Beautiful country beloved by Brits has new rule to boost tourism
Tourism is the biggest driver of income and employment in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy.
One of the most popular countries with Britons is introducing sweeping changes to its visa system to attract more foreigners and boost the economy.
Thailand's government said the changes will affect not only tourists but postgraduate students and digital nomads as well.
Retirees are also expected to benefit from the better visa conditions coming into effect from June 1.
The move comes to encourage the country's pivotal tourism sector after the Thai economy experienced minor setbacks.
From June, the Southeast Asian nation will allow travellers from 93 countries to stay for periods of up to 60 days in Thailand – a significant increase from the 57 nations that benefitted from previous incentives.
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke also said more tourists will also be eligible for visas upon arriving in the country.
Foreign students enrolled at Thai universities will now get the chance to spend an extra year in the country after graduation.
And retirees will see insurance requirements to settle in Thailand relaxed.
Self-employed workers will also reap the benefits of the visa changes as Thailand's so-called "digital nomad" visa will be extended to five years.
The change will allow remote workers to spend up to 180 days in the country up from the 60 days under the older system.
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Thailand's tourism sector, which before 2020 welcomed a record 39,9 million visitors, has been slowly recovering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The latest records show 14.3 million tourists visited the country between January and May 26 this year.
The government is hoping to end the year with 40 million visitors – which would generate an estimated revenue of £75.3 billion
Thailand has been popular among British tourists for decades because of the low cost of life as well as the high-security ratings and the welcoming nature of locals.
Stunning landscapes, good food and Thailand's rich culture come together in a harmonious union further valorised by the balmy weather conditions.
