Thai government releases immigration initiatives

The Thai government is introducing several new immigration initiatives aimed at increasing tourism and boosting economic growth.

Most important points:

• The Thai Cabinet recently approved the extension of a policy allowing Russian tourists to enter Thailand for 60 days until July 31, 2024.
  • The immigration agency stated that visa holders may be granted an extension for a further 30 days and can be converted to a non-immigrant B visa for work authorization if desired.
• The Sports Authority of Thailand and the Office of the Boxing Board Committee are developing a Thai boxing visa program. The boxing visa would be divided into two categories based on the type of boxing institution where foreigners study to learn boxing.
  • Applicants would contact their respective embassy to obtain a non-immigrant education visa for 90 days.
  • The visa can be extended depending on the registration authority. If an individual obtains a visa from a boxing gym that has a teaching permit from the Ministry of Education, he or she can extend his or her visa for a period of up to one year. If the visa is from a school registered with the Sports Authority of Thailand, the visa cannot be extended and a new application is required for continued study.
  • The program is still under development. BAL will provide additional details following approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Finally, Thai officials are spearheading a joint visa program similar to the Schengen visa, which would include Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Extra information: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the move towards a joint visa program among the six countries would promote seamless mobility among Southeast Asian countries, streamline tourist entry and boost tourism spending.

BAL analysis: Thailand’s economic growth has slowed recently due to weaker demand and tourism. The tourism-dependent country has recently made several policy updates to reopen after strict pandemic restrictions. This policy is also part of a broader government strategy to facilitate access and encourage investment from international business interests.