In an effort to strengthen its vital tourism industry as its economy falters, Thailand’s government announced on Tuesday that it had approved longer visa stay periods for visitors, postgraduate students, and remote workers, as well as better visa conditions for retirees.
As of June, visitors from 93 countries—up from the current 57—will be able to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, and more will be qualified for visas upon arrival, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, who briefed reporters.
After graduation, international students will be allowed to stay in Thailand for an extra year, and there will be a relaxation of insurance requirements for foreigners who wish to retire there, he continued.
Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a big source of employment.
The new measures come as part of an effort to boost visitors, especially from its main and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits to 60 days from 30 days for on-arrival visas.
The validity of so-called “digital nomad” visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from 60 days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days.
Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists in from January to May 26 this year and is targeting a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).
In pre-pandemic 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht.