Thailand targets ‘digital nomads’, students, and tourists by approving longer visa stays

Starting in June, Thailand will allow travellers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days, while more tourists will also be eligible for visas on arrival

Foreign students can stay an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed

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Tourists walk along backpacker haven Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock/File

Published: 5:00pm, 28 May 2024Updated: 8:40pm, 28 May 2024

Thailand’s government said on Tuesday it had approved longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students and remote workers, and better visa conditions for retirees, in a move to boost its crucial tourism sector as its economy stutters.

Starting in June, Thailand will allow travellers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days, up from the current 57 nations, while more will also be eligible for visas on arrival, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told reporters.

Foreign students will be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed, he added.

Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a big source of employment.

Chinese tourists pose for a group photo at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan. Starting next month, will allow travellers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days. Photo: Xinhua

The new measures come as part of an effort to boost visitors, especially from its main and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits to 60 days from 30 days for on-arrival visas.