Kamal Ghorui
Thailand has taken another step toward reshaping its visa framework as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and economic recovery. Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, made an official announcement recently stating that the Cabinet has recognised a comprehensive series of visa policy guidelines that was proposed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. For more clarity, check the official page. These range from short-term facilitation, medium-term structural reforms, and long-term digital upgrades. Together, they aim to simplify entry procedures, expand visa exemptions, streamline non-immigrant categories and modernise Thailand’s arrival systems.
The Cabinet’s acknowledgment formalises a series of changes already implemented in 2025, including expanded visa exemptions, the introduction of new visa categories such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and ED Plus, a reduction in non-immigrant visa codes, and the rollout of a fully digital arrival system. Below is a summary of the completed and ongoing measures outlined by the government.
Matters that have been accomplished
The cabinet has acknowledged several short-term visa adjustments, such as:
Visa exemption (Form 60)
A list of 93 countries and territories has been established whose passport holders, or holders of documents used in lieu of passports, may enter Thailand temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business without a visa, and are permitted to stay for up to 60 days as a special case.
Visa on arrival (VoA)
A separate list of 31 countries and territories has been designated whose passport holders may apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at immigration checkpoints.
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Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), allowing foreigners to stay in the Kingdom for tourism and remote work under a special category.
ED Plus Visa (Non-Immigrant)
A new Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa category has been introduced, allowing foreigners to stay in Thailand for study or combined study-and-work purposes under special provisions.
Visa policy committee
A Visa Policy Committee was appointed in 2025, and two meetings have already been held. The Prime Minister has since signed an order appointing a new committee, with further meetings to be convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Read more: Guess the place: It’s home to the world’s only floating national park
Medium-term measures
Reduction of visa codes
The number of temporary residence (Non-Immigrant) visa codes has been reduced from 17 categories to 7, effective from August 31, 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, notified relevant agencies and publicised the changes through its official channels.
Expansion of e-Visa services
From January 1, 2025, Thailand expanded its electronic visa (e-Visa) service to cover all 94 embassies and consulates-general worldwide via the official portal: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.
Long-term measures
Electronic travel authorization and TDACThe Immigration Bureau has developed the TM.6 online system, known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), replacing the earlier Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The TDAC system has been in use since May 1, 2025.Read more: This Himalayan village has a 500-year-old preserved mummy; who does it belong to?
Ongoing measures
Additional VoA expansion (phase two)Thailand is considering adding 8 more countries to the Visa on Arrival list, allowing their passport holders to apply for VoA at immigration checkpoints. Long-stay visa adjustmentsThe authorities also review and modify the criteria and conditions for long-stay visas, especially for elderly individuals who want to retire in Thailand.
Broader policy direction
These measures, collectively, seek to:
- Simplify visa procedures
- Expand visa-free and visa-on-arrival openings
- Support remote workers and students
- Streamline visa categories
- Improve arrival systems
By leveraging the expansion of visa exemptions, the digitalisation of processes, and changes to long-stay, the country is preparing the ground for the growth of tourism, long-term visits, and increased economic activities.
