Welcome incentive: People enjoying the sunset on Mae Haad beach on Koh Tao island in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. Visitors will be allowed to stay for up to 60 days under the new visa-free entry for foreign tourists. — AFP
THE government will allow visa-free entry for people from 93 countries and territories starting tomorrow, an increase from the current 57 regions, with visitors allowed to stay for up to 60 days, according to the Ministry of Interior.
People from qualified nations will be welcome as tourists or for short-term business purposes, ministry spokesman Traisuree Taisaranakul said in a statement. Also, the number of territories eligible for a visa on arrival will increase to 31, from 19, she said, noting that the rules must be published in the Royal Gazette before they go into effect.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand this year through July 7 rose 35% from the same period in 2023, to 18.2 million, generating revenue of 858 billion baht (RM112bil), the Tourism and Sports Ministry said this week. China, Malaysia and India accounted for most tourists so far in 2024.
Also set for tomorrow will be the addition of a so-called Destination Thailand Visa, which targets digital nomads, freelancers and visitors looking to learn skills such as cooking and martial arts, according to Traisuree. The new visa category allows holders to stay for up to 180 days and is valid for five years.
Another visa change will allow visiting students who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand to stay for one year after graduation to seek a job, travel or conduct other activities. — Bloomberg
