THAILAND HAS NO PLANS TO SCRAP VISA EXEMPTION SCHEMES

BANGKOK, Sept 25 (Bernama)  -- Thailand will not abolish the current visa exemptions and visa-on-arrival schemes despite plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry (MFA).

Director-General of the Information Department and MFA Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said the ETA system would be used to facilitate immigration procedures, allowing travellers’ information to be provided electronically pre-departure for smoother processing upon arrival.

"This will complement our ongoing efforts to streamline visa processes, including visa exemptions and visa-on-arrival schemes, which remain valid and are part of the Thai government’s overall policy to improve international travel to Thailand," he said in a statement Tuesday.

However, Nikorndej did not announce the exact date for the implementation of ETA in Thailand.

He said the relevant Thai authorities are in discussions on the best format and modalities for such a system to be applied to international travellers.

"It will require further consideration and coordination before implementation, including the exact timeframe for implementation of ETA," he said.

Travellers are advised to monitor updates from the foreign ministry, the immigration bureau, and Royal Thai Police for the latest information on the ETA system’s launch date.

Currently, Thailand offers a 60-day visa exemption for travellers from 93 countries, including Malaysia, while visa-on-arrival applies to nationals from 31 countries and territories.

It was widely reported by Thai local media that travellers from 93 countries visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETA, scheduled to be launched in December 2024, before their trip to the Kingdom.

For the record, Thailand welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists and generated about 825.541 billion baht (about RM106.22 billion) in revenue during the first half of 2024.

-- BERNAMA