Thailand is opening its doors to tourists worldwide by easing visa regulations and offering new options for long-term stays.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved new visa policies to attract more tourists, including visa-free and visa-on-arrival regimes, longer student stays, and reduced mandatory health insurance for pensioners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed these measures to attract as many visitors as possible as the national economy relies heavily on tourism, the Bangkok Post reported, citing a statement from government spokesman Chai Vacharonke.
The government spokesman said the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand would increase from 57 to 93. The 36 new countries include Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
In addition, Chai Vacharonke announced that the stay of visitors under the scheme has been extended to 60 days. The Cabinet also approved visa on arrival for 31 countries, up from 19 countries earlier.
Five-year visas are available for those who want to work and visit tourist spots. They allow them to stay in the country for up to 180 days with an option to extend for another 180 days. Previously, such visitors were only entitled to two stays of 30 days each.
"This measure is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and those who want to learn Muay Thai and Thai food. They will be able to study and take excursions,' Chai told Vacharonke, calling the visa "Destination Thailand".International students pursuing higher education can stay in the country for one year after graduation instead of leaving immediately after completing their courses.
‘Students can find jobs during this period, especially in the fields we need,’ the spokesman said, noting that there are about 40,000 such foreign students in the country.
The new visa measures come into effect on 1 June of this year.
Regarding retirement, tourists aged 50 and above seeking a long-term visa must have health insurance worth 3 million baht.
According to a Cabinet decision issued on Tuesday, each long-term visa applicant in this age group will only need health insurance worth 440,000 baht: 400,000 for inpatient treatment and 40,000 for outpatient treatment.
According to a government spokeswoman, this change will be effective for long-term visa applicants from September to December.
The Cabinet also approved expanding e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies from 47 to 94 places starting in September, the spokesman said.
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