THAILAND: Visa exemption now allows for 60 day stay

Australians and New Zealanders, in fact, citizens of 93 countries who are eligible for the visa exemption program, can now stay for 60 days. Here is the Thai government’s public relations release.

Previously, the maximum stay without visa renewal was 30 days, so you now have double the time to enjoy Thailand’s delights.

You can even extend your stay by an additional 30 days and have it approved at the Immigration Office.

I’ve just visited Thailand, but arrived two days before these new visa arrangements were introduced.

Digital Nomad visa

Thailand is also recognising the contemporary nature of flexible work by providing a special visa category for workers such as ‘digital nomads’ and others who visit regularly for Thai Boxing training (Muay Thai) or even Thai cooking classes.

For those visitors you can even get a visa that will cover up to five years.

The new Destination Thailand visa (DVT) will cost about AU$415 or 10,000 Baht. However, there are a few conditions, including evidence that you have at least AU$20,000 in bank accounts (500,000 Baht).

The new visa will also cover your spouse and dependent children. You can have multiple entries for a total of 180 days. That can easily be doubled by adding another 180 days, which is basically a full year.

Expanded Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival program

Thailand is increasing the number of countries eligible for the Visa waiver program from 57 to 93. Additions include China and Russia. This is no surprise as Thailand attracts a significant number of Russian Tourists, to the extent that some signage in Phuket is in the Cyrillic alphabet.

It’s also expanding the number of countries’ citizens that are able to get a Visa on Arrival from 19 to 31. Examples of countries added to the list are Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Ecuador.

2PAXfly Takeout

The entry process for those who qualify for the Visa Waiver program is incredibly easy. You hand over your passport, give them your fingerprints (fingers of both hands first, then thumbs), and you are in.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has served Bangkok since 2006, works very well, although you tend to have to walk a fair way, and the airport is beginning to show its age.

Outside of the Russians, who have a shrinking world that they can easily visit, Thai tourism has been down post-pandemic, so these visa initiatives are designed to bring more international visitors to the kingdom.

This is my first visit in roughly eight years. It’s reminded me of why I used to come here regularly. Thailand is enchanting any time you visit, even now in the off-season. It’s quieter, and the rain is pretty easy to dodge. Anyway, if you do get wet, you will be dry very soon, given the 30ºC+ daily temperature.