The popular Southeast Asian destination has recently launched a new five-year visa aimed at remote workers and other travelers looking to stay in the country for extended periods.

According to a statement from the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) will allow travelers to stay in the country for up to 180 days per visit, with multiple entries over a five-year period. This means they will need to leave the country at the end of the 180 days but can return and restart the period upon re-entry.

The government’s statement specifies that the visa is available to various categories of remote workers, including digital nomads and freelancers. It is also intended for those wishing to visit for activities such as Muay Thai training, Thai cooking classes, or extended medical treatments.

To apply, travelers must provide proof of having a minimum of 500,000 baht in funds, along with documents supporting the purpose of their visit, such as a letter from a medical center or proof of employment outside of Thailand.

The visa, which costs 10,000 baht, does not allow applicants to seek employment in Thailand.

The Thai government has also expanded the list of countries and territories with visa-free access for short-term tourism and business, from 57 to 93, and extended the stay period from 30 to 60 days.

Additionally, the number of countries and territories whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival increased from 19 to 31.

According to government data, Thailand received 17.5 million foreign tourists in the first half of this year, a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.

Experts say that the new measures aim to do more than just attract more visitors. “If you look at the initiatives and campaigns Thailand has implemented over the last two years to increase visitor numbers, they have been very successful,” says Gary Bowerman, founder of Check-in Asia, a tourism-focused research and marketing firm.

“Thailand leads Southeast Asia in terms of visitor arrivals. However, the problem — and it’s a big one — is that while many visitors are coming, the average spend per visitor is relatively low.”

Bowerman adds that pressure on resources is also increasing. “The incremental value of simply having more and more people isn’t having the desired effect, so they need to find ways to really increase the length of stay and the spend per person,” he says, noting that most international arrivals to Thailand are regional travelers visiting for short periods.

“A lot of people come in, move quickly, and leave. This puts increasing pressure on infrastructure, airports, and transport networks. They need to slow that pace down.”

For this reason, he explains, they are trying to attract long-term visitors, such as digital nomads — “simply because this puts less pressure on entry points and transportation systems.”

According to the Prime Minister’s Office statement, the new measures, in effect since July 15, aim to promote tourism and boost the economy.

Thailand is not alone in its efforts to attract long-term travelers. Olivier Ponti, director of intelligence and marketing at Forward Keys, a travel data company, highlights that more people than ever are seeking opportunities for extended vacations, and countries are paying attention to this demand.

“A global trend we’ve observed in the post-Covid-19 period is that travelers are staying longer at destinations,” he says. “While arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region are still 23% below 2019 levels, longer stays (two weeks or more) are only 8% below pre-pandemic levels.”

Many destinations have already introduced new visas to accommodate this rise in remote work, with flexible work policies making it easier for people to combine work and leisure.

“Particularly, visas that allow multiple entries, have longer validity periods, and allow family members to accompany the visa holder are proving effective in attracting long-term tourists,” says Ponti.

Other factors also influence a destination’s attractiveness, such as quality of life, cost of living, sustainability practices, and tax benefits, among others.

In Thailand’s case, Ponti believes the new long-term visa will likely be adopted by long-distance travelers, who tend to stay longer than regional travelers from the Asia-Pacific.

“Currently, the proportion of long-stay bookings (more than 14 nights) is around 25%, while medium-stay bookings (6-13 nights) represent 45%,” Ponti notes, based on flight booking data.

“These measures are likely to increase Thailand’s appeal for long-term visitors, potentially raising these proportions over time. By positioning itself as a destination that values and facilitates extended stays, Thailand can benefit not only from an increase in visitor numbers but also in terms of long-term economic and sustainability impact.”

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. Here are some key highlights about the country:

Thailand is situated on the Indochina Peninsula and shares borders with Myanmar to the west, Laos to the north and east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south. The country has a tropical climate, with three main seasons: the hot season (March to June), the rainy season (June to October), and the cool season (November to February). The weather can vary significantly across regions.

Thailand has a rich history that spans millennia. It was known as Siam until 1939, when it officially changed its name to Thailand. The country was never colonized by Western powers, which contributed to its unique culture. Thailand is famous for its cultural traditions, including the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year), the Lantern Festival (Yi Peng), and the Loi Krathong Festival. Thai cuisine, known for its spicy and aromatic flavors, is widely enjoyed around the world.

Thai food is renowned for its combination of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Famous dishes include pad thai, tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), and green curry. Street food is also a major attraction, offering a variety of delicious dishes at affordable prices.

The Thai people are known for their hospitality and courtesy, often described as the “Land of Smiles.” The country has modern infrastructure, with a well-developed transport network, including international airports, roads, and an efficient public transportation system.

Thailand is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for every type of traveler, from adventurers and culture lovers to those seeking relaxation on its paradisiacal beaches.