Thailand’s government announced on Tuesday that it had authorized longer visa stay terms for tourists, postgraduate students, and remote workers, as well as better visa conditions for retirees, to bolster the country’s vital tourism sector as its economy stutters.
Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesperson stated, “Starting in June, Thailand would enable travelers from 93 nations to stay for periods of 60 days, up from 57 now, with more eligible for visas on arrival”.
“Foreign students will be allowed to stay for an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed”, Wacharonke continued.
Tourism is an important engine of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a significant source of employment.
The new rules are part of a drive to boost tourist numbers, particularly from its key and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits for on-arrival visas from 30 days to 60 days.
The validity of so-called digital nomad visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from the current 60 days, with each stay limited to 180 days.
Thailand received 14.3 million tourists from January to May 26 this year and expects a record 40 million international arrivals for the entire year, generating revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).
In pre-pandemic 2019, Thailand had a record 39.9 million arrivals, producing 1.91 trillion baht.
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