As anticipated, the Thai government will raise the maximum length of stay for international visitors from 30 to 45 days between October and March. The objective is to help the tourism industry recover and strengthen Thailand’s economy as a whole.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) had just concluded a meeting when the announcement was made public. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, a spokeswoman for the CCSA, stated that foreigners from 18 territories that enter Thailand under the visa-on-arrival category will be entitled to stay up to 30 days, longer than before.
Those from over 50 countries who presently receive 30 days will be permitted to stay for up to 45 days. Beginning in October, the country will expand the visa-on-arrival period for citizens of India, China, and Saudi Arabia from 15 days to 30 days.
Thailand is projected to have the lowest economic growth in Southeast Asia this year, with current revenues of 176.3 billion baht ($4.93 billion) from 3.78 million international arrivals. The majority of these newcomers originated from nearby markets, such as Malaysia, India, and Singapore.
Previously, predictions for this year were that Thailand will draw 10 million international tourists. Nonetheless, the tourist industry maintains that visitor numbers remain stagnant.
“We intend to extend their stay,” the CCSA representative stated. This will assist in increasing tourist spending, reviving the economy, and mitigating the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, Thailand will downgrade COVID-19 from a “dangerous” communicable disease to one that “requires monitoring” in September, a month earlier than originally anticipated.
These new regulations will take effect after they have been ratified in the Royal Gazette, which has not yet occurred.
