The political instability and street demonstrations early this year have adversely affected Thailand’s lucrative tourism industry as visitor arrivals in the first four months totalled 4.7 million, down 14.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that while most markets showed varying rates of decline, arrivals from the Middle East grew by almost 11.5 percent and arrivals from South Asia were up 3.6 percent.

In 2008, Thailand welcomed about 14.59 million international visitors, a growth of only 0.88 per cent, and for 2009, it has scaled down its target to 13.3 million and 14 million in 2010.

In a statement today, TAT said as part of efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Thai government had agreed to extend the exemption of the fee for tourist visa applications until March 4, 2010.

Thailand presently gives a visa on arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days, while citizens of another 42 countries are allowed visa-free stay of not more than 30 days.

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Tags: Citizen, Thailand Holiday, Tourism Authority

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