Thailand's cabinet has greenlit a variety of visa promotions aimed at enticing more tourists from other countries, notably including Sri Lanka.
These promotions encompass visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and reduced compulsory health insurance for retirees.
The initiatives, proposed by Thailand's Foreign Ministry, are designed to bolster the country's tourism sector, recognizing its vital role in the national economy. Among the measures approved, the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry will expand from 57 to 93.
The 36 new countries included Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, visitors will enjoy extended stays of up to 60 days under this program.
Moreover, Thailand will extend visa-on-arrival privileges to 31 countries, an increase from the previous 19. The cabinet also approved five-year visas for individuals seeking employment opportunities alongside tourism activities, catering to a wide range of travelers, including those from Sri Lanka.
These measures, effective from June 1.
Visitors aged 50 years or more who want long-stay visas are currently required to have health insurance coverage worth 3 million baht.
Under the cabinet's resolution on Tuesday, each long-stay visa applicant in this age group is required to have health cover of only 440,000 baht - 400,000 baht for inpatient treatment and 40,000 baht for outpatient cover.
This is effective for long-stay applicants from September to December, Mr Chai said.
The cabinet also approved the expansion of e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies from 47 to 94 locations, commencing in September, the spokesman said.
