Leo Watanabe
2024年7月18日
The Ministry of Interior has published three regulations amending the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) in the Official Gazette. These amendments entered into force on 15 July 2024 and implement new visa measures to increase travel and tourism in the country.
The measures include expansions to the Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes, the introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and extended benefits for student visas.
Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Under the expanded Visa Exemption scheme, nationals from 93 countries and territories (previously 57 countries) will be allowed to stay in Thailand for tourism or short-term business purposes for up to 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension. Nationals eligible for the visa exemption scheme would be allowed to conduct urgent or ad-hoc work after notifying the registrar in person at any international airport or labor office in Thailand. This process takes one working day and can be completed after entering Thailand. The work must be completed within 15 days and includes 16 different types of activities such as organizing conferences, conducting special academic lectures, quality control inspections, machinery maintenance, and technical consulting.
The VOA scheme has also been extended to include nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19. The visa on arrival which costs 2,000 Baht would allow foreigners to stay up to 15 days for tourism purposes.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and Student Visa
The newly introduced DTV targets remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers, and participants in various activities such as Muay Thai, cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. This visa has a fee of 10,000 Baht and allows for a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, extendable by another 180 days. Applicants must show proof of funds or a guarantee of at least 500,000 Baht. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders are also eligible.
Additionally, Thailand is enhancing its student visa policy, allowing foreign students of higher education to stay for one year post-graduation, during which they can work and potentially transition to a Non-Immigrant B visa if employed locally. This extension must be submitted by the University or Institution on Behalf of the student.
Lastly, the minimum health insurance coverage requirement for visa holders will be reduced from 3 million to 400,000 Baht later this year.