Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock In light of flight cancellations and disruptions in aviation in the Middle East, Thailand's tourism and immigration authorities announced a series of measures designed to assist foreign tourists who find themselves unable to leave the country.
Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that it will offer discounted hotel rates across the country to travelers whose flights have been canceled. The move involves hotels in major cities and tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi and Phuket, among others.
According to the announcement, travelers affected by flight cancellations will be able to receive the discount by presenting confirmation of the flight cancellation and contacting hotels participating in the program directly.
At the same time, the Thai Immigration Bureau announced relief measures for foreign travelers whose visas have expired since February 28 and who are unable to leave the country due to flight disruptions. Under the new guidelines, tourists who leave Thailand after their visas have expired will not be required to pay overstay fines, as long as the delay was caused by flight cancellations.
In addition, those wishing to remain in the country will be able to apply for an extension of temporary stay of up to 30 days at a time, subject to submitting the required documents to the immigration authorities.
Tourism authorities in Thailand emphasized that the measures will remain in effect until regional aviation returns to normal or until further notice, adding that the country is working to assist travelers affected by flight disruptions.