Thailand expands visa-free entry to boost tourism

Visitors from 93 countries get access to stay till 60 days; students can stay one-year to find job

BANGKOK:

Thailand has significantly expanded its visa-free entry scheme to include 93 countries and territories, aiming to give a boost to its crucial tourism industry as it seeks to revitalise tourism post-pandemic.

Effective from Monday, this new policy allows visitors to stay in the South-East Asian nation for up to 60 days. Previously, passport holders from only 57 countries could enter Thailand without a visa, according to a BBC report.

Tourism, a vital component of Thailand's economy, has struggled to fully recover from the pandemic's impact. Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2024, marking a 35% increase from the same period last year. However, these numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, with most visitors coming from China, Malaysia, and India.

Tourism revenue during the same period amounted to 858 billion baht ($23.6 billion; £18.3 billion), significantly below the government's target. Millions of tourists flock to Thailand each year for its golden temples, white sand beaches, picturesque mountains, and vibrant nightlife.

In addition to expanding visa-free rules, Thailand has introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers, allowing them to stay for up to 180 days each year. Visiting students who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand can now stay for one-year after graduation to find a job or travel, according to an official statement.

Despite these measures, concerns persist about Thailand's readiness to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors, despite recent initiatives such as extending a hotel fee waiver and cancelling a planned tourism levy on air passengers.