Travellers From 93 Countries Can Have Visa-Free Stays In Thailand For Up To 60 Days
This will go into effect on 1 June.
By Celine Low — 29 May 2024, 12:23 PM
Tourists, remote workers, postgraduate students, and retirees will be able to stay in Thailand for longer periods starting 1 June
The Thai government has announced a series of new visa measures for travellers, including extended visa-free stays, new visa-on-arrival schemes, longer stays for foreign students, and a reduced requirement for compulsory health insurance for elderly travellers, reported The Bangkok Post.
Visa-free stays are to be increased to 60 days for travellers from 93 countries
These countries include Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, China, and India.
Thailand has also extended visa-on-arrivals for 31 countries.
The Thai government has also introduced a five-year visa, called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for travellers who wish to work and tour around the country
DTV targets digital nomads, remote workers and freelancers, and foreigners who want to learn more about Thai culture.
With a visa fee of 10,000 baht (about RM1,277), the Destination Thailand Visa is valid for stays up to 180 days. Additionally, travellers can extend their stay another 180 days, with an additional 10,000 baht fee.
The Khaosod English reports that those who wish to apply for a DTV should provide financial proof of at least 500,000 baht (about RM63,817) for the duration of their stay in Thailand.
Foreign graduates are now allowed to stay in Thailand for a full year after graduation, but they must provide proof of their certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Thailand has also decided to relax the requirement for health insurance coverage for travellers aged 50 years old and above
Elderly travellers seeking long-stay visa are now required to only have health insurance coverage of 440,000 baht (about RM56,106), down from the previous 3 million baht (RM382,534).
This reduction will come into effect for long-stay applicants from September to December this year.
The Thai government has also announced that there will be more e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies, rising from 47 to 94 locations, beginning in September.
