BANGKOK: Thailand's tourism authorities are expected to propose to the government that a visa fee exemption be given to foreign tourists and extensions for some visas for up to 45 days.
This comes after a meeting between more than 100 representatives from 10 tourism associations and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to discuss ways to better promote the country's tourism sector.
According to the Bangkok Post, the meeting ended with an agreement to propose five measures to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), including the visa fee exemption and a call to extend the allowed stay from 30 to 45 days for those arriving from countries with visa-free arrangements.
Thailand currently grants visa exemption to 56 countries, with their citizens not having to apply for a visa or pay the 1,000-baht (RM126) fee. However, their stay is limited to 30 days.
Citizens from most countries, including highly potential markets such as India, are still required to apply for a visa and pay an application fee for a stay of no more than 60 days.
Thailand also offers a visa on arrival (VOA) option, which is the leading choice among visitors who do not want to go through the hassle of applying through a Thai consulate.
It costs 1,500 baht (RM190) but a visitor is allowed to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 15 days only.
Phuket Tourist Association president Bhummikitti Ruktaengam said all tourists should be treated on an equal basis and if possible, fees should be waived for multiple entries as this would allow them to visit neighbouring countries during the same trip.
He said such a move could be a good opportunity for Thailand to lead the reopening of CLMV countries that comprises Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Thai Hotels Association president Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi said they agreed with the proposal to waive the visa fee and for the stay extension of visitors from visa-free countries and those with the VOA.
"The longer they stay, the more they can spend locally," she said, according to the Post report.
In addition to the visa issues, the tourism associations have also agreed during the meeting, to ask the CCSA to lift restrictions on night entertainment hours by returning to the same hours used by each area before the pandemic struck.
They also supported the idea of promoting Thailand as a mask-free destination by revoking the mask mandate in all areas.
They said masks can be suggested for congested spaces or indoors while private operators, such as hotels or restaurants, should be allowed to make their own decision on whether to require their staff to wear a mask.
Most of the representatives also agreed with the Tourism and Sport Ministry's proposal to cancel the Thailand Pass system.
If cancelled, it means the only requirements for visitors to Thailand would be vaccine certificates and health insurance.
They also said that temperature checks at all locations should be stopped as experience showed this measure cannot practically identify those infected with the Covid-19 virus.