Thailand Unveils Ambitious Three-Phase Plan to Revitalize Tourism and Boost Economy with New Visa Policies

The Thai government has rolled out a comprehensive three-phase economic stimulus plan aimed at revitalizing tourism and attracting foreign visitors by easing visa regulations. This decision emerged from a Cabinet meeting held on May 28, responding to the nation’s ongoing economic stagnation, sluggish GDP growth, and rising public debt.

During the meeting, there was a unanimous agreement that Thailand must generate new income streams by fully accelerating tourism policies. These policies are viewed as the sole economic driver capable of delivering rapid returns. The plan is segmented into three distinct phases, spanning 2024-2025.

Short-Term Measures (2024)

The primary goal of the short-term measures is to generate at least 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024. Key components include:

– Visa Exemptions: Extending visa exemptions to tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries, an increase from the current 57. This extension permits stays of up to 60 days.

– Visa on Arrival (VOA): Expanding the VOA facility to 31 countries, up from 19.

– Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Introducing a new visa category for foreigners wishing to stay longer and work remotely in Thailand. The DTV is aimed at skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and individuals participating in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.

The DTV offers numerous benefits:

– Eligibility for skilled talent, digital nomads, and those engaged in various activities.

– Inclusion of spouses and legal children under 20.

– Requirement of proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht.

– Allowing stays of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, and the option to extend for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.

Improved Benefits for Foreign Students

Foreign students pursuing higher education degrees with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will find it easier to secure work and remain in Thailand post-graduation. They can extend their stay for a year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, provided they obtain certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

Medium-Term Measures (September to December 2024)

– Restructuring Visa Categories: Reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7.

– Adjusting Long Stay Visa for Elderly: Revising criteria and conditions for elderly people wishing to retire in Thailand.

– Health Insurance Requirements: Lowering the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) holders to pre-COVID-19 levels—40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.

– Expanding e-Visa Services: Doubling the number of Thai embassies, consulates, and trade offices offering e-Visa services from 47 to 94 by December 2024.

Long-Term Measures (Fully Implemented by June 2025)

– Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Developing an ETA system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.

– Technological Integration: Utilizing technology and innovation to enhance the screening process for foreign nationals, integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong acknowledged that while these measures to facilitate tourism will lead to an estimated annual revenue loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD), the projected returns from increased tourism—estimated between 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD)—justified the Cabinet’s approval of the measures.

Summary of Measures

– Short-Term (2024): Immediate visa exemptions, expanded VOA, introduction of DTV, and benefits for foreign students.

– Medium-Term (September to December 2024): Restructuring visa categories, adjusting long stay visas for the elderly, reducing health insurance requirements, and expanding e-Visa services.

– Long-Term (June 2025): Developing ETA systems and enhancing immigration screening through technology.

The Thai government’s strategic focus on tourism as a key economic engine reflects a calculated approach to counteract the economic slowdown. By streamlining visa processes and introducing new visa categories, Thailand aims to attract a diverse range of visitors and long-term residents, thereby boosting the economy. The anticipated high returns from these tourism policies underscore the government’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s economic landscape through targeted, phased measures.