In response to the ongoing economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and rising public debt, the Thai government has announced a comprehensive three-phase economic stimulus plan aimed at revitalizing the tourism sector. The decision, reached during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, 2024, focuses on easing visa regulations to attract more foreign visitors.
The Cabinet concluded that accelerating tourism policies is crucial for generating new income swiftly, as tourism is seen as the most immediate economic driver. The stimulus plan, set to unfold over 2024-2025, includes several key initiatives:
Phase One: Visa Reforms (2024-2025)
- Visa Exemption Expansion: Tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (an increase from 57) will now enjoy visa-free stays of up to 60 days.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) Expansion: The number of countries eligible for VOA will rise from 19 to 31.
- New Visa Category – Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Aimed at skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaged in activities like learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events. Spouses and legal children under 20 of DTV holders are also eligible. Applicants must provide proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for their stay. The DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, renewable once for another 180 days for an additional 10,000 baht.
Improved Benefits for Foreign Students
Foreign students pursuing bachelor’s degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will benefit from streamlined processes for finding work and staying in Thailand post-graduation. They will be allowed to stay for an additional year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.
Medium-Term Measures (September to December 2024)
- Visa Category Restructuring: The number of Non-Immigrant visa categories will be reduced from 17 to 7.
- Long Stay Visa Adjustments: Criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for retirees will be revised.
- Health Insurance Requirement Reduction: The health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant (O-A) visas will be lowered from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels of 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 offices worldwide by December 2024, with full implementation by June 2025.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System Development: An ETA system will be developed for nationals eligible for visa exemption.
- Enhanced Screening Using Technology: Data integration with the Immigration Bureau will be improved to enhance the screening of foreign nationals.
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong highlighted that these measures, while resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD), are expected to significantly boost tourism revenue, generating between 800 billion and 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD). This potential return has led the Cabinet to approve the proposed measures.
The implementation of these steps is aimed at not only stimulating the economy but also ensuring that Thailand remains a competitive and attractive destination for international tourists and investors.
