Thailand will become visa-free for 93 countries from 15 July
Thailand’s Interior Minister has signed a package of orders on visa exemptions for tourists from most countries of the world. As follows from the message on the government website, the new rules will come into force from 15 July. The main innovation is a 60-day visa-free travel for passport holders from 93 countries. In fact, everyone who had any other benefits will get visa-free travel. The radical step was taken by Prime Minister Seth Thaiswin amid the country’s lagging economic growth forecasts.
Home Secretary Traisuli Traysanakoon confirmed that the four visa reform regulations, which have been highlighted as a priority, are ready to be signed by the Prime Minister and published in the Royal Gazette. The reforms are due to take effect from 15 July.
As a result of the reform:
1.The list of visa-free countries will increase from 57 to 93, and the visa-free stay will be extended to 60 days for all tourists and those travelling for ‘business contacts’.
2. The list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) will increase from 19 to 31.
3. A new visa, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), has been introduced for digital nomads and others wishing to combine work and holiday in Thailand for up to 180 days. The visa is applicable for practising Muay Thai, undergoing medical procedures and participating in cultural activities.
4. Thai university graduates with degrees are given a grace year to seek employment in the country on Non-Immigrant ED visas.
According to spokesman Traisuli Traysanakoon, Mr Anutin Charnvirakoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, has reviewed and signed all four decrees. They will now be submitted to the Prime Minister for signature and published in the Royal Gazette and will come into force simultaneously from 15 July.
