BANGKOK, 16 October 2018 Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered government agencies to build tourism confidence, while rigorously denying rumours that the country is limiting the approval of visas for Chinese travellers.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, according to a report by Thailand’s National News Bureau, denied there was any truth in social media claims that the country was limiting visas for Chinese travellers.
The PM dismissed what the NNBT report claimed were rumours that originated with a YouTube video upload.
Thai consulate generals and the Royal Thai Embassy in China also confirmed the reports were groundless.
The PM warned all related agencies to be vigilant and keep and eye open to prevent false news taking hold and damaging the country’s tourism industry.
He claimed there were groups that were trying to hurt Thailand’s reputation, particularly among the people of China.
He reiterated there was never any policy to limit the number of visa applicants.
Government agencies are looking at various ways to speed up the visa process for Chinese visitors. The visa-on-arrival facility at airports causes congestion and delays for Chinese visitors with recommendations surfacing that an eVisa would be more useful and practical solution for Chinese tourists.
(Source: National News Bureau of Thailand)
