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Phuket, one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the convenience and accessibility of its immigration processes with the introduction of the ‘E-Extension‘ online visa extension system. This initiative, spearheaded by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, is designed to simplify the visa extension procedures for foreigners falling under the 12 specified visa categories.
The launch of the E-Extension system aligns with Lt Gen Itthiphon’s broader mission to streamline immigration operations, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility, especially as the New Year holidays approach. Given Phuket’s status as a key tourist hub in the upper southern region, this move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate smooth movement, including successful visa waivers for Chinese and Indian tourists.
Phuket Airport experienced a notable surge in visitor numbers in December, with Russians leading the arrivals at an impressive daily average of 3,600. Following closely were visitors from China, the United Kingdom, and India, with daily averages of 1,500, 780, and 720, respectively. The total projected tourist influx through the airport for the month reached an impressive 350,000.
The ‘E-Extension’ online visa extension system allows tourists to submit necessary documents and schedule appointments online, culminating in the issuance of a physical stamp to extend their visas. The service is currently operational at Immigration Bureau 1 in Bangkok and Immigration Offices in populous areas such as Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
While the E-Extension service represents a significant modernization of immigration procedures, specific details about its application for foreigners in Phuket are yet to be officially disclosed on the Phuket Immigration website. Lt Gen Itthiphon plans to engage with local immigration officers, seeking feedback and addressing any potential issues to further improve the system.
Launched as a trial in November the previous year in Bangkok, the E-Extension service is a collaborative effort with VFS GLOBAL, a trusted partner responsible for handling passport applications for the UK government.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, with Thailand reporting approximately 24.5 million tourist arrivals in 2023, there is optimism about the recovery of the tourism sector. The figure, while significant, falls short of the pre-pandemic record of 40 million visitors in 2019. Nevertheless, the country remains steadfast in implementing measures to facilitate a smooth return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, reflecting a positive outlook for the industry’s future.
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