Thailand earns more tourism revenues

BANGKOK, December 8 (TNA) - Thailand earns more tourism-related revenues this year, at almost 1.5 trillion baht so far, thanks to a temporary waiver and reduction of visa fees currently enforced by the Thai government. Tourist and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkura told journalists of the update on Thursday, noting that Thailand has earned up to 1.49 trillion tourism-related revenues since the beginning of this year, a 13.56 per cent year-on-year increase. Kobkarn said the number of international tourist arrivals in Thailand since the beginning of this year has also risen to 29.89 million, a 10 per cent year-on-year increase. The minister pointed out that the higher growth rate of Thailand's tourism-related revenues, compared to the number of international tourist arrivals, reflect more international visitors with high purchasing power, considered quality tourists. According to the minister, the number of international tourist arrivals in Thailand have been particularly increasing since the government's three-month exemption of visa fee of 1,000 baht each at Thai embassies overseas took effect recently, in parallel with a three-month reduction of visa on arrivals (VOA), from 2,000 baht to 1,000 baht each, at Thai immigrations checkpoints. (TNA)