RE# 148,
"Many times a high-ranking official was quoted as saying that Thailand wanted "quality" tourists. They never defined quality tourist but it's obvious what they meant, i.e., 5-star hotel and upscale resort types.
So if this isn't you, TAKE A HINT and get out! "
Actually senior immigration officials have said a number of things in interviews that didn't happen or were contradictory in the past . So you can't always go by what you read in these interviews .
A few years ago after continually considering 'backpackers' to be the scum of the earth, the Australian Govt carried out some detailed research into their value, effect on economy, etc.
To their surprise they found that mainly due to their large numbers, 'backpackers' (ie budget, often young, tourists) were a major part of the tourist economy. They also found that they often 'opened' up new areas to the benefit(?) of the local economy; used many local services; were the reason for the setting up of countless small and medium sized businesses, etc, etc. Oh and they supplied much of the cheap seasonal workforce.
All of a sudden the Oz Govt changed their attitiude to this vital source of national income (although a cyclist, I once got welcomed with "you are one of those backpackers we have to be so thankful for").
All of these things relate to Thailand and a government that is struggling to maintain its very important tourist industry in the face of the global downturn; strong competition; and fiascos like the airport closure, ignore it at their peril.
Biut it ain't going to change!!
In any case the rumours and reports that Thai officials wnat to just have "elite' tourists and kick out the riff raff have been going on for years and years . If they really thought that was a good idea and was possible , why haven't they done it already after all these years ? .
As for reports in Bangkok post , some years ago an official was reported as saying the island of Ko Chang was going to be high class island and that "backpackers" would not be welcome . It turned out to be just hyperbole. As for the term "economic contribution" some posters persist in using in discussions like these - this is a travel forum , its not relevant to talk about visitors percieved economic contribuition. Furthermore when it comes to countries immigration rules there are various factors - political , govt to govt realations , reciprocal rules and so on . For some time the Thai govt allowed citizens of Brazil 3 months via free entry , this is nothing to do with economic contribution of Brazillians to Thailand , its more to do with govt to govt relations.
Some of the long term foreigners in thailand who sometimes hint that the fact they are living and working there makes them more worthy should be reminded that they are stilll guests in the country , a guest in a country is not in position to pass judgement on other guests . Stll less are they in position to speak on behalf of Thai immigration to suit their axe to grind.
South Koreans and New Zeelanders=kiwis also once-quite a long time even-got a free 3month permit-I think at the times when most of us sundry got 15 days only.
Cambodia has officially (well, most likely also some other NGO-inspired idea) had for a long time a policy to start with attracting backpackers-to pave the way, maybe in future, for ''quality tourists''
Hello - we are planning on visiting Thailand next year and from reading this thread, have decided to fly overland from Hong Kong or Cambodia. We would like to stay for at least 30 days and both have British passports. If we are flying overland can we simply get the visa at the airport when we arrive in Bangkok? Do we need to have proof of leaving the country after 30 days?
Would really appreciate an answer if anyone knows!
You can't get a "visa" at the airport (UK passport) only a visa-exemption. Get a Thai tourist visa in the UK before your trip. Relying on the good ol' exemption is increasingly not the best option if there's any chance you will stay >30 days.
# 148, Scorpio guy,
Just the Malaysians coming up to Hat Yai for "dirty weekends" probably put more into the economy than all the low cost western tourists put together.
Complete crap.
In your opinion. You wanna cite a source?
Officially, tourism generates less than 7% of GDP,
Pretty sure this is crap too. You wanna cite a source?
Will the Bangkok Post do? Just don't expect me to track down the individual article.
Edited by: thaibeachlovers
Edited by: thaibeachlovers
# 152 For some time the Thai govt allowed citizens of Brazil 3 months via free entry , this is nothing to do with economic contribution of Brazillians to Thailand , its more to do with govt to govt relations.
True. NZ citizens got 3 months till the NZ government cancelled the Thai 3 months entry permit, and the Thais reciprocated.
RE #153 , #157,
Thats right, New Zealanders got 3 months visa free even when most others got 15 days (before about 1996 , the visa free period was 15 days , then it was changed to 30 days). At the same time Swedish citizens got 3 months visa free entry (and Thais got 3 months entry into Sweden) , however this ended when Sweden felt too many Thais didn't return home . As for Brazillians , I once asked a Brazillian why they got 3 months , he thought it might be some sort of "South - South relations thing ."