Immigration police extended a warm welcome to visitors arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport ahead of last year’s enchanting Loy Krathong festival. Captured in a moment by Somchai Poomlard’s lens, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation.
In a move set to bolster tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his decision to sign off on an ambitious visa-free scheme, allowing visitors from 93 countries to explore Thailand’s wonders for up to 60 days. Revealed on Sunday, the prime minister expressed confidence in the seamless roll-out of the scheme.
Proposed by the Interior Ministry, this expansion is a significant step for Thailand’s tourism. The prime minister noted that comprehensive measures are in place, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of tourists, citing successful implementations for visitors from China, India, and Kazakhstan.
“Immigration police and security authorities have executed robust strategies, and they have been highly effective,” said Srettha. “I am confident these measures will sustain their efficacy long-term.”
Before this extension, the visa-free privilege was available to travelers from 57 countries, including:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States
- Peru
- Hong Kong
- Vietnam
- Saudi Arabia
Adding to the excitement, here are the 36 newly admitted countries eligible for visa-free visits:
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- Uzbekistan
- Taiwan
- China
- Laos
- Macau
- Mongolia
- Russia
- Cambodia
- Albania
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kosovo
- Morocco
- Panama
- Sri Lanka
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tonga
- Uruguay
With this bold step, Thailand aims to welcome a more diverse range of tourists, ready to experience its rich culture, scenic beaches, and vibrant cities without the hassle of visa applications. The future of travel to the Land of Smiles has never looked brighter!
This is fantastic news! Thailand is such a beautiful country and now more people can enjoy it without the hassle of visa applications.
Absolutely! It will definitely boost tourism and the local economy.
But will it be sustainable? More tourists could mean more environmental strain.
I hope they have plans in place to manage the increased influx without harming the natural resources.
Good point, Johnny. They mentioned robust strategies so let’s hope they are effective.
This could spell disaster for Thailand’s environment. Mass tourism isn’t always a good thing.
How about the safety measures? With so many people, crime rates could go up.
The article mentioned that there are comprehensive measures in place. I think safety will be fine.
I hope so. Only time will tell if they can truly manage the safety of all these tourists effectively.
Let’s not be overly optimistic. Increased tourism often leads to increased crime.
A great way to recover from the economic losses due to the pandemic.
Exactly! Tourism is a key industry for them.
I miss the days when travel was more special. Now everyone and their dog can go everywhere!
Visa-free travel is the future. More countries should embrace this!
I think this makes it much easier for people like me who love spontaneous travel.
True, but spontaneous travel can also cause spur-of-the-moment decisions that lead to overcrowding.
I hope this doesn’t lead to cultural erosion. Thailand has a rich culture that should be protected.
Cultural exchange can enrich both tourists and locals. I think it’s a positive step.
What about the impact on the locals? Will they benefit from this new rush of tourists?
It’s a mixed bag. Some will profit while others might suffer from the downsides of mass tourism.
With 93 countries now eligible, Thailand is going to be even more crowded. Not sure if that’s a good thing.
Such a great way to showcase what Thailand has to offer. More tourism means more cultural understanding.
Or more tourists means more foot traffic in sacred places. Such understanding comes at a cost.
There’s always a way to balance preservation with tourism. It’s about proper management.
I worry about the historical sites. Increased tourism often leads to quicker deterioration.
The revenue generated might help fund preservation efforts.
I’m thrilled! Thailand is one of the top destinations for remote work and this will definitely attract more digital nomads like me.
Not everyone can or should live the digital nomad life. It’s very privileged.
Living here, I see the pros and cons daily. More tourists mean more money but also more noise and congestion.
I wonder if other Southeast Asian countries will follow Thailand’s example.
They might be pressured to, especially if they see Thailand reaping the economic benefits.
Will this lead to overcrowded beaches? I love Thailand for its serene spots.
Exactly my concern. Overcrowded spots lose their charm.
Such a bold move! Visa-free access for 93 countries is quite a statement.
Totally! It’s a game-changer in the tourism sector.