It is the end associated with an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is always that more evident than within the Land of Smiles. In the wake with the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the 2 are not connected.

For decades now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It?s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and simplicity of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many people have matured to suitcases whilst still being less-stylish travelers followed suit.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter in the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without finding a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often during first minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty day period.

Currently details in the new regulations are as clear as mud within an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself should be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive 30 days on arrival. Then, we receive four weeks each for the two reentries. After that natural meats not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after three months in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

The tourism industry will be affected! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I create a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, ?Hey, where?d everybody go?? I like to believe the cumulative economic loss is going to be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again as time passes. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to folks is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

Donald Wood ? UK

?My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand beside me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I?ll be out for ninety days by then.?

Kelly Laidlaw ? USA

?I paid for a one month TEFL Course and a couple months ?volunteer? teacher training on Samui pick up. That?s 90 days total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs using weekend (to never miss class). This is what I?m playing. I leap into Thailand yesterday class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out your day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me within the Tuk Tuk on the way to manchester international.?

Claude DeVosjoli ? France

?I had many plans for my half a year? certain to travel, but more. I?m always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I discover how to cook Thai. And, there?s trekking, Muay Thai courses? There?s so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It?s so desperately to choose.?

Barry Anderson ? Australia

?Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. myanmar tour operator) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts to get a week mid-November. Can?t now. That would consume one of my precious two visa runs early. Don?t wanna torch thirteen days I figure.?

Kathy Taylor ? Canada

?I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, try taking a little classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write between. Now when I visit other countries it'll go lock, stock and barrel, in addition to my tourism dollars for several months.?

Alan McLawrie ? UK

?I?m currently taking classes to learn how to speak Thai. I?ll miss another level now. Of course, I?ll be off in Vietnam unable to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and may miss the pups. I?m financially independent, yet too young to satisfy the 50 myanmar tourist (respuestas.net.co) yr old requirement to get a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will eradicate bad people instead of hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture can be harmful guys, send me for the front of the line.?

Anita Kroll ? USA

?This change is a lttle bit of a pickle for me personally. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 increased, I have to leave Thailand for pretty much four months, not three. I?ll require the whole next lot of 90 days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I?m in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not must pay in advance.?

As the thing is there are many ways Thailand?s new policies will result in little inconveniences. But, how little could they be? You see, I am Anita. I myanmar tour operator am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and in many cases Claude DeVosjoli. All these problems occurred for starters peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That?s easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.

Nola L. Kelsey could be the author of Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin? Country and coauthor in the scathing political satire Keeping the Masses Down. To read a greater portion of Kelsey?s work, visit her rarely up-to-date website at: