Thailand allows visa-free entry for Sri Lankans from tomorrow

14 July 2024 09:35 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 13 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 14 (Daily Mirror) - Thailand will allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka from tomorrow (July 15).

This marks the first time Sri Lankans can travel to Thailand without obtaining a paper visa. Thai citizens can already visit Sri Lanka visa-free, subject to a USD 10 processing fee.

The new policy, announced by Thailand's Ministry of Interior, extends the visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days. Visitors must have proof of funds, accommodation, and return or onward tickets.

Entry remains at the discretion of immigration officers at airports.

According to Ministry spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul, this change will benefit tourists and short-term business travellers. The number of countries eligible for visas on arrival will increase to 31. Thailand has seen a 35 percent rise in foreign arrivals this year, totalling 18.2 million visitors and generating 858 billion baht (USD 24 billion) in revenue. China, Malaysia, and India have been the largest sources of tourists in 2024, with around 350,000 Sri Lankans travelling to Thailand annually.

Also, Thailand will introduce the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) on July 15, targeting digital nomads, freelancers and those seeking to learn skills like cooking and martial arts.

This visa allows stays of up to 180 days and is valid for five years. Applicants must apply for the DTV at the Thai Embassy in their country. Moreover, visiting students earning a bachelor's degree or higher in Thailand will be permitted to stay for one year post-graduation to seek employment, travel or conduct research.

Comments - 13

Rip Winkle Sunday, 14 July 2024 10:07 AM

Wanduráta deli pihiyak dunna wage thiyei.

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Saleem Monday, 15 July 2024 12:45 AM

So it will be heaven for our drug dealers and criminals to escape from the law enforcement . It will be the next Dubai...

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Tourist Sunday, 14 July 2024 10:25 AM

Now that's called real tourism boost....

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Sri Lankan Monday, 15 July 2024 03:23 AM

Thailand has VISA free entry for tourists from most developed countries provided it less than 30days stay. Why? because they know they can earn more in tourist $ than trivial VISA fees. It is obvious that something funny is going between the Minister of Tourism and VFS at the detriment of larger tourist $ income into the country. Corruption in this country has been the cause of downfall. We all await early for resurrection of "Lee Kuan Yu" within the ranks of politics in this country.

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Lionel Sunday, 14 July 2024 11:01 AM

Where is SL visa system? It is funny that it says Thai people fan get visa to SL free, but subject to a $10 processing fee, whereas Thailand gives free visa without any fee. SL has so much to learn from these countries. But the sad thing is SL will never learn. A sign of a perennial developing country.

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P Kunchithapathan Monday, 15 July 2024 03:13 AM

As long as the political crooks manning the government ably safeguarded by the president and the PM. Those fellows are well protected by the underworld in addition by the police.

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Sri Lankan Monday, 15 July 2024 01:13 AM

How about free plane ticket?

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Sambo Monday, 15 July 2024 07:22 AM

Good news for our politicians.

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Cecil Hedwige Monday, 15 July 2024 08:46 AM

Sl should also learn from Thailand if we are to promote more tourist to come.

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Cherath Monday, 15 July 2024 09:21 AM

Outside supermarkets in developed countries they display 1 or 2 popular items at surprisingly low prices (like apples, tomatoes, a vegetable etc) to draw passersby potential customers. Once inside, they are tempted to purchase few other things to fill their bags and make their visit worthwhile. The company makes enough profits thereby.Thailand and many other countries do not have Visa fees - so people are encouraged to visit and spend for accommodation, meals, travel, souvenirs etc. In SL after paying a hefty £75 for Visa tourists pay 47 to 50 times what local pay to visit historic sites. Thailand charges only 4 times the local rates from foreigners. And with zero Visa fees, No wonder then they attract 39 million tourists this year.

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ROSH Tuesday, 16 July 2024 12:09 PM

Excellent news unelected master debating president can spend the time with his lovers.

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A Fan of Tiran Alles Tuesday, 16 July 2024 09:02 PM

Thanks to Tiran Alles. Sri Lanka is charging nearly US$100.0 from tourists to Sri Lanka. Well done Tiran. for destroying tourism.

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visa free Monday, 22 July 2024 12:54 PM

Thailand can afford to issue a free visa to enter the country to foreign tourists because they receive ten times more tourists than Sri Lanka since it is cheaper and has much more to offer . Thailand received 28 million foreign tourists to Sri Lanka"s meagre 1.4 million foreign tourists in 2023.

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