Pattaya Tourism Supports Reducing Foreign Visitor Visas to 30 Days
Pattaya tourism leaders support cutting foreign visitor visas to 30 days to combat scam networks and illegal operations, while arguing short-term tourists spend more money on accommodation and dining.
Pattaya tourism industry backs plan to reduce foreign visitor visa duration to 30 days as a measure to prevent scam networks and illegal business operations. Ms. Chutima Jiramongkol, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, stated that reducing the visa period from its recently extended duration back to 30 days represents a return to normal conditions and helps filter out those not traveling for genuine tourism purposes. She noted that the rise in scammer networks and illegal business activities among foreign residents makes this visa reduction an important regulatory measure. Jiramongkol emphasized that short-term tourists typically spend more on accommodation, dining, and activities compared to long-term residents who tend to have more conservative spending habits, suggesting the tourism industry should focus on attracting 3-7 day visitors with higher spending capacity.
