Have you always wanted to live in Thailand? The new digital nomad visa

Thailand, one of the popular destinations for digital nomads, has finally opened its arms to professionals traveling the world and those wanting to experience its culture firsthand.

The country's long-awaited "digital nomad visa" will come into effect in the coming weeks, providing visa holders the chance to work remotely for up to a year at a time.

In a press release in May, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that the visa, called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), targets "digital nomads," freelancers, and remote workers, as well as those wanting to learn Muay Thai boxing and Thai cuisine.

The multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.

Previously, most European tourists could visit Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and extend their stay by another 30 days. However, they were not permitted to work during their stay.

Who can apply, and what is the fee?

As announced by the government spokesperson, the visa is not only for freelancers and remote workers but also for those wishing to engage in cultural activities in the country.

This includes visitors learning Thai cooking, traditional martial art Thai boxing (Muay Thai), or other sports. Those performing at music festivals, attending seminars, or receiving medical treatment may also be eligible for the visa.

Spouses and dependent children of diplomatic or official visa holders are also covered by the visa.

The application fee for Thailand's digital nomad visa is set at 10,000 Thai baht (252 euros). The visa is expected to be available by the end of June or early July.

Thailand expands visa-on-arrival to 36 countries

Following a drop of 11 places in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) latest travel and tourism competitiveness ranking due to inadequate infrastructure and services, Thailand unveiled a series of measures to enhance its tourism sector alongside the diplomatic and official visas.

As of this month, the visa extension program, previously valid for 57 countries, now applies to 93 countries and regions. The stay duration for tourism and short-term business activities has also been extended from 30 days to 60 days.

Additionally, new countries eligible for the digital nomad visa include Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, and Morocco.

Previously, 19 countries could obtain a 15-day tourist visa on arrival in Thailand; this number has increased to 31 countries.

The old regulation requiring foreign students to leave the country immediately after graduation has been abolished, granting students the right to stay for a year to search for a job after graduation.

The new regulation also offers opportunities for those over 50 wishing to retire in an exotic country: the previous insurance requirement of 3 million Thai baht (75,550 euros) has been updated to 440,000 Thai baht (11,000 euros).