Posts tagged Thailand
Laws to be aware of, from across the globe
Apr 14th
What is legal or frowned upon in the UK may lead to serious consequences in another country; here are a few tips of what not to do in selected countries from around the globe, where strict laws are in-place, to consider before your holiday:
1. You are likely to receive a warning for the first offence, after this, fines can reach the height of ‚£400 for: feeding pigeons in Venice, climbing in fountains, hanging around with your top off, or sitting on the pavement with a bite to eat in Rome.
2. Walking, running or generally stopping (even if you have broken down) on the Autobahn in Germany will get you a fine of around ‚£70.
3. Receiving a slap on the wrist or a couple of hundred baht fine is what you‚ll get if you drive without a top on in Thailand, whether it‚s a motorbike or a car.
4. A ‚£70 fine is what you‚ll receive for: not flushing a toilet, feeding birds, spitting, or chewing gum in Singapore.
Source: http://www.eturbonews.com/
Thailand: Isaan and Laos make a perfect twin-centre
Mar 19th
As accessibility improves, more operators are combining northern Thailand with Laos.
Only the Mekong divides Thailand from Laos, and with several international border crossings opening up in the pas few years, it has become easy to combine Isaan in north-eastern Thailand with Laos. Thailand has always been a popular destination, but in the past year, interest in the northeastern region of Thailand has doubled.
At the moment, it is still a new area; perfect for those is search of a fresh and adventurous experience. The region is rich of its culture with its 11th century Khmer temples to visit, a couple of national parks, of course boat trips down the Mekong, and several cities close by. Bangkok is only a 3 hours drive away. Some of the small tows along the Mekong make ideal bases from which to explore the area and cross over into Laos.
Thailand waives visa fee in attempt to revive tourism
Mar 9th
The Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period effective March 5 2009 tot June 4 2009, continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry.
Visa on Arrival is given to citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days. Before arrival in Thailand, those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is making efforts to revive the tourism industry and boost the country’s competitive position of offset the impact of the global financial crisis.
TAT Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, said: “The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back in business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade. Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports, and smiles, and is fabulous value for money. We welcome all visitors from around the world.”
On February 3rd 2009, the Thai Cabinet approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers through Suvarnabhumi International Airport, who must wait long hours to catch a connecting flight. Transit passengers are with the waiver allowed to temporarily leave the airport premises on a short visit or to shop at places near the airport without a visa.
A thousand of transit passengers of other destinations a welcomed in Thailand daily, many of whom must stay at the airport for up to eight hours.
TAT is conservatively expecting 14 million visitor arrival in 2009, with tourism revenue projected at 505 billion baht (‚£9,95 billion).