Thailand Announces Changes to Boost Tourism
Thailand’s government has unveiled significant changes to its tourism sector in an effort to revitalize the economy. The new measures include longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students, and remote workers, as well as improved visa conditions for retirees.
Starting in June, travelers from 93 countries will be allowed to stay for up to 60 days, an increase from the current 57 nations. Additionally, more visitors will be eligible for visas on arrival. Foreign students can now stay an extra year after graduation, and insurance requirements for retirees have been relaxed.
These changes aim to attract more tourists, especially from key markets. The validity of “digital nomad” visas for remote workers will also be extended to five years. Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists from January to May and is targeting 40 million foreign arrivals for the year.
Earlier this year, Thailand reversed its laws on cannabis, re-listing it as a narcotic by the end of 2024 after decriminalizing it for medical and recreational use in previous years.
Thai people splash water to celebrate Songkran festival in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand