The Thai cabinet on April 24 agreed to extend the waiver of visa-on-arrival fees for visitors from 21 nations for another six months to prevent an economic slump during the transition to a new government.

Thailand expects to welcome more tourists with the extension of the visa fee waiver. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Nathporn Chatusripitak, spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, said that the exemption of the 2,000 THB (62 USD) fee will be extended until October 31.

“Normally the period between May and October is a low season for tourism,” Nathporn said. “The measure is thus considered successful, as it could attract more foreign visitors and generate more income.”

Although the exemption is estimated to cost 2.95 billion THB in lost revenue to the Thai government, it is expected to draw more foreign visitors and generate 104.61 billion THB in tourism income during the 184 days of the waiver.

According to Thai Immigration Bureau statistics, the number of foreign visitors to Thailand reached 3.58 million from November 15, 2018 to March 31, 2019, up 83 percent from 1.67 million year-on-year.

(Source: VNA)