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Thailand proposes higher
visa-on-arrival fee
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) has submitted a
proposal to the government to increase the visa-on-arrival fee at
Suvarnbhumi Airport from 1,000 baht to 2,800 baht.
Tourism and sports minister, Weerasak Kowsurat, believes the higher visa
fee will help solve traffic congestion at the airport.
He said the current fee at the airport was lower than that imposed at
overseas embassies and consulates, which prompted visitors to still opt
to obtain the on-arrival visa at the airport despite long queues.
However, Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Apichart Sankary,
said the new procedure, if materialised, would hamper the number of
tourist arrivals, most of whom were in favour of the convenient
visa-on-arrival facility to enter Thailand.
According to the Immigration Bureau, Police Department, Thailand
welcomed 6.55 million visitor arrivals in the first five months of this
year, a 10.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
(TTG)
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