Huge positive changes to the Thai visa system from June 1st

Visas for 5 years available for digital nomads, boxers and culinary students

The government has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, longer stays for students and a reduction in compulsory health insurance for pensioners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed these actions because of the country’s high dependence on tourism, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.

He revealed that the number of countries eligible for visa-free access would grow from 57 to 93. The newly added countries include Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. The duration of stay under this program has also been extended to 60 days, as presented by the government spokesperson.

The cabinet also approved visas on arrival for 31 countries, a clear increase compared to 19 countries previously.

Tourists who want to work and sightsee can now obtain a five-year visa for a stay of up to 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days. Previously, they were only allowed to stay twice for thirty days at a time. “These new rules are aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers and those interested in learning Muay Thai and Thai cuisine,” Mr Chai explained.

Foreign graduates can now stay for a full year after graduation. In the past, they had to leave the country immediately after their studies.

“These graduates can look for jobs during this extended period, especially in our areas of need,” Mr Chai said. He noted that about 40,000 foreign students study in the country.

These measures come into effect on Saturday, June 1.

In other visa-related changes, tourists aged 50 and over seeking a long-stay visa are now only required to have health insurance of 440,000 baht, down from the previous 3 million baht. According to Mr Chai, this reduction will apply from September to December for long-stay applicants.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the expansion of the number of e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies, from 47 to 94 locations, starting in September.

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The details include:

– Increasing the number of visa-free countries from 57 to 93, including Albania, China, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Laos, Jamaica, Romania, Sri Lanka, Panama, Mexico, Morocco, Uzbekistan, etc.

– Extend the period of visa-free stay from 30 days to 60 days.

– Expand the list of countries eligible for visa arrival from 19 to 31.

– Extend the stay period for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, Muay Thai students, Thai food students, etc., from 60 days to 180 days.

– Extend the residency period for foreign university students to one year after graduation, so they can work in professions that are not reserved for Thais.

These measures are is expected to come into effect in June.

Other measures instituted come into effect in September Involving:

– Doubling the number of locations offering e-visa services, from 47 embassies and consulates general to 94.

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