Thailand’s new visa rules for tourists and expats from June 1

Thailand is planning to extend its visa-free policy to 60 days for nationals from 93 countries, including the UK, EU nations, the US, and Australia. This means tourists can now enjoy double the time in the Land of Smiles without paying a single baht.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the change but kept the details under wraps. However, it appears that visitors can re-enter Thailand by air, land, or sea to receive another two months visa-free. The new policy also benefits Indians, Chinese, and citizens of various other countries, including Morocco and Albania.

This change means the need for a one-month visa extension after the initial 30 days is eliminated, saving travellers the 1,900 baht fee. Immigration offices are expected to see shorter queues, although visitors will still need to report their Thai address within a day or two of arrival, either in person or via hotel registration.

The new 60-day visa-free stay could have significant implications for Thailand’s tax policy. With a few border runs, individuals could potentially stay in Thailand for more than six months without requiring a visa, complicating the Revenue Department’s efforts to tax overseas income of residents staying more than 180 days in a calendar year.

In another development, Thailand is streamlining non-immigrant visas by introducing the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This visa, aimed at remote workers, sports professionals, musicians, and medical tourists, allows a stay of up to 180 days with extensions available for up to five years. The DTV costs 10,000 baht per 180 days, with a 500,000 baht bond required in a local bank. Families can also join the visa holders under this scheme.

From September 1, the minimum medical insurance requirement for 0/A visa retirees, initially obtained from a Thai embassy, will revert to 400,000 baht for inpatient and 40,000 baht for outpatient coverage, replacing the current US$100,000 (approximately 3 million baht) requirement.

Overall, these new visa policies aim to attract more tourists and expats, with the ambitious goal of welcoming 80 million overseas visitors by 2027, more than double the current total, reported Pattaya Mail.

Thailand is making a bold move to boost its economy while making life easier for its international guests.