Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports intends to pitch a 15-day visa-free entry program for tourists arriving from Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan in order to solve visa processing backlogs and draw higher numbers of foreign visitors.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul stated that the ministry will submit this plan to the Visa Policy Committee during their November 9 gathering.
This suggested waiver comes after grievances regarding slow visa approvals that ruined trips and caused problems for carriers and travel companies. Emirates reportedly filed a complaint with the Tourism Authority of Thailand when 20 to 30 travelers on each flight originating in Mexico missed their flights because their Thai visas failed to arrive on schedule.
These slowdowns hit visitors from Latin America hard, leaving Mexican and Colombian tourists struggling to secure visas ahead of their planned trips.
Uzbek visitors encountered obstacles as well, having previously needed to submit Thai e-visa applications via the Royal Thai Embassy located in Russia. This difficult procedure caused certain domestic travel agencies to drop Thailand vacation packages and push alternatives like Vietnam instead.
Chiravadee Khunsub, who serves as Deputy Governor for International Marketing Europe, America, Middle East and Africa, pointed out the difficulties impacting both regions.
The ministry seeks to simplify entry rules, boost travel access, and rebuild trust with global tour operators and airline allies. Nevertheless, the Visa Policy Committee must evaluate the economic and security effects of the plan prior to reaching a verdict.
