Phuket, certainly one of Thailand’s hottest tourist destinations, has taken significant steps to enhance its immigration policy. Last Tuesday (December 26), Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, announced a brand new initiative that may enable foreign nationals residing in Phuket on certainly one of 12 several types of visas to use for visa extensions via a web based portal.
The announcement is an element of a wider effort, led by Lieutenant General Itthiphon, to enhance the effectiveness of the Immigration Bureau in facilitating tourist arrivals for the New Year celebrations. Conducting operational inspections of immigration officials stationed at Phuket International Airport, he assured that each one preparations were in place to address the expected increase in tourist numbers.
The essence of the initiative is reflected within the motto “Convenient, fast, secure, impressive”. The aim is to simplify the immigration process, make it more efficient and supply quick access. The government has prioritized Phuket, a serious tourist area in upper southern Thailand, by implementing a visa-free policy for tourists from certain countries resembling China and India. The aim of those activities is to revitalize the region’s tourism industry.
The effects of this policy are already significant. In December, most tourists arriving at Phuket airport were Russian residents – a mean of three,600 people a day. They are closely followed by tourists from China, the UK and India, with day by day averages of around 1,500, 780 and 720 arrivals respectively. The total variety of tourists arriving through the airport is predicted to achieve 350,000 this month.
In addition to facilitating the arrival of tourists, the principal task of the Immigration Department is to stop illegal groups and criminals from entering the region. The latest online visa extension application system, referred to as ‘E-Extension’, goals to simplify the immigration process for 12 forms of visas. The system allows tourists to upload documents and make appointments online before receiving a physical stamp to increase their visa.
You can currently apply for an extension at Immigration Office 1 in Bangkok, in addition to at Immigration Offices in Chonburi, Phuket and Chiang Mai. However, the Phuket Immigration website has not yet officially announced the small print of the E-Extension service for foreigners in Phuket.
Itthiphon will meet with local immigration officials to debate various issues and gather opinions and suggestions. Launched in November last yr as a trial service for foreigners living in Bangkok, E-Extension is provided in partnership with VFS GLOBAL, the UK Government’s official partner for processing British residents’ passport applications. Currently, the Bureau of Immigration has added the “Apply for Thailand Visa Extension Electronically” notification on its principal domestic website.
This modern approach to visa extensions represents a promising step forward in simplifying the immigration process and providing a more efficient experience for visitors and foreign nationals living in the realm.
Source: Tajger
