Thailand Welcomes Namibian Tourists with New Visa Schemes

There are many things to love about Thailand – the big city bustle of Bangkok, fantastic beaches, lush forests, stunning waterfalls, endless culinary delights and people so friendly they call the place ‘The Land of Smiles’.

In addition to all its charms, Thailand recently allowed Namibian tourists to obtain a visa on arrival for visits of up to 15 days.

The visa scheme was launched last year ahead of 2025’s new Thai e-visa system, which launched globally on 1 January.

The e-visa allows foreign nationals from any country to apply for a visa online. Namibians can make use of the e-visa if they wish to visit Thailand for more than two weeks and for up to 60 days.

Ask most African travellers and they’ll tell you such ease of access is a rare treat. No interviews, no parting with your passport and no drop of blood from your first-born child.

Having recently made use of the new visa scheme, I’m happy to report that, minus some unpleasantness during a connection, the actual arrival of my travel companions and myself at Suvar­nabhumi Airport in Bangkok went smoothly.

However, you must familiarise yourself with the documents you’ll need to have on hand as well as the fee you’ll have to pay to process your visa at the immigration checkpoint upon landing in Thailand.

After that, Thailand will welcome you. A chorus of “sawasdee ka” (hallo) will usher you into the humid Bangkok air, and an airport transfer that looks more like a mobile nightclub will cruise to whichever hotel has tickled your fancy – in my case, Valia Hotel Bangkok.

While the journey from Windhoek is generally a cool 20 or more hours and jetlag no joke, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps.

Iconic in its splash of night markets, party streets, nightclubs, live music venues, aesthetic rooftop bars, massage parlours, fancy dining options, authentic roadside restaurants and quirky eateries, Bangkok overwhelms in its sheer buzz of activity.

If your first night requires rest, a stroll to one of Thailand’s 13 000 7-Elevens could be just the ticket.

For some or other reason, eating a 7-Eleven cheese toastie is a Thailand rite of passage. Also, the aircon in these bright convenience stores is some of the best the kingdom has to offer.

Mind the stray dog catching a breeze from the automatic doors at the entrance, grab a toastie, a hydrating face masque and a herb inhaler and head back to your hotel to get some sleep before a jam-packed day.

Though Bangkok is a city that will no doubt elicit repeat visits, for first timers, a trip to the Grand Palace, formerly the magnificent residence of the Thai king, is a must.

From the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the Ramakian Gallery’s epic mural, the Grand Palace is a cultural site that will leave you in awe of Thai history, artistry and architecture.

A walk through Lumpini Park is also a highlight. The common offers 57 hectares of green space, a scenic lake, and is abuzz with joggers, picnicking and aerobics instructors leading classes in the stunning heat.

For shopping, Bangkok has it all. High-end shoppers can haunt EmQuartier, IconSiam and Paragon, while mid-range, budget and bulk shoppers can wander their way through Pratunam Market, Platinum Fashion Mall, Pantip Plaza, Palladium and Krung Thong Plaza.

Towards sunset, a cruise down the Chao Praya River is a gorgeous way to end the day and marvel at Bangkok’s skyline, where a blend of Buddhist temples and modern architecture is truly a sight to see.

While Bangkok is certainly a dazzling destination on its own, especially for travellers who love a big city feel, many visitors may feel inclined to explore more of the kingdom.

This year, in keeping with pop culture and general brain rot, Koh Samui has been high on travel lists. The latest destination to experience ‘The White Lotus Effect’ as the sought-after setting of the hit HBO series, the southern island has seen a boom in tourism and has leaned into the trend.

‘Set-jetters’ have booked their stay at the pricey Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui to feel at one with the show, but the island has much to offer mid-range and budget travellers.

For me and my travel crew, Fair House Beach Resort and Hotel is a reasonably priced and lovely little perch replete with lush, sprawling grounds, a wave of sunflowers and marigolds, rustic rooms, a swim-up bar and beachfront placement overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

While this portion of the trip could very well be one of rest and relaxation as you indulge in a beach massage or sink deep into a sun lounger for the foreseeable future, Koh Samui is also alive with nightlife, beach clubs, watersports, snorkelling, night markets, Big Buddha Temple, Central Samui, Fisherman’s Village and much more.

Visitors can travel to Koh Samui from Bangkok via a bus and ferry combo, a flight, bus and ferry combo, or directly on Bangkok Airlines.

As the Namibia dollar is currently a little stronger than the Thai baht, you’ll find your budget can stretch quite far.

And if you dine more locally, sampling Thailand’s delicious cuisine, instead of eating at international chains or at your hotel, you’ll weep when you get home and resume spending a fortune on food.

I say all this, to say: Take that trip.

Thailand, which welcomed 20.1 million international tourists between 1 January and 10 August this year, is a popular destination for a reason. It has it all. Wonders of arts, heritage and culture, incredible cuisine, vibrant festivals, breathtaking natural landscapes, excellent night life, friendly people and the rarity of a visa scheme that won’t leave you damning it all in frustration.

Travel to Thailand just got easier.

Perhaps, now is the time to say: “Sawasdee ka.”

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com

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