Indian travelers planning trips to Thailand can look forward to a more streamlined visa process starting January 1, 2025. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has announced that Indian passport holders will soon be able to apply for e-visas through the official portal https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

This move will digitize the visa application process, making it more accessible and efficient for Indian tourists. However, the existing 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business visits for Indian passport holders will remain in effect until further notice.

Application Process:

Applicants, including non-Thai nationals, can apply for e-visas either personally or through authorized representatives. While all visa types can be applied for through the online portal, applicants will need to pay a visa fee, details of which will be provided by the respective Embassy and Consulate-Generals. It’s important to note that visa fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

The e-visa application process is straightforward:

1. Submit the application and required documents online.

2. Choose an offline payment option for the visa fee, as guided by the Embassy or Consulate-General.

3. Wait for the processing period of approximately 14 working days from the date of receipt of the visa fee.
   

   

For those submitting regular visa applications with ordinary passports at designated visa processing centers, the deadline is December 16, 2024. Diplomatic and official passport applications at the Embassy or Consulate-General will be accepted until December 24, 2024.

Benefits of the New System:

The introduction of e-visas aims to simplify the process for Indian travelers, reducing the need for physical visits to visa processing centers and cutting down on paperwork. The move is part of Thailand's efforts to modernize its visa framework and encourage tourism.

The 60-day visa exemption remains a convenient option for Indian tourists traveling for leisure or short business purposes, ensuring continued ease of access to Thailand.

Key Notes for Travelers:

• Applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

• Offline payment options will be available for visa fees, which are non-refundable.

• Processing time for e-visas is approximately 14 working days after payment receipt.

With the implementation of e-visas, Thailand is further reinforcing its commitment to making travel more convenient and accessible for Indian tourists while strengthening its cultural and economic ties with India.

Air India, India’s leading global airline, has received the esteemed Red Dot Award in the Design Concepts category for its innovative generative AI-driven booking system. This groundbreaking feature, set to launch soon, promises to redefine the ticket-booking experience, offering customers a seamless, efficient, and intuitive reservation process.

The Red Dot Award is internationally recognized as one of the highest accolades for design excellence. It celebrates outstanding concepts and prototypes poised to become future-ready products. Air India’s winning design concept, showcased at the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore, reflects its commitment to creating user-friendly digital interactions.

The AI-powered system reimagines the traditional booking journey by incorporating text and visual interactions. Once implemented, it will enable customers to specify their travel preferences through simple requests, significantly minimizing effort and reducing booking time. This transformative capability will span Air India’s digital channels, including its mobile app, website, and AI-powered chatbot, offering a cohesive journey from research to travel and post-trip support.

Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “Being ‘customer-obsessed’ and ‘design-rich’ are two core principles guiding Air India’s digital transformation. Winning the Red Dot Award is a testament to our commitment to creating intuitive designs for our guests. We are excited to roll out this innovation soon across our digital platforms.”

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader transformation program, Vihaan.AI, which aims to position the airline as a global leader in aviation. The program includes modernization efforts like fleet expansion, merging sister airlines, and launching South Asia’s largest aviation training academy.

As the first airline to integrate advanced generative AI technologies in its virtual agent, AI.g, Air India continues to lead innovation in the aviation industry. With the upcoming rollout of the award-winning booking system, the airline is set to enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen its position as a world-class airline with Indian roots.

Air India, the country’s leading global airline, has soared to new heights, earning international acclaim with two prestigious awards that celebrate its innovation and passenger-centric approach.

Good Design Award Australia 2024

Air India’s innovative Vista Verve onboard product has clinched the renowned Good Design Award Australia 2024. This accolade acknowledges the brand's design excellence and forward-thinking approach.

The Vista Verve range features bespoke tableware, Slovakian lead-free glassware, and premium linens, including plush mattress toppers. These standout features underline the airline’s dedication to sustainability, luxury, and passenger comfort. Currently, this premium product is available on UK routes, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham, along with select US routes such as New York, Newark, and Washington.

FTE Awards: APEX Recognition in Singapore

At the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards ceremony in Singapore, Air India added three APEX Awards to its list of accolades, cementing its status as a global leader in passenger experience:

• Four Star Global Airline 2025: Celebrating consistent excellence in service delivery.

• Best Cabin Service in Central/Southern Asia: Acknowledging personalised, attentive inflight service.

• Best Food & Beverage in Central/Southern Asia: Honouring exceptional onboard culinary offerings.
  

  

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer of Air India, expressed pride in these achievements, saying, “We are happy to receive these global recognitions that underscore our commitment towards delivering excellence in every aspect of a customer’s journey.”

Transformation Under Vihaan.AI

These awards coincide with Air India’s ambitious transformation under the Vihaan.AI initiative. The five-year plan aims to elevate the airline’s global standing through fleet expansion, mergers, infrastructure enhancements, and passenger experience upgrades.

With milestones like the integration of Air Asia India and Vistara, the establishment of South Asia’s largest aviation training academy, and plans for a new flying school and maintenance base, Air India is redefining its legacy.

About Air India Group

Established in 1932 by JRD Tata, Air India has been a pioneer in Indian aviation. Returning to Tata Sons in 2022, the airline employs over 30,000 people, operates more than 300 aircraft, and connects 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.

With its deep-rooted Indian heritage and a forward-looking vision, Air India is dedicated to becoming a world-class global airline.

For more updates, visit Air India Newsroom.