Photo by Robin Noguier on Unsplash |
Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to include 93 countries and territories to rejuvenate its tourism sector.
Effective Monday, the revised policy allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, according to a BBC report.
Previously, travellers from 57 countries could enter Thailand without a visa.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand's economy, yet it has struggled to fully rebound from the impacts of the pandemic.
In the first half of 2024, Thailand welcomed 17.5 million international tourists, marking a 35% increase from the same period the previous year, based on official statistics. However, these figures are still significantly lower than pre-pandemic numbers.
Most of the visitors during this period hailed from China, Malaysia, and India.
Tourism revenue for the first six months amounted to 858 billion baht ($23.6 billion; £18.3 billion), falling short of the government's ambitious target.
Thailand is renowned for its golden temples, pristine beaches, and scenic mountains, drawing millions of tourists annually.
Additionally, a new five-year visa for remote workers was introduced on Monday, permitting holders to stay for up to 180 days each year.
Furthermore, international students who earn a bachelor's degree or higher in Thailand can now stay for one year after graduation to seek employment or travel.
Here is the list of the 93 countries and territories now eligible for visa-free entry into Thailand for up to 60 days, as reported by Business Standard:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
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