Thailand launches 6-month multiple-entry visa

By Deepak Arora

MUMBAI, Nov 17: Thailand’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) has lanched a new six-month multiple-entry tourist visa (METV). The visa, costing INR 10,000 (5,000 baht) will grant travelers multiple entries during a six-month period, for up to 60 days per entry, according to Ms Soraya Homchuen, Director, TAT Mumbai office.

All foreign nationals are eligible to apply for METV. There has been speculation about the METV since August this year with travellers and travel trade in India excited about the prospective added convenience.

Ms Soraya Homchuen, director, TAT Mumbai office says, “I expect that frequent travellers from India as well as Indian travel agents, will be very happy with the news of the METV. Of late, Thailand has gained popularity for weekend getaways, especially on long weekends, in addition to already being India’s favourite for family vacations and annual holidays. I am certain that the convenience of already having a visa in-hand will encourage more impromptu trips to Thailand.”

Under the current rules, tourist visas are valid for just 60 days, after which visitors must leave the country or apply to a local immigration office for an extension. The new visa will allow visitors to enter and leave the country as often as they want over the six-month period; provided they leave the country every 60 days.

Indian travellers must be able to show a proof of funds in excess of INR 400,000, 12-months’ validity on their passports and must display an intention to travel to Thailand at least twice during the six-month period in order to be eligible for the METV.

One can only apply for an METV at a Royal Thai Consulate. It is not available on-arrival. Travellers should keep a buffer of two days, after submitting a completed visa form with all documents for the processing of an METV. “I am optimistic that this will go a long way in meeting our year-end target of 1,050,000 travellers by the end of 2015,” says Homchuen.

Kairali wins Oscar of Travel Industry

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI: In a cheering news, India's leading Ayurvedic Spa has bagged two awards, including an Oscar of Travel Industry.

At a recent function held at the Inter Continental, Grand Stanford, Hong Kong, Kairali won the Oscar of Travel Industry i.e. World Travel Award. Kairali bagged the award for "India's Leading Spa Resort".

Abhilash K. R., Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group, received the award.

The Ayurvedic Healing Village conquered this award among 9 nominations from India including some of the competitive resorts as Hilton, Taj, Oberoi, Park Hyatt and others.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village is situated in the captivating beauty of the Western Ghats and the rich flora define the picturesque town of Palakkad in Kerala which is home to the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort.

The Ayurveda village has travelled miles over the years. Kairali today has over 20 centres abroad apart from the 25 centres across India.

Kairali also received another Award by Brand Achievers “Brand of the Year-Ayurvedic Spa” at a recent function held at Mapple Emerald, Gurgaon. Pawan Kamra, Manager (Marketing – Online), Kairali Ayurvedic Group received the award from internationally renowned cricketer Ajay Jadeja.