BANGKOK, July 12 (TNA) – The Ministry of Interior of Thailand is set to announce a new visa exemption policy, granting 60-day visa-free stays for tourists from 93 countries and territories, effective July 15, 2024.
This move aims to boost tourism and stimulate the country’s economy.
Traisulee Traisoranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and spokesperson, revealed that the ministry has prepared four announcements to update visa measures, aligning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policy to drive tourism-based economic growth.
Key points of the announcements include:
- Extending visa-free entry to 93 countries/territories, up from the current 57, allowing stays up to 60 days for tourism, short-term business, or work purposes.
- Expanding Visa on Arrival (VOA) eligibility to 31 countries/territories, an increase from the existing 19.
- Introducing a new “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV) for long-term stays up to 180 days, with a 5-year validity. This visa targets high-skilled professionals, freelancers, remote workers, and those pursuing activities such as Muay Thai training, cooking classes, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and artistic performances.
- Enhancing benefits for international students pursuing undergraduate or higher degrees with Non-Immigrant ED visas. The aim is to attract skilled and capable individuals to the country’s labor market by extending their stay in Thailand for one year after graduation. During this period, they can seek employment, travel, or engage in other activities within Thailand.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed these announcements, which are now awaiting the Prime Minister’s signature before being published in the Royal Gazette. Once published, all measures will take effect from July 15, 2024. -819 (TNA)
