Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries and territories to boost its tourism industry. Under the new scheme, effective from Monday, visitors can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days. Previously, passport holders from 57 countries could enter without a visa.
Tourism is crucial to Thailand’s economy, but it hasn’t fully recovered from the pandemic. In the first six months of 2024, Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourist arrivals, a 35% increase from the same period last year, according to official data. However, these numbers are still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Most visitors were from China, Malaysia, and India. Tourism revenue during this period was 858 billion baht ($23.6bn; £18.3bn), less than a quarter of the government’s target.
Thailand is a popular destination for its golden temples, white sand beaches, picturesque mountains, and vibrant nightlife. The revised visa-free rules are part of a broader plan to boost tourism. Also on Monday, Thailand introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers, allowing them to stay for up to 180 days each year. Additionally, visiting students who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand can stay for one year after graduation to find a job or travel.
In June, authorities extended a waiver on hoteliers’ operating fees for two more years and scrapped a proposed tourism fee for visitors flying into the country. However, some stakeholders are concerned about whether the country’s infrastructure can keep up with increased travel demand.
Kantapong Thananuangroj, president of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association, emphasized the need for the entire country, not just the Ministry of Tourism, to prepare resources to accommodate the influx of tourists. He warned that failing to do so could result in a negative experience for visitors, reducing the likelihood of repeat visits. Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, expressed concerns about a potential “bottleneck in air traffic,” as incoming flights might not increase quickly enough to meet travelers’ demands.
Additionally, there have been safety concerns after reports of tourists being kidnapped and sent across the border to work in scam centers in Myanmar or Cambodia. A fatal shooting in Bangkok’s most famous shopping mall last year has also raised concerns among visitors.
