Thailand makes tourists even more welcome

Thailand has confirmed new stimulus visa measures to boost the Thai economy through travel and tourism.

What that means for you and me is that we can stay for longer without visa hassles.

The new measures include 60-day visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes and Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which take immediate effect.

Thailand will grant visa exemption for nationals of 93 countries and territories - up from 57 countries previously.

Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days, which can be extended at the Immigration Office for another period not exceeding 30 days.

These countries are: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (ROK), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Thailand will also allow nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19 countries previously, to apply for VOA at the immigration checkpoints on arrival. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days.

Thailand is also introducing a new visa measure, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers as well as participants of activities like Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible.

Foreigners who wish to apply for this visa must have a proof of funds, or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 Baht ($21,000) for the duration of stay. The visa fee is 10,000 Baht ($415).

DTV holders, together with spouses and dependent children, will be entitled to a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.

Image: Visit Bangkok