Thailand to review visa policy following US attacks

Thailand to review visa policy following US attacks Reuters Bangkok

Thailand said on Thursday it would review its policy of issuing tourist visas on arrival in the wake of the attacks on the United States.

"The review is being made in the interest of national security and in line with our policy against international terrorism," Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai told reporters.

Thai authorities grant automatic tourist visas to citizens of 96 countries, allowing visitors to stay here from 15 days to one month.

The minister declined to give further details.

Thailand is one of the world's top tourist destinations and tourism is one of the major sources of foreign exchange, contributing about six percent of gross domestic product.

The number of tourists has declined since the tragic attacks on New York and Washington on September 11 and the state Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has forecast worse to come.

It estimates that during the last quarter of this year -- the peak tourist season -- the number of visitors could drop by almost a third compared to 2000.

It said total foreign tourists this year might fall by six percent from 9.51 million in 2000.