With tourism booming again, there is an influx of tourists to Thailand. Lately Bangkok airport has been experiencing huge rush for immigration clearance and visa on arrival. Complaints about the congestion here have been rife on social media lately. The Thai Embassy in India is preparing a new system to avoid long queues.
Thai Ambassador to India Pattarat Hongtong has stated that Indian travelers will now be able to obtain a Thailand visa from the embassy or consulate.
“This is natural not only in Thailand but in every airport. When the borders are opened, no one can predict the actual number of visitors or tourists coming into the country. That’s why we tell Indians to get visas from the embassy. Consult the consulate general before going to Thailand, it will be very helpful,” the Thai ambassador told news agency ANI.
As the number of tourists increases, Thailand is trying to manage congestion by increasing the staff at the Bangkok airport.
The country had recently dropped all mandatory Covid requirements such as vaccine certificates and test results for tourists. Since then, there has been a huge increase in the number of passengers arriving at Bangkok Airport. The immigration counter is one of the main places where long queues are faced.
Meanwhile, VFS Global, a visa outsourcing service provider, also offers the EVISA on Arrival (EVOA) service for foreign travelers arriving in Thailand. EVOA holders can complete the procedure at special immigration counters at major airports in Thailand. Applicants can get approval within 24 hours through the Express Visa on Arrival system.
From January to August 17 this year, an estimated 3.78 million tourists visited Thailand. Most tourists come from Malaysia, India and Singapore. To encourage more Indians to travel to Thailand, Thailand organized ‘Amazing Thailand Fest 2022’ from November 25 to 27 in New Delhi.
English Summary: Thailand visa: Indians can obtain visas from consulate or embassy to avoid long queues