Thailand plans to grant multiple-entry visas to tourists from all nations

Thailand is moving to grant multiple-entry visas to all visitors from any country in a bid to boost tourism and drive the economy.

Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said yesterday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the green light to the proposal, which is expected to go into effect within 60 days after receiving Cabinet approval.

Currently, citizens of 30-40 countries can enter the Kingdom without a visa, but some other nationals are required pay about BTH 1,000 to get a single-entry, 30-day visa.

Kobkarn said the new visa would allow holders to come into the country more than once, which is similar to what is applied by many other countries. The government plans to charge BTH 5,000 for the six-month visa.

Tourism is the only industry that has continued growing in recent years while others are still suffering from the global economic slowdown.

Thailand is shooting for 28 million foreign travelers this year. Domestic and inbound tourism are expected to generate Bt2.2 trillion in revenue, or about 10 per cent of gross national product.

Last month saw 2.6 million arrivals, improving by 37 per cent from same month last year. China and Malaysia were the top source markets.

Development master plan

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave the nod to the Tourism Ministry’s three-year tourism development master plan aimed at boosting quality tourists and promoting sustainable development.

It would also relax travel conditions and increase cooperation with other countries, particularly Thailand’s neighbors.

Last week, Thailand and Myanmar agreed to waive entry visas at major airports for the citizens of the two nations journeying between the two countries by plane. They can stay up to 14 days.

The ministry will soon kick off the development package including establishment of the Tourism Information Gateway to provide information to tourists before landing and while in the country.

The agency will also develop more attractions, train more human resources, increase security, publicize second-tier destinations and fill up business in the low season.

Last week, officials of five Mekong River riparian countries – Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – met in Nay Pi Taw in Myanmar to discuss tourism cooperation under the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

The five nations are preparing to embark on the “Five Countries One Destination” campaign to boost travel to third countries.

Each country is assigned to lead one of seven areas including tourism marketing, product linkage, tourist exchange, tourism product development, tourism safety and private sector involvement.

The five nations will also facilitate visas and transportation, enhance capacity-building programs for tourism professionals and tourism stakeholders, and champion green and responsible tourism in the ACMECS region. Crd:Thaivisa

Finnair: Mother’s Day Sale

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Sheraton: A Month of Treats for Mothers

A Month of Treats for Mothers

Bangkok, July XX, 2015 – In August, treat your mother to a unique and unforgettable experience at our distinctive dining venues.

At Dine in the Dark on August 12, mother can enjoy a one-of-a-kind dinner with a special surprise menu served in total darkness by visually impaired guides and a live jazz performance. Book and table in advance for four or more diners and mother will receive a special Dine in the Dark apron as a memento. Only 1,750 baht++ per person.

You can also make mother’s day memorable for dinner of modern Italian cuisine at Rossini’s, authentic Thai at basil, or a gourmet international buffet feast at Orchid Café, and she’ll receive a box of chocolates throughout August.

Starwood Preferred Guests members and The Grande Club members benefit from 20% off.

For further information or reservations, please call 02 6498368, email [email protected] or visit our online store at www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com/en/store.

For media liaison, please contact:

Yuthika Charoenrungreaung

Director of Marketing & Communications

Tel. 66 (0) 26498640

Fax. 66 (0) 26498811

E-mail: [email protected]

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a “Luxury Collection” hotel from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, is a place of elegance and calm from which to experience the excitement of Bangkok. For more information, please visit us at www.luxurycollection.com/bangkok

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,200 properties in 100 countries and territories with 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.