A plan has been approved by the Thai cabinet to allow foreign tourists to visit Thailand. However, they will have to adhere to the 14-day quarantine requirement and they must stay for at least 90 days. The cabinet is optimistic that the latest extended tourist visa will bolster tourism.
The plan of issuing “special tourist visas” was announced by Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. These visas would be applicable for visitors staying in the country for at least 90 days and it can be extended twice, by 90 days each time. Such long-stay visitors can enter the country from next month.
“Visitors can arrive for tourism or health services, and they can stay at alternative state quarantine facilities, specific areas or at hospitals that function as quarantine facilities. Our public health system is amongst the best in the world and people can have confidence in it.”
It is still unclear whether people currently residing in Thailand on an expired tourist visa can switch to this new visa without having to exit the country. The announcement did not reveal if those holding other visas can convert to the new visa.
This new visa is priced at 2,000 baht. This new visa regulation will remain effective until September 30, 2021, following which the deadline may be extended. CCSA will provide more details about the visa soon.
According to Traisulee Traisaranakul, the Government’s deputy spokeswoman, there is a requirement for the new long-stay visitors to showcase proof of payment for their 90 days + stay in the country. This includes proof of payment of their hotel or hospital accommodation following their state-mandated quarantine.
Even documents related to the ownership of an apartment or condominium, of either the tourist or their relatives, will be permitted. Lastly, for those who live in a place of accommodation by paying rent, a copy of a rental license or deposit payment will be accepted.
“The target is to welcome 100-300 visitors a week, or up to 1,200 people a month, and generate income of about 1 billion baht a month,” an official revealed.
As of now, it is ambiguous whether tourist visitors from every country will be permitted to enter or just those hailing from “low risk” countries.
