Good news for tourists and digital nomads in Thailand!

Great news for anyone visiting Thailand or planning to live there long-term! Thailand's Council of Ministers has approved a series of new visa initiatives to attract more tourists to the country. This includes Visa-free entry and Visa on Arrival, extended stays for students and Reducing compulsory health insurance for pensioners.

Easier Travel for Tourists:

As government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced, the Foreign Ministry aims these measures to boost tourism in Thailand, which is an important economic factor.

The number of countries for which visa-free entry is possible will be increased from 57 to 93. The new countries include Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. In addition, the length of stay for all countries for which a visa exemption applies appears to be increased to 60 days!

Also the list of countries for which a visa on arrival  (Visa on arrival) has been expanded: travelers from 31 countries can now easily apply for their visa upon entry (compared to 19 countries previously).

Long-term stays for digital nomads and Muay Thai fighters:

Take a vacation and work at the same time? Even that should be made easier in the future! Tourists who want to work while exploring Thailand's attractions can now apply for a five-year visa for stays of up to 180 days, which can be extended for an additional 180 days.

Previously, only two stays of 30 days each were allowed. But attention:"These new regulations are aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers and those interested in Muay Thai and Thai cuisine.”, said the minister. So it is not to be expected that tourists (!) will be allowed to work on site during their stay... activities for companies in other countries will probably be permitted from Thailand. The 5-year option remains interesting!

Good news for foreign students:

Graduates of foreign universities in Thailand can rejoice! Instead of having to leave the country immediately after graduating, they are now allowed to stay for a whole year.

“These graduates will be able to look for jobs during this extended period, particularly in areas where we have a need,” said Chai Wacharonke. There are currently around 40.000 foreign students studying in Thailand.

Not just hot air again:

These measures should come into force on Saturday, June 1st!

Further positive changes have been announced for September: pensioners or tourists aged 50 and over who apply for a long-term visa will now only need health insurance for 440.000 baht (instead of the previous 3 million baht). Also from September, the number of consulates and embassies where you can apply for an e-visa will be increased from 47 to 94.

Now all we can do is hope that this time we don't back down as quickly as we did with weed legalization... 😉