National —
On July 12th, 2024, Ms. Traisulee Traisanakul, the Secretary to the Thai Minister of the Interior, announced the issuance of four updated ministerial regulations to modernize visa measures in alignment with global efforts to attract tourists and stimulate national economies.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reviewed and signed all four regulations. They are currently pending the Prime Minister’s approval and will be published in the Royal Gazette, supposedly taking effect on July 15th, 2024.
The key points of the four regulations are as follows:
- Visa Exemption Expansion: This regulation expands the list of countries whose passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for temporary stays in Thailand for tourism, business, or short-term work. The exemption now allows a stay of up to 60 days and increases the number of eligible countries from 57 to 93.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) Update: The second regulation updates the list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival, increasing from 19 to 31 countries.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): The third regulation introduces the DTV for foreigners who wish to stay in Thailand for work and tourism, including high-skilled workers, freelancers, digital nomads, and those interested in activities like learning Thai martial arts, cooking, sports training, medical treatments, and attending seminars. The DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days per visit, valid for five years.
- Post-Graduate Stay Extension: The fourth regulation revises the rights of foreign students on Non-Immigrant ED visas. It extends the period they can stay in Thailand after graduation by one year to find work, travel, or engage in other activities.
TPN media cautions our readers firmly depending on the 60 day change to wait until the proposal becomes official by being printed in the Royal Gazette. Despite the promises of officials that it will be, this isn’t a set in stone guarantee.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
