Thailand relaxes visa policy to attract foreigners

Tourists visit a tourist site in Bangkok, Thailand - Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters, on May 28, the Thai government announced that it had approved new adjustments to visa policies to boost tourism while the country's economy is facing difficulties.

The adjustments are aimed at foreign tourists, post-graduate students, foreigners who want to retire in Thailand and "digital nomads" - people who work online and can flexibly change locations instead of working in one fixed location.

Sharing with reporters, Mr. Chai Wacharonke, spokesman for the Thai Government , said that starting from June, Thailand will allow tourists from 93 countries (currently 57 countries) to stay for 60 days, and many other countries will also be eligible for visas at the border.

According to him, foreign students will be allowed to stay in Thailand for an additional year after graduation. In addition, insurance requirements for foreigners who want to retire in Thailand will also be relaxed.

Tourism is a major driver of Thailand's economy - Southeast Asia's second largest - and a major source of employment.

As a result, Thailand has introduced a number of new measures aimed at boosting tourist arrivals, especially from its key and fastest-growing markets. These include increasing the length of stay from 30 days to 60 days for tourist visas upon arrival.

The validity of the "digital nomad" visa is extended to 5 years and the duration of stay is increased to 180 days each time, instead of 60 days as present.

Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists from January to May 26 this year and is targeting 40 million foreign visitors for the whole year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).

Before the pandemic in 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thai-lan-noi-long-chinh-sach-visa-de-hut-nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-20240528213012403.htm