Visa-free entry to Thailand for citizens of 93 countries from today

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to sign edicts into force today, with immediate effect, to allow pre-travel visa-free entry to Thailand for citizens of 93 countries and territories who can stay for a maximum of 60 days.

Foreigners who want to visit Thailand to travel while working will be allowed to stay up to 180 days at a time, under a special visa which is valid for five years.

Also, visiting foreign students who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand will be allowed to stay on for one year following their graduation.

The four ministerial edicts were previously approved by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Another is an update of the list of countries which are subject to special immigration procedures, increasing them from 19 to 31.

All of the edicts are designed to increase foreign arrivals, to boost the tourism industry in Thailand, which is regarded as a key driver in improving the Thai economy, in the wake of weak export growth and underperformance in other business sectors.