Cabinet extends pre-travel visa exemptions to 36 more nations

The Cabinet has decided to exempt pre-travel visa requirements for tourists from 36 more countries, in addition to the current 57, in an effort to attract more tourist arrivals to boost the Thai economy.

Government Spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that tourists from the 93 countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days instead of 30 days as before.

Moreover there would now be 31 countries which can now apply for Visa on Arrival, at the immigration counter at their point of entry.

He said the government has also granted the “Destination Thailand Visa” to skilled foreigners and freelancers who want to work from Thailand, allowing them to stay for up to 180 days, with an extension of 180 days.

Under-graduate students at Thai universities can stay in the country for one year following their graduation, so they can find jobs, travel or undertake other activities.

Chai said that Thailand’s image was enhanced recently by the quick response to the emergency landing by a Singapore Airline’s flight, en route from London to Singapore, at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Dozens of passengers on board had been injured as a result of severe air turbulence. He said the Thai government’s handling of the emergency won praise from several countries, especially Singapore, whose prime minister has personally thanked his Thai counterpart for the help provided to the airline’s passengers.