The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proposing to keep the visa exemption policy for tourists who arrive in Thailand on 45-day visa until the end of this year to help boost tourism recovery.
The Thai Cabinet approved a temporary extension of visa on arrival and visa exemption on arrival last September 2022 which means that from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, foreign tourists who are from the countries on the official list may stay in Thailand for 45 days instead of 30 days.
TAT wanted to extend this policy until the end of 2023.
TAT believes that it is because of this policy that the target of 10 million visitors was surpassed with 11.5 million visitors in total for year 2022.
This year, Thailand is aiming for 25 million visitors and the 45-days visa on arrival extension will help make it possible according to TAT.
TAT is also asking airlines to increase their number of flights to accommodate more tourists wanting to come to Thailand, especially those from Russia and China.
By 2023, Thailand is hoping to reach the goal of 80 million visitors. This is double the number of visitors during pre-pandemic.