Thailand has stepped up efforts to boost tourism by making sweeping changes to its immigration schemes.
The government had approved longer visa stay periods for tourists, post graduate students, remote workers - even boxers.
There are also better visa conditions for retirees, with a relaxation
in the mandatory health insurance for retirees. They will be required
to have insurance cover of 440,000 baht (US$12,000), down from the
previous three million baht (US$82,000)
Starting in June, countries eligible for visa-free entry will grow
from 57 to 93. The newly added countries include Cambodia, China, India,
Kazakhstan, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. The duration of stays
under this programme has also been extended to 60 days, said government
spokesperson Chai Wacharonke.
Foreign students will be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation.
The validity of the so-called “digital nomad” visas for
self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from 60
days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days. Those interested in
learning Muay Thai boxing and Thai cuisine – for example, budding chefs –
will also be covered by the five-year extension.
Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists from January to May 26 this
year and is targeting a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full
year.