Thailand’s immigration authorities will begin imposing new charges for visas on arrival beginning next month, raising the current fee from 1,000 baht ($28) to 2,000 baht ($57), local media reported. The hike, according to Bangkok Post, is aimed at “reducing long queues” at immigration checkpoints. The new fee, which is expected to take effect on September 27, would be imposed on foreign tourists from 18 countries and one economic zone. The list of countries affected by the new charges comprised Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Thailand’s VoA allows foreign tourists to stay in the country for up to 15 days.
