Introduction: In May 2024, the Thai government announced the easing of certain visa rules.
Visa exemption and visa on arrival: These categories will be expanded as follows:
- Visa exemption for tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers is expanded from 57 to 93 countries, allowing stays of up to 60 days. New additions to the visa exempt list include: Albania, Cambodia, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, China, India and Kazakhstan.
- Visa on arrival will also be expanded from 19 to 31 countries.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): A new visa category, Destination Thailand Visa, will be introduced for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely. This will apply to:
- Skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelance workers, and those engaged in activities such as: learning Thai cooking, sports training, entrants for medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.
- Spouses and legitimate children (under 20) of DTV holders will also be allowed to enter.
- Proof of financial support will be required, or a guarantee of at least 500,000 Baht for the duration of stay.
- A DTV will allow a stay of 180 days, subject to a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for a further 180 days, with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.
- Limitations on DTVs: A DTV will be subject to these limitations:
- A DTV visa is valid for 5 years, but holders can only stay in Thailand for 180 days per year.
- Applicants must be at least 20 years old, and prove they have at least 500,000 THB in a bank account to support their stay.
- Holders cannot apply for a work permit, but can work for foreign clients and earn untaxed foreign income while in Thailand. However, a work permit will still be required if they wish to work for a Thai registered company.
Improved benefits for foreign students: Foreign students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher and holding an educational visa will be granted an extended visa for one year after graduation for: job hunting, traveling, or other activities, subject to certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Restructuring Non-immigrant visas: During the period from September to December 2024:
- The number of Non-Immigrant visa categories will be reduced from 17 to 7.
- Long stay visas for retirement in Thailand, will commence in September 2024.
- The health insurance requirement for non-immigrant visa (O-A) will be reduced from 3 million baht to: 40,000 baht for outpatient and 400,000 baht for inpatient treatment.
Expanding visa services at Thai embassies: The e-visa service at Thai embassies will be expanded from 47 to 94 Thai embassies and consulates, by December 2024.
Electronic Travel Authorisation: By June 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption will be developed.
Comment: This announcement expresses the general principles that the government wishes to adopt. Further details will appear later. Nevertheless, liberalization of existing rules, and the expansion of the number of countries whose citizens will be eligible for visa exemption, is to be welcomed.