Thailand will allow citizens from additional countries to enter the kingdom without a visa starting Monday. This move is part of an initiative to boost tourism and promote extended stays, announced Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul on Friday.
Ms. Traisuree reported that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had signed four documents aimed at simplifying travel for foreign visitors. These changes will take effect on Monday, following their publication in the Royal Gazette.
The changes will expand the list of countries whose citizens can enter Thailand without a visa from 57 to 93. Visitors from these countries will be permitted to stay up to 60 days.
Additionally, Thailand is increasing the number of countries eligible for visas on arrival from 19 to 31 and is introducing the Destination Thailand Visa service, aimed at digital nomads, freelancers, and those interested in acquiring or enhancing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai.
This new visa category, valid for five years, allows holders to stay for up to 180 days per entry.
According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will now have the opportunity to remain in Thailand for an additional year after graduation, allowing them to seek employment or travel instead of having to leave the country immediately.
These initiatives are part of a cabinet-approved strategy from May, intended to rejuvenate the economy and the tourism sector. The implementation announcement was postponed from its originally scheduled date in June.
