From July 15, 2024, Thailand is expanding its visa-free program to welcome tourists from 93 countries and territories, up from 57 countries previously.
This privilege allows visitors from these countries to explore the Land of Smiles for 60 days without having to acquire a visa. Citizens from eligible countries can be welcome each as tourists and for short-term purposes.
In addition to the expanded visa-free program, Thailand can be facilitating access to Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 31 countries, previously limited to 19 countries. Visitors can stay for tourist purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days under this program. The visa fee is 2,000 baht.
The information was provided by Thai Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Treasuree Taisaranakul, who also stressed that the regulations should be published within the Official Gazette before they arrive into effect.
Also starting July 15, a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) can be introduced for digital employees, freelancers and visitors who wish to learn skills akin to cooking and martial arts. The visa is valid for five years and allows stays of as much as 180 days.
Foreigners will need to have proof of monetary means or a guarantee of a minimum of 500,000 baht in the course of their stay to use for this visa. The visa fee is 10,000 baht.
DTVs, together with their spouse and dependent children, are allowed to remain in Thailand for a period of 5 years. The maximum total stay is 180 days, with the opportunity of an extra extension of 180 days.
In addition, students who obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher are allowed to remain in Thailand for one yr after graduation to hunt employment, travel, or engage in other activities.
In June, authorities prolonged for 2 years an exemption for hotels from operating fees and canceled plans to introduce a tourist fee for tourists arriving by plane.
Tourism, a key sector of Thailand’s economy, is showing signs of recovery from the pandemic. A complete of 17.5 million foreign tourists visited the Land of Smiles in the primary half of 2024, up 35% from the identical period last yr.
Though still below pre-pandemic levels, the industry is buoyed by the optimism. Most visitors got here from China, Malaysia and India, generating tourism revenue of 858 billion baht ($23.6 billion).
Thailand’s beauty, from its gleaming golden temples, stunning white sand beaches and picturesque mountains to its vibrant nightlife, continues to fascinate tourists. The easing of visa regulations, including the expansion of visa-free and visa-on-arrival programs, is an element of the federal government’s efforts to draw more visitors.
