PATTAYA, Thailand – Tourism authorities have introduced special visa measures to assist foreign visitors stranded in Thailand following flight cancellations linked to unrest in the Middle East. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said the steps are intended to help affected travelers and ensure coordinated assistance among relevant agencies.
Seksun Ngawsuwan, assistant permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said the ministry is coordinating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourist Police, the Immigration Bureau, hotel associations, and Airports of Thailand to support tourists impacted by travel disruptions. Officials have also been deployed to assist visitors in major destinations, including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.
Authorities have also set up a Tourism Crisis Monitoring Center to track developments and coordinate responses related to the tourism sector. The center will assess the situation and prepare measures intended to maintain confidence among international travelers.
Under temporary measures introduced by the Immigration Bureau, fines for overstaying will be waived for tourists who leave the country after exceeding their permitted stay due to flight disruptions. Visitors who need to remain in Thailand temporarily may apply for a stay extension of up to 30 days per request under existing regulations. Tourists requiring assistance may contact 24-hour hotlines operated by the Immigration Bureau at 1178, the Tourist Assistance Center at 1672, or the Tourist Police at 1155. (NNT)
