People from eligible countries can be welcome to come back as tourists or for short-term business purposes, ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said in an announcement. In addition, the variety of territories eligible for visa-on-arrival will increase from 19 to 31, she said, noting that the regulations have to be published within the Royal Gazette before they arrive into effect.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand this yr through July 7 rose 35 percent from the identical period in 2023 to 18.2 million, generating revenue of 858 billion baht (24 billion U.S. dollars), the Tourism and Sports Ministry said this week. China, Malaysia and India were the largest sources of tourists up to now in 2024.
Also scheduled for July 15 is the introduction of the so-called Destination Thailand Visa, which is geared toward digital nomads, freelancers and visitors who need to learn skills akin to cooking and martial arts, in line with Traisuree. The latest visa category allows holders to remain for as much as 180 days and is valid for five years.
Another change to visa rules will allow visiting students who’ve earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand to remain for a yr after graduation to search for work, travel or pursue other activities, in line with the statement.
