Thailand exempts visas for 36 countries, raising the total number of visa-free countries and territories from 57 to 93, effective from June 1.
Thailand's Foreign Ministry has proposed measures to attract as many visitors as possible as the country's economy relies heavily on tourism. And the cabinet has recently approved a series of new visa relaxations. The number of countries eligible for visa-free travel will increase from 57 to 93. The 36 new destinations include Albania, Cambodia, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka. The length of stay will be extended to 60 days.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries will be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days. This does not apply to those coming to Thailand for work. Visitors will still need to comply with other Thai entry regulations, including having a valid passport, a return ticket and proof of financial capacity.
Tourism is a key driver of Thailand's economy - Southeast Asia's second-largest - and a major source of employment.
Visitors aged 50 and over who want a long-term visa need to buy health insurance with a maximum coverage of 3 million baht (nearly 2.1 billion VND). Under the new resolution, visitors only need to buy insurance worth 400,000 - 440,000 baht (about 300 million VND) for inpatient treatment and 40,000 baht for outpatient treatment (28 million VND). This policy applies from September to December this year.
The spokesman also said the cabinet approved the expansion of e-visa services at Thai consulates and embassies from 47 to 94 locations, effective from September.
This new visa exemption policy is expected to help Thailand attract more international tourists, contributing to boosting the country's economy. In addition to visa exemption, Thailand also applies a number of other policies to attract tourists, including: Issuing visas on arrival for 31 countries, issuing 5-year visas for international students after graduation.
Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists from January to May 26 this year and is targeting 40 million foreign arrivals for the whole year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).
With these open policies, Thailand is aiming to become the leading tourist center in the region.
