Thailand announces new stimulus visa measures to boost economy

Thailand recently increased the number of countries covered under its visa exemption programme from 57 to 93 in a bid to stimulate its economy through tourism.

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.

The expanded programme covers travellers from the following nations: 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.

Beyond one’s student visa

Thai immigration and foreign affairs officials are also extending visas for foreign students of higher education who wish to stay for one more year after graduation.

Eligible individuals can also find work during the extended period and, if employed locally, could change the type of visa to Non-Immigration B without needing to leave Thailand.

Introducing the Destination Thailand Visa

The country also introduced a new visa scheme specifically for remote workers, freelancers, digital adventurers, and those looking into participating in a variety of activities offered in Thailand.

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) cover all those mentioned, as well as those attending  Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals.Travellers applying for a DTV will be charged 10,000 Baht on application.

DTV holders, together with their spouses and dependent children, are allowed to stay for five years entitled with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days. These may be extended for another 180 days.