Opening Remarks

by H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs

at Kick-Off THAI E-VISA

on 17 December 2024, 13.30 hrs.
Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

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Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here with you today to mark an exciting milestone of Thailand’s seamless connection to the world. As we continue to navigate an era of globalization and rapid technological advancement, Thailand is proud to announce that starting from 1^st January 2025, our Thai e-Visa system will be available at all of our 94 Embassies and Consulates-G­eneral worldwide.

And as Thailand enters the peak tourism season, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Immigration Bureau, and the Airports of Thailand Public Company (Limited), has introduced several schemes to position Thailand as a global hub for tourism, business, and international exchange. At the center of this is our new e-Visa programme.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the heart of Thailand’s foreign policy lies a commitment to strengthening ties with the international community, not just with governments, but also among people. Over the years, Thailand has made significant strides in improving travel facilitation to create a welcoming environment for people from all over the world. We understand that in a competitive global landscape, the ability to travel with ease is a critical factor for attracting foreign nationals, whether they be tourists, business travelers, students, digital nomads, or investors.

Our e-Visa programme is a direct response to these needs. By moving the entire visa application process online, we are eliminating unnecessary complexities and reducing barriers to foster seamless travel. This aligns with our vision to simplify and streamline all aspects of travel to Thailand, reinforcing our reputation as a visitor-friendly destination and a country open to international collaboration, and open for business.

Post pandemic, Thailand has seen a steady growth in tourism and foreign investment, and we expect this trend to continue. By simplifying the visa process, the e-Visa will ensure we remain competitive in the global market and reaffirm our position as a leader in regional and international connectivity.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With our experience in leveraging innovation to meet the demands of a digital world, the introduction of the e-Visa underscores our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology that supports security, convenience, and accessibility. The application process is simple, secure, and fully online, ensuring that travelers can complete their visa applications from anywhere in the world – except Thailand, at any time.

The e-Visa system is designed to enhance efficiency and transparency while providing robust security by utilizing advanced technology and verification methods to protect personal data and real-time data integration with the Immigration Bureau.

On this note, I would like to encourage all of you -- whether as travelers, businesspersons, or international partners, to take advantage of this user friendly platform and enjoy the simplicity and convenience of applying for a Thai visa from anywhere, at any time.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us in celebrating this important milestone, and I look forward to the positive impact this new system will bring,  and to welcoming all to Thailand.

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( 498 words, approximately 5 minutes)