Bangkok, May 28, 2024 – In a bid to rejuvenate its tourism sector and attract a larger influx of foreign visitors, the Thai government has announced a comprehensive set of new visa promotions and health insurance adjustments. These measures, approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, are set to take effect from June 1 and aim to stimulate the economy by increasing the number of international tourists.
Visa Promotions:
1. Visa-Free Entry Enhancement:
- The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry will increase from 57 to 93.
- New countries added include Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
- Visitors from these countries will be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days.
2. Expansion of Visa-On-Arrival:
- The visa-on-arrival program will now include 31 countries, up from the previous 19.
Special Visa Categories:
1. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV):
- This new visa targets digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and those interested in learning Muay Thai and Thai cuisine.
- It allows for a five-year stay with an initial duration of 180 days, extendable for another 180 days.
2. Extended Stay for Students:
- Foreign students pursuing higher education in Thailand can now stay for one year post-graduation to seek employment opportunities in high-demand fields.
Health Insurance Adjustments for Retirement Visas:
1. Reduced Health Insurance Requirements:
- The health insurance requirement for long-stay visas for visitors aged 50 or above has been significantly reduced.
- New requirements are 440,000 baht (400,000 baht for inpatient and 40,000 baht for outpatient coverage), down from the previous 3 million baht.
- This adjustment will be effective from September to December.
E-Visa Application Expansion:
1. Enhanced E-Visa Services:
- The number of locations offering e-visa application services will expand from 47 to 94 Thai consulates and embassies worldwide.
- This enhancement in e-visa processing will commence in September, providing greater convenience to visa applicants.
The Thai government believes that these measures will significantly boost tourism and the overall economy by making it easier and more attractive for international visitors to travel to Thailand. The changes are expected to provide new opportunities and facilitate a more seamless experience for tourists, ensuring Thailand remains a top destination for global travelers.
For further details, please visit the official announcements from Thai government sources or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
