Phuket Hotels: Tech Solution Proposed, Rejecting Shorter Visas
Phuket’s hospitality sector remains unconcerned by the government’s proposal to reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days. Industry leaders believe the impact on hotels will be minimal, citing data showing the average tourist stay is only two weeks. However, they are advocating for stronger measures to combat illegal businesses operating within the tourism sector.
Suksit Suvunditkul, President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), explained that European tourists, a significant portion of Phuket’s visitors, typically stay in hotels for two weeks. Longer-stay travelers often prefer condominiums. He believes a reduction in the visa-free period would primarily affect the condominium rental market, not hotels. Mr. Suksit noted that before the 60-day visa-free policy implemented last year, long-term visitors typically obtained tourist visas to extend their stays to two or three months, suggesting this practice could easily resume.
While acknowledging the government’s aim to curb illegal activities through visa changes, Mr. Suksit proposed focusing on more effective screening methods. He echoed the sentiments of Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, who stated that tourism operators have consistently supported a return to the 30-day visa-free period. Mr. Tantipiriyakit emphasized that alternative visa options are available for those wishing to extend their stays, mitigating concerns about negatively impacting the market. Data from the Immigration Bureau showing a stable average of 10,000 monthly visa extension applications in Phuket further reinforces this, indicating consistent demand for longer stays regardless of the initial visa-free period.
Instead of shortening visa durations, industry leaders propose innovative technology-based solutions. With the mandatory implementation of the digital TM6 arrival form on May 1st, Mr. Tantipiriyakit and the Phuket Tourist Association urge the government to enhance its capabilities. They propose integrating the digital TM6 with platforms like Google Maps to verify visitor addresses and cross-reference this data with TM30 information from accommodations. This integration, they believe, would provide a more accurate picture of tourist activity and potentially identify properties involved in illicit operations. This sophisticated screening approach, they argue, would be far more effective than simply reducing visa-free stays.
The potential impact of the proposed change on tourists from visa-free countries is significant. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted that approximately 200,000 tourists from these countries annually applied for tourist visas before the 60-day visa-free period was introduced. These individuals, having enjoyed the extended stay since July of last year, would be affected by a return to the shorter timeframe.
The situation requires a delicate balance: maintaining a welcoming environment for legitimate tourists while addressing concerns about illicit activities. Phuket’s tourism sector, represented by key stakeholders, advocates for a smarter, technology-driven approach to security, suggesting a shift in focus from shortening stays to strengthening surveillance. This perspective offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion on visa regulations and the future of tourism in Phuket.
