Thailand's government has approved longer visa stay periods in an effort to boost its crucial tourism sector. Starting in June, travellers from 93 countries will be allowed to stay for 60 days, up from the current 57 nations. More travellers will also be eligible for visas on arrival.
Foreign students will now be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation, and insurance requirements for retirees seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed. The validity of 'digital nomad' visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years with each stay limited to 180 days.
Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy and a major source of employment. The new measures aim 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.
Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists 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 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht.
