Kolkata: Thailand, which has participated in the book fair for the first time, is the only stall at the Kolkata International Book Fair with more tourism-friendly activities compared to any other stall, featuring an all-day, everyday visa consultation clinic.
Thai national Sirirat Mondal, who is handling visa and tourism-related queries at the stall, said: “About 50% of visitors at our stall ask us for extensive details about visa applications. We tell them about the process, which takes as little as three to five days. We also inform them of their alternative option of obtaining visa on arrival.”
The feature is in line with Thailand’s national policy of bringing its tourism sector back to pre-Covid levels. With over 2 million Indian tourists a year, India is the biggest contributor to Thailand compared to any other country.
Napacharapat Kulrakampusiri, consul at the Royal Consulate of Thailand, said: “The number of Indian tourists could swell this year. At present, all entry restrictions have lifted and the Covid situation in Thailand is now stable.” Last week, Thai ambassador to India Pattarat Hongtong said that since tourism is the backbone of Thai economy, making up 18% of its GDP, it is Thailand’s top priority to bring back as many Indian tourists as possible.
Kolkata: Thailand, which has participated in the book fair for the first time, is the only stall at the Kolkata International Book Fair with more tourism-friendly activities compared to any other stall, featuring an all-day, everyday visa consultation clinic.
Thai national Sirirat Mondal, who is handling visa and tourism-related queries at the stall, said: “About 50% of visitors at our stall ask us for extensive details about visa applications. We tell them about the process, which takes as little as three to five days. We also inform them of their alternative option of obtaining visa on arrival.”
The feature is in line with Thailand’s national policy of bringing its tourism sector back to pre-Covid levels. With over 2 million Indian tourists a year, India is the biggest contributor to Thailand compared to any other country.
Napacharapat Kulrakampusiri, consul at the Royal Consulate of Thailand, said: “The number of Indian tourists could swell this year. At present, all entry restrictions have lifted and the Covid situation in Thailand is now stable.” Last week, Thai ambassador to India Pattarat Hongtong said that since tourism is the backbone of Thai economy, making up 18% of its GDP, it is Thailand’s top priority to bring back as many Indian tourists as possible.