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Thailand will adjust the new list of countries eligible for visa exemption, increasing it from 57 to 93 countries, and visitors from these countries will be able to stay for more than 60 days.
Thailand will allow citizens of more countries to enter the kingdom through a visa-free policy starting July 15.
This is part of measures to promote tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer in the Land of Golden Pagodas.
In a statement on July 12, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had signed four documents to facilitate travel for foreigners. All will take effect on July 15, pending announcement in the Royal Gazette.
The directives include a new list of countries eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand, increasing from 57 to 93. Visitors from these countries will be able to stay for more than 60 days.
Thailand will also nearly double the number of countries eligible for visa on arrival, from 19 to 31.
Additionally, the country will introduce a Thailand Destination Visa service, aimed at digital nomads, freelancers and visitors who want to perform or learn skills such as cooking and Muay Thai.
The new visa, valid for five years, allows holders to stay for up to 180 days.
According to Ms. Traisuree, students with master's visas or higher will be allowed to stay in Thailand for an additional year after graduation to find work or travel, instead of leaving the country immediately.
The new measures follow a resolution issued by the Thai cabinet in May to stimulate the economy and tourism.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the number of foreign visitors to the "land of smiles" this year is expected to reach 39 million, bringing in revenue of 3,000 billion baht.
TH (according to Vietnam+)