Thailand has introduced a 60-day visa exemption, doubling the period for Australians and New Zealanders, Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes and Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), plus student visas in a bid to boost tourism.
Thailand will grant the visa exemption for nationals from a total of 93 countries and territories, up from 57 countries previously. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days, which can be extended at the Immigration Office for another period not exceeding 30 days.
Thailand will allow nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19 countries previously, to apply for VOA at the immigration checkpoints on arrival. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days. The visa fee is 2,000 Baht (AU$82).
Thailand is also introducing a new visa, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers as well as participants of activities – Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible.
Foreigners who wish to apply for this visa must have a proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 (AU$ 20,000) Baht for the duration of stay. The visa fee is 10,000 Baht (AU$413).
DTV holders, together with spouses and dependent children, will be entitled to a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.
Thailand is also extending the stay for foreign students of higher education to stay for one more year after graduation as part of its Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus) program. They can also find work during the extended period and, if employed locally, could change the type of visa to Non-Immigration B without having to leave Thailand.
Featured image: Thai traditional wooden longtail boat on a sandy beach.
