Region at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (left), and Mr. Shang Song, Director of the Taipei Office (right). (Photo / Chen Ziying, reporter)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

Ms. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Director of the Eastern Asia Region at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, led a delegation of 43 local operators—including travel agencies, resorts, cruise lines, and golf courses from Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi—to visit Taiwan today (18th). Regarding the issue of visa exemption or fee waivers, which are of greatest concern to Taiwanese travelers, Ms. Srisuda stated: "There are no current plans."

Ms. Srisuda explained that the three-month visa fee waiver implemented in China and Taiwan last year was intended to stimulate the Thai tourism market, which had been sluggish following political unrest, and there are no plans to reintroduce fee waivers or even visa exemptions. She believes that while the visa fee waiver policy last year did help revive the tourism market, visa exemption has far-reaching implications. Without certainty that overall service quality can handle the surge in visitors, the Thai government will not rashly grant visa exemption to travelers from China or Taiwan. She stated that before such a move, Thailand must ensure comprehensive preparedness in transportation, accommodation, and other areas.

Ms. Srisuda also noted that visitor numbers to Thailand from various countries rose in Q1 2015. As of now, the number of Taiwanese visitors has increased by 53.68% compared to the same period last year, indicating that travelers’ confidence in visiting Thailand has been restored.


▲The Thailand Tourism Authority’s Asia roadshow is being held in Taipei today. (Photo / Chen Ziying, reporter)