Starting April 29, 2024, Thai citizens applying for Australian visas can now conveniently provide biometrics and other services in Phuket.
The Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, said that previously, applicants had to travel to Bangkok or Chiang Mai for biometric submissions, VisaGuide.World reports.
With this new centre operated by VFS Global, applicants can now streamline the process. As the Australian Embassy in Thailand explains, VFS Global is open for bookings for biometric appointments from April 29, 2024, onwards.
Facilities are available at all VFS Global offices for visa applicants to lodge and pay for their Australian visa application online.
Thailand to Join Australia’s 10-Year Frequent Traveler Stream
The recent 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit saw Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiling a $1.1 million initiative aimed at enhancing visa accessibility from Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
Furthermore, Thai travelers will benefit from extended Business Visitor visa validity for up to five years. In the coming months, Thailand will also be incorporated into the Frequent Traveler stream, offering 10-year visas for both business and leisure.
In this regard, the Ambassador emphasized that these enhancements underscore Australia’s commitment to fostering business, tourism, and trade with Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region.
These measures send a clear signal that Australia is open to business, tourism, and trade.
The day before, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced Kirsten Fletcher as the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shared Thailand’s plans to boost tourism and enhance international ties after a positive talk with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Thailand & Australia Unveil Plans for Visa-Free Travel Partnership
Recently, Thailand and Australia have announced plans regarding visa-free travel between the two countries. During their meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Australian Governor-General David Hurley expressed satisfaction with the robust tourism activity.
In 2019, Australia ranked as the ninth most visited destination by Thai tourists, with around 800,000 Australians traveling to Thailand annually.
In addition to tourism, Governor-General Hurley advocated for enhanced cooperation under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (Tafta), aiming to boost trade volume and value. He also encouraged Australian investors to explore opportunities in Thailand’s green energy and smart technology sectors.
The upcoming ASEAN-Australia Special Summit presents an opportunity to explore these initiatives further, allowing Thailand to showcase its potential for investments and collaborative projects.