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A series of tourism stimulus measures, including visa fee waivers for citizens of some countries and improved safety and security rules, is about to go before the cabinet as the industry looks for a boost in the last two months of the year. The stimulus aims to draw foreign travellers to Thailand during the peak season after the recent sharp decline in Chinese tourists, who make up roughly one-third of arrivals. Measures include a tax break for jewellery purchases, a tourism package with free flights to second-tier tourist provinces, and a waiver for visas on arrival. Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said the Immigration Bureau is set to propose to the cabinet today approval of visa privileges to lure back foreign tourists for the high season. The visa-on-arrival fee is 2,000 baht per tourist and Atta suggested it be waived for visitors from 21 countries. The specific aim of the multiple-entry visas are Chinese tourists. Last week, ATTA cut its forecast for tourist arrivals from the mainland to 10.5 million this year from 12 million.
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