The Chairperson and Members of the Hua Hin and Cha-Am Tourism Business Association recently visited Ranong to give a warm welcome to tourism entrepreneurs from ASEAN countries on a field trip in Thailand.
The Chairperson of the Association, Dr. Rungrot Sileungsawas, said that he went to Ranong between 6th and 8th November 2013 to greet business people from travel agencies from Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. The visitors took the field trip to Thailand to gain more experience and exchange knowledge about tourism issues.
During the field trip, many delegates commented that many Singaporean and Malaysian tourists like to visit Hua Hin if they prefer a peaceful holiday getaway and natural attractions. Those who would like to experience bustling nightlife may opt to Had Yai in Songkhla, reported Dr. Rungrot.
Myanmar is welcoming both Thai and foreign visitors to see its archeological and historical attractions, namely the glowingly gilded Chawedagong Golden Pagoda and Mandalay Palace. Additionally the the Singkhorn checkpoint in Prachuab Khirikhan has been accepted as a permanent checkpoint at the Thai and Burmese border.
The director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s office in Prachuab Khirikhan Ms. Phasitta Inphan said that from the end of the year, many Chinese and Russian visitors would come to Thailand and Hua Hin.
The TAT has recently issued some measures to take special care of these tourists and provide them with knowledge about Thailand’s traditions and culture, while enhancing English skills among Thai people and tourist police officers. Such measures are effective solutions for tourism issues in Thailand.
Pol. Lt. Weerawat Kruasombat, as the Deputy Commander of Prachuab Khirikhan Immigration Office (Hua Hin), added that foreign tourists were allowed to stay in Thailand up to 30 days without any visa and up to 90 days with a visa. Some Russian people have been known to have stayed longer than these limits and may be required by law to pay a fine of 500 Baht per day up to 20,000 Baht. To avoid this some have tried to own a restaurant or a bar. In addition, they may ask friends to apply for a Thai visa on their behalf. Doing so is illegal and can result in persecution for unlawful entry into Thailand.
Finally, Pol. Lt. Weerawat asked all hoteliers and guesthouse owners in Hua Hin to take care of Russian tourists as well as other foreigners and inform Thai immigration officers immediately in case of any problems.
