Thailand Expands Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries

In a move aimed at revitalizing its tourism industry, Thailand has extended its visa-free entry scheme to include passport holders from 93 countries and territories. This new policy, effective Monday, allows visitors to stay in the Southeast Asian nation for up to 60 days, up from the previous 57 countries eligible for visa-free entry.

Tourism, a crucial sector for Thailand’s economy, has not yet fully recovered from the pandemic’s impact. Official data shows that in the first half of 2024, Thailand welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists, a 35% increase from the same period in the previous year. However, these numbers are still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Most visitors came from China, Malaysia, and India.

Tourism revenue during this period amounted to 858 billion baht ($23.6 billion), far below the government’s target. Recognizing the need for further stimulus, the Thai government has introduced additional measures to attract more visitors. These include a new five-year visa for remote workers, allowing holders to stay for up to 180 days each year, and a provision for visiting students with a bachelor’s degree or higher from Thailand to stay for one year post-graduation to seek employment or travel.

Moreover, in June, authorities extended a waiver on hoteliers’ operating fees for another two years and abolished a proposed tourism fee for incoming visitors. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and support the economy.

Despite these measures, some stakeholders express concerns about the country’s ability to handle increased tourist traffic. Kantapong Thananuangroj, president of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association, emphasized the need for adequate preparation to ensure visitors have a positive experience. Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, warned of potential bottlenecks in air traffic, as the number of incoming flights may not rise quickly enough to meet demand.

Safety concerns have also been raised following reports of tourists being kidnapped and forced to work in scam centers in Myanmar or Cambodia, as well as a fatal shooting in Bangkok’s popular shopping mall last year.

As Thailand implements these new visa policies, the nation aims to draw millions of tourists to its golden temples, white sand beaches, picturesque mountains, and vibrant nightlife, hoping to restore its tourism industry to its former glory.