Thailand is definitely ready for Chinese New Year and wants to greet more guests by offering a gift to them. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just made a new announcement regarding its visa-on-arrival fee. Citizens of 20 countries can now enter the country free of charge and celebrate the holidays. The no-fee period ends on April 30.
This decision appeared in the local news last week. The Royal Thai Government Gazette published on January 11 that it had been decided to offer free entrance to citizens of 20 countries. It is done as a way to stimulate tourism and promote travel to Thailand in the countries of choice. It is currently the high season period in Thailand, and the free visa is likely to increase the attractiveness of the country among foreign guests.
According to Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the timing of the new initiative is simply perfect because of approaching holidays. In less than a month, whole Asia will celebrate Chinese New Year. Moreover, Thailand will celebrate Songkran (the Thai New Year) in April. This is the time when not only hotels in Bangkok and at popular resorts greet numerous guests but also Chiang Mai hotels and many other popular destinations.
Chinese New Year is always a very popular holiday in the country. Moreover, this year marks the 15th anniversary of the collaboration between China and Thailand in the organization of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Embassy work together with TAT in order to create mesmerizing Lunar New Year celebrations across Thailand. This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 5.
Thailand also tries to promote its authentic holiday, Songkran. It is the best time to visit the country in order to get acquainted with its cultural heritage and witness cultural traditions and colorful festivals in Thailand. Songkran celebrations always take place in several destinations of the kingdom. So, here is the list of countries, citizens of which can enter Thailand and receive a free visa upon arrival: Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China (Taiwan included), Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Normally, the visa cost is 2,000 Baht. The free visa permits its holder to stay in Thailand for no more than 15 days.