The Thai cabinet has decided slash visa fees over the next few months for tourists from 18 countries, including China, Bulgaria, India and Saudi Arabia.

A government official said the 28 US dollar fee for visas applied for at Thai embassies and consulates would be lifted, while the 56 US dollar fee for arrival visas would be halved.

In addition, the long-stay visa for foreigners will be conditionally extended from a maximum of one year to a maximum of 10 years. The move aims to increase tourist numbers to Thailand.