Thailand´s New Visa for Digital Nomads, Muay Thai & Culinary Students

The cabinet has approved several new visa initiatives to attract more tourists. These include visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and reduced mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry proposed these actions, highlighting the country's significant reliance on tourism, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke.

He revealed that the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry would expand from 57 to 93. The newly added countries include Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the duration of stays under this program has been extended to 60 days, according to the government spokesperson.

Additionally, the cabinet approved visa-on-arrival for 31 countries, a significant increase from the previous 19.

Tourists wishing to work and sightsee can now be issued five-year visas, allowing stays of up to 180 days, extendable for another 180 days. Previously, tourists were only permitted to stay twice for 30 days each. "These new rules target digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, as well as those interested in learning Muay Thai and Thai cuisine," Mr. Chai explained.

Foreign graduates can now stay for a full year after graduation, whereas previously, they had to leave the country immediately after completing their studies.

"These graduates can search for jobs during this extended period, especially in our areas of need," Mr. Chai commented. He noted that about 40,000 foreign students are currently studying in the country.

These measures will come into effect on Saturday, June 1.

In other visa-related changes, tourists aged 50 years and above seeking long-stay visas are now only required to have health insurance coverage of 440,000 baht, down from the previous 3 million baht. This reduction will be effective for long-stay applicants from September to December, according to Mr. Chai.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the increase of e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies, rising from 47 to 94 locations, beginning in September.

Summary of New Visa Initiatives:

Increase the number of visa-free countries from 57 to 93, including Albania, China, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Laos, Jamaica, Romania, Sri Lanka, Panama, Mexico, Morocco, Uzbekistan, etc.

Extend the period of visa-free stays from 30 days to 60 days.

Expand the list of countries eligible for visa-on-arrival from 19 to 31.

Extend the period of stay for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, Muay Thai students, and Thai food students from 60 days to 180 days.

Allow foreign university students to stay for one year after graduation, enabling them to work in professions not restricted to Thais only.

These measures are expected to come into effect in June.