Multiple-entry visas welcomed, with caveats

Key tourism associations say the new type of visa will draw a large number of repeat visitors and extend their lengths of stay.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry on Wednesday said the government planned to offer multiple-entry visas valid up to 60 days to all nationalities in a bid to boost tourism. The ministry is likely targeting key markets, especially China and India.

Kasian Watanachaopisut, acting president of the Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association, said yesterday that if the government grants multiple-entry visa to all nationalities, a lot of foreigners might come to Thailand more often.

However, he expressed a worry that many might come to work in the Kingdom instead of travelling, as they will be able to stay up to two months per entry.

"The association strongly urges the government to beware of having more non-tourists or illegal workers once the initiative of multiple-entry visas is endorsed," Kasian said.

Charoen Wangananont, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the inbound travel body, said the multiple-entry visas would encourage more repeat visitors. However, he said such visas would not be as big a factor to attract foreigners as the strengths of this country’s tourism products and culture.

"I think this visa will be good for the tourism sector in the end. But ATTA calls on the government to improve safety and security measures as well as accommodating tourists," he said.

Supawan Tanomkieatipume, vice president of the Thai Hotels Association, also urged the government to tighten up safety and security for tourists while they are in the country.

She believes that multiple-entry visas would encourage visitors who plan to travel in Southeast Asia, because they can start their trips here and travel to other countries and then return here gain.

"If tourists [enter] Thailand more often for travel, then hotels, restaurants and related businesses should benefit," she said.