Thailand Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Boost Tourism and Economy
Thailand Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Boost Tourism and Economy
In a bold move to revitalize the country’s economy and attract more foreign visitors, the Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, with a focus on easing visa rules and facilitating tourism. The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, 2024, comes as Thailand faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt.
Short-Term Measures: Visa Exemptions and New Visa Categories
The first phase of the plan, to be implemented immediately, includes several key changes to the country’s visa policies:
- Visa Exemption Expansion: Tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (up from 57) will be granted visa exemptions, allowing stays of up to 60 days.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) Expansion: The VOA program will be expanded to include 31 countries (up from 19), making it easier for visitors from these nations to enter Thailand.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): A new visa category, the DTV, will be introduced for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely (workcation). This visa will be available to skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaging in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events. Spouses and legal children (under 20) of DTV holders will also be eligible. Applicants must provide proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay. The DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.
- Benefits for Foreign Students: Foreign students pursuing bachelor’s degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will have an easier time finding work and staying in Thailand after graduation. They will be granted an extended stay of 1 year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
The government aims to generate no less than 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024 through these short-term measures.
Medium-Term Measures: Visa Restructuring and Expansion
The second phase of the plan, to be implemented from September to December 2024, focuses on restructuring and expanding visa categories and services:
- Non-Immigrant Visa Restructuring: The number of Non-Immigrant visa categories will be reduced from 17 to 7, starting in September 2024.
- Long Stay Visa Adjustment: The criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand will be adjusted, starting in September 2024.
- Health Insurance Requirement Reduction: The health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) will be reduced from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels: 40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.
- e-Visa Service Expansion: The e-Visa service will be expanded from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide by December 2024.
Long-Term Measures: Technological Advancements and Screening
The third and final phase of the plan, to be fully implemented by June 2025, focuses on leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the screening of foreign nationals:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): An ETA system will be developed for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.
- Data Integration: Technology and innovation will be used to enhance the screening of foreign nationals by integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.
While these measures to facilitate tourism will result in a loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD) in government revenue annually, the expected return from increased tourism, estimated at 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD), led the Cabinet to approve the measures, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharong.
As Thailand moves forward with this comprehensive plan to boost its economy through tourism, the country is poised to welcome a new era of growth and prosperity, attracting visitors from around the world with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.