Thailand Announces New Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to Boost Tourism and Economy

Introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Authorities in Thailand have announced the introduction of the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) dedicated to digital nomads and remote workers. This visa aims to allow foreigners to reside in Thailand for both work and tourism purposes (workcation). This innovative visa caters to the growing trend of blending work and leisure, offering a unique opportunity for global citizens to experience Thailand in a new way.

Eligible Individuals for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

The DTV targets a broad spectrum of foreigners, including:

Foreigners for Long-term Tourism and Remote Work:

• High-skilled professionals (foreign talent)
• Freelancers and digital nomads

Foreigners Interested in Other Activities:

• Learning Muay Thai and martial arts
• Cooking classes
• Sports training
• Medical treatments
• Attending training and seminars
• Art and music exhibitions

(Currently, only a tourist visa for a 60-day stay and a single 30-day stay extension is available, so the DTV specifically addresses the needs of these groups).

Accompanying Family Members:

• Legal spouses and legitimate children under 20 years old of eligible individuals.

Financial Requirements for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Applicants must be at least 20 years old and provide financial proof or support evidence for their stay, or a guarantor with funds not less than 500,000 THB (approximately $13,650) for the entire duration of their stay in Thailand.

Benefits of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Stay Duration:

• The DTV allows a stay in Thailand for more than 180 days within a year.

Visa Fee and Validity:

• The visa fee is 10,000 THB with a validity of 5 years.

Extension Rights:

• Visa holders can extend their stay once for up to 180 days by paying an additional fee of 10,000 THB.

Visa Type Change:

• The visa type can be changed within the country, ending the current visa status.

Important Distinctions

It is important to note that the DTV visa is not the same as the Long Term Residence Visa (LTV) of Thailand, the “Work-from-Thailand” visa known as the digital nomad visa. The Digital Nomad Visa of Thailand requires applicants to have a minimum average income of $80,000 and health insurance. Additionally, internationals are required to hold a valid employment contract with a company with a minimum combined revenue of $150 million over the last three years. This makes the digital nomad visa highly selective and stringent compared to the more accessible DTV visa.

Limited Information and Ongoing Updates

As the details about the new visa are limited and it was just announced on May 28, 2024, we are closely monitoring for updates. More information will be provided once official documents are published.

Visa Extension Stays for Remote Workers to Boost Tourism

Authorities in Thailand have taken several measures to help the country’s economy by making improvements in the tourism sector. From January until May 26 this year, Thailand welcomed a total of 14.3 million tourists. The country aims to attract a total of 40 million internationals by the end of this year, with an expected revenue of approximately 3.5 trillion baht (around $95.73 billion). Recently, authorities in Thailand decided to approve longer visa stays for remote workers, as well as tourists, postgraduate students, and retirees in order to boost tourism.

At Travels & Savings | The Tax Firm for Global Citizens, we understand the intricacies of living and working abroad. This new visa could offer exciting opportunities for those looking to explore new horizons while managing their professional commitments. Stay tuned for more updates and let us assist you in making the most of your global lifestyle.

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