Thailand is set to welcome remote workers and digital nomads with a new extended visa program designed to encourage longer stays.
The Destination Thailand Visa will permit travelers to remain in the country for up to 180 days, allowing for multiple entries, according to an announcement by the Royal Thai Consulate General in New York.
Although some outlets reported the visa became effective on June 1, the Royal Thai Consulate General clarified that legal processes are still ongoing. The Tourism Authority also stated there is no official launch date yet.
Application procedures for the new visa have not been detailed. Information on current visa processes is available on Thailand’s official e-visa website. Presently, U.S. tourists do not need a visa for stays of up to 60 days in Thailand.
Visitors to Thailand can explore a rich array of attractions, from Bangkok’s gold-gilded temples and bustling street markets to the picturesque beaches of Koh Phi Phi and the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.
Thailand joins other countries in offering a digital nomad visa. Spain introduced a similar program last year, allowing remote workers to reside there if employed by a foreign company or self-employed using digital communication tools. Canada also permits travelers working for foreign employers to stay for up to six months at a time.