THAI TOURISM MAY BE AFFECTED DUE TO THE CURRENT POLITICAL UNREST

The  current political conflict may affect the Thai tourism industry if the situation is not put under control before the first quarter of next year.

So far, according to official sources there had been no cancellations of air tickets and hotels have been reported among tourists heading to Bangkok and areas with major attractions.

19 countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens to avoid visiting areas near protests in the capital.

The travel warnings came from Britain, France, Sweden, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Austria, Israel, Brazil, Singapore, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Hungary, Spain, Finland, Italy and Slovakia. 

                                                    Photo Courtesy :  Ed Wray / Getty Images

But Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in an address marking his 86th birthday, called on his people to do their duty "for stability, security of our nation" in an apparent reference to ongoing anti-government protests.

VISA ON ARRIVAL : A COMPLETE GUIDE

As you must be aware, Thailand is one of the 20 countries, which provides Visa On Arrival ( VOA ) to Indian passport holders. Once you alight from your aircraft, walk to the visa on arrival desk. (A in the picture given above). You can collect and fill the visa on arrival form. This counter is open 24 hours. You can also choose between regular queue (B) or premium or express queue (C). Additional 200 THB for the premium queue. You can use this option if you are in a hurry to get out. This is practically a waste of money, if more aircraft from India & China, land at the same time & both the queues will be having almost the same no. of passengers. You have to show 10000 Bahts for a single traveller or 20,000 Bahts for a family, as evidence of monetary support during your stay at Thailand. Your travel documents will be checked at (B) or (C ) depending on the queue you choose. The officer there will issue you a token with your number on it. Kindly make sure that you fill the form properly otherwise the visa officer will ask you to start again at the queue. You can relax at the waiting area (D) until your number is called at the immigration desk (E) Once your number is called, proceed to area (E). This is where you will pay the visa fee (1900THB). The office here will paste the visa sticker and stamp the visa. Once It is over, you will find the baggage area just behind the immigration counter(F) You can find lot of taxis & Tuk-Tuks waiting outside Gates 1 - 10, unless you have a reserved accomodation & the transportation is provided by your hotel. You can also avail the Airport Skytrain direct link for arriving at downtown Bangkok.