ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Thai authorities have prepared an online visa extension service for tourists in Phuket.
This Thai Immigration Bureau initiative aims to simplify the process for tourists staying in Phuket and wishing to extend their stay.
This island receives tourist visits in large numbers. Phuket International Airport welcomes an average of 3,600 people from Russia, 1,500 from China, 780 from the UK and 780 from India every day by December 2023.
With more than 350,000 tourists expected next month, the need for efficient visa services has never been more important.
Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai revealed that foreigners living in Phuket with one of the 12 prescribed visa types can now use the online platform to apply for a visa extension.
The initiative, called E-Extension, is part of Lt. Gen. Itthiphon’s mission to simplify Immigration Bureau operations and provide a seamless experience for tourists during the New Year holidays.
“Travelers can now submit documents and schedule appointments online, and receive a physical stamp to extend their visa,” the report was reported by the Times of INDIA.
Phuket is Thailand’s priority
Phuket is a government priority. Policies that facilitate tourists, such as visa waivers for tourists from China and India to Thailand, have been implemented and proven to be very productive, as tourist statistics show.
E-Extension visa services currently operate at Immigration Bureau 1 in Bangkok and Immigration Offices in densely populated locations such as Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
However, specific details regarding the E-Extension service for foreigners in Phuket have not been officially disclosed on the Phuket Immigration website.
Lt. Gen. Itthiphon is scheduled to meet with local immigration officials to address potential issues, gather input and consider necessary changes.
Thailand is trying to achieve tourist visits like before the pandemic. In 2023, 24.5 million foreign tourists will enter this country.
This figure has met the government’s target this year, but is still far below 2019 visits which reached 40 million tourists. (ATN)
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