Thailand Prolongs Visa Stays for Tourists, Students, Remote Workers & Retirees

Tourists, remote workers, postgraduate students, and retirees are now eligible to stay in Thailand for longer periods after the country’s authorities have decided to approve longer visa stays for these categories.

The new decision comes as part of efforts to boost tourism, which is among the main pillars of the country’s economy, VisaGuide.World reports.

According to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, starting next month, travelers from 93 countries will be permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, which is an increase from the current 57 countries, the nationals of which can currently spend two months in the country.

The strategy of Thailand includes extending stay limits for on-arrival visas from 30 to 60 days. The decision targets the country’s fastest-growing markets.

The validity of visas for digital nomads as well as remote workers will be extended to five years, with each stay capped at 180 days, marking a significant surge from the existing 60-day limit.

Authorities in this country announced that insurance requirements for internationals planning their retirement in Thailand will also be relaxed. At the same time, international students will have an additional year of stay upon their graduation.

Over 24.5 Million Tourists in Thailand in 2023

In the first eleven months of last year, Thailand saw nearly 24.5 million foreign visitors. In spite of the surge in the number of visitors, the figures were still notably below the record of 40 million tourists registered before the spread of the Coronavirus in 2019.

Of the total number of tourists last year, Thailand registered an income of nearly 1.03 trillion baht (about $29.6 million).

Last year, the Thai government unfolded plans to attract between 25 and 30 million foreign tourists to the country.

The figures provided by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism last year showed that a slower increase was made in Thailand’s tourism industry in comparison to its regional neighbors, thus the government was obliged to introduce several measures in order to revive the country’s economy.

10-Year Visa for EEC Specialists

Earlier this month, the cabinet of Thailand approved a special visa for executives and experts in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) that will be valid for ten years.

The Thai Government approved the EEC visa and work permit for foreigners in November last year, imposing an income tax rate of 17 per cent to attract foreign investments.

The visa will have a maximum duration of 10 years, following the duration of the employment contract, and can be used an unlimited number of times, starting from January 1, 2024.

Local media reports noted that there are four categories for the EEC visa: specialists, executives, professionals, spouses, and dependents.