The cabinet yesterday approved a proposal to extend the validity of certain visas, including the Visa on Arrival, aimed at attracting more international visitors to Thailand and boosting tourism.
Drafted by the Ministry of Interior, the changes are due to take effect from Oct 1 until March 31 next year, said deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul yesterday.
The announcement follows guidance issued on Aug 19 by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) allowing such extensions in order to help boost the economy, she said.
Under the new rules, those who are automatically eligible for a visa upon arrival will be allowed to stay in the kingdom up to 30 days, rather than the 15 days allowed presently, she said.
Those arriving from countries with a bilateral agreement with Thailand on the Exemption of Visa Requirements, who had been allowed to stay for at most 30 days, will now be able to extend their stays to 45 days per visit, she said.
Also, those foreigners granted a Phor 30 Exemption of Visa Requirements by the kingdom of Thailand, which allowed 30 days, will enjoy the same new 45-day limit, she said.
The cabinet also approved an associated draft ministerial announcement removing Covid-19 from Thailand's official list of communicable diseases of public health significance that prohibit entry to the kingdom, said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.