Big news has come for Indian tourists who dream of visiting Thailand. Now going there will not be as easy as before. The Thai government has ended the 60-day visa-free entry scheme applicable to 93 countries including Indians. After this decision, Indian travelers will no longer be allowed to enter Thailand without a visa. The government says that the new rules have been brought to prevent security, illegal employment and increasing transnational crimes.
Now how to get entry into Thailand?
After the implementation of the new rules, Indian citizens will now have to take entry through Visa on Arrival. That is, on reaching Thailand, travelers will have to obtain a visa by showing the necessary documents at the airport or designated immigration checkpoint. Under this visa, Indian tourists will be able to stay in Thailand only for 15 days. Earlier, Indian citizens could stay without visa for 60 days and if needed, it could be extended by another 30 days.
Why was the 60 day facility removed?
The Government of Thailand started this scheme to increase tourism and strengthen the economy. But later the government started becoming concerned about security and illegal activities. According to reports, some people were staying for long periods and getting involved in illegal work, illegal business and fake employment activities. For this reason, the government decided to make major changes in the visa rules.
“One country, one visa” policy implemented
Thailand is now implementing a “one country, one visa” policy. Under this, every country will get only one type of visa facility. The government has made changes in the visa categories of many countries. Now only 54 countries will get 30 days visa-free facility, while some countries including India have been kept in Visa on Arrival category.
Impact on people already present in Thailand?
Travelers who are already in Thailand or will arrive before the new rules come into effect will not be immediately affected. They will be able to stay there till the completion of their current permission period. Let us tell you that every year lakhs of people from India visit Thailand. Due to cheap travel, beautiful beaches and easy entry rules, it has been the favorite destination of Indians. But now after the new rules, travelers planning long holidays will need more preparation and documents.
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
