Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proposal to extend the visa period by 15 days.
From October 1 to March 31, 2023, travellers from countries entitled to the visa exemption scheme will be able to stay in Thailand for 45 days instead of 30 days, and travellers from countries entitled to a visa on arrival (VOA) will be able to stay for 30 days instead of 15. South Africa is included in the countries that are entitled to the visa exemption scheme.
Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand London, Sadudee Sangnil, said: “We are delighted that Thailand's Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration approved our proposal for this extension as we want travellers to Thailand to have ample time to enjoy the country and its many attractions. As the December to February holiday season fast approaches, we hope to welcome South Africans and their families to our beautiful beaches, resorts and so much more.”
Thailand anticipates that its foreign tourist arrivals will reach 10 million this year, having already seen 3,78 million tourists arrive between January and mid-August, reports Reuters.
According to Travel Daily Media, Phuket alone welcomed 400 000 foreign tourists between May 1 and September 1. The majority of the arrivals were from India, followed by Australia, Singapore and England. Malaysian, German, American, and Russian arrivals made up the remainder of the top arrivals.
