Thailand’s government reportedly announced the approval of longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students, remote workers, and retirees, in a move widely seen as a bid to revive its stuttering economy.
Starting in June, travellers from 93 countries will be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, an increase from the current 57 nations, as per government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Additionally, more visitors will qualify for visas on arrival, further facilitating entry into the country.
Foreign postgraduate students will benefit from an additional year of stay upon graduation.
The announcement also included relaxation on insurance requirements for foreigners seeking retirement in Thailand.
The changes are reportedly designed to attract a broader range of visitors and residents, contributing to the nation’s economic recovery.
The new decision comes as part of efforts to boost tourism, which is among the main pillars of the country’s economy.
The validity of visas for digital nomads as well as remote workers will be extended to five years, with each stay capped at 180 days, marking a significant surge from the existing 60-day limit, Visa Guide World reported.
In the first eleven months of last year, Thailand saw nearly 24.5 million foreign visitors.
However, in spite of the surge in the number of visitors, the figures were still notably below the record of 40 million tourists registered before the spread of the Coronavirus in 2019.
Last year, the Thai government unfolded plans to attract between 25 and 30 million foreign tourists to the country.
