On Tuesday, Thailand announced an extended visa stay period for tourists, postgraduate students, and remote workers to improve the country’s key tourism industry in the face of economic challenges.
According to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, travellers from 93 countries would be able to remain for 60 days beginning in June, up from 57 nations, with more eligible for visas on arrival. Postgraduate students can stay for an extra year after graduation, and retirees’ insurance requirements will be reduced.
Tourism, a major contributor to Thailand’s economy and employment, is being targeted for expansion by increasing on-arrival visa limits from 30 to 60 days. The “digital nomad” visa for remote workers will be valid for five years, with each stay limited to 180 days, up from the current 60.
Thailand hopes to attract more visitors from its primary and fastest-growing markets, with 14.3 million expected from January to May 26, 2024, and a record 40 million arrivals and 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion) in revenue for the year. Thailand received 39.9 million visitors in 2019, bringing in 1.91 trillion baht before the outbreak.
