Thailand unveils special visa to attract long-staying tourists

BANGKOK: Thailand is considering a new plan to reopen its borders to allow foreign tourists to stay in the country for 90 days, and up to 270 days under a special tourist visa scheme (STV).

According to the Bangkok Post, the STV is expected to generate up to 12 billion baht a year.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o Cha said the cabinet had approved the STV, which targeted long-staying tourists who wanted to travel extensively around the country or use Thailand’s healthcare facilities.

Prayuth said the scheme was a possible answer to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and was expected to become effective next month and last until November next year.

“I would like to call on Thai people to support this project because it can contribute to the economy.”

He said those awarded the special visa would be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine at a hospital or certified alternative state quarantine hotel upon their arrival.

Deputy government spokesman Tr ai sure eT a isaranakul said the STV had been proposed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

The scheme aimed to attract quality visitors, and boost the tourism industry and related businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

Traisuree said the government forecast that the scheme required one to three flights a week for STV tourists, generating an extra one billion baht every month.

The quoted Traisuree as saying that long-staying visitors would be keen to travel to Thailand and undergo quarantine due to its success in bringing the coronavirus under control.

She said the special visa would be issued only to foreigners who agreed to undertake the mandatory 14-day quarantine and comply with the country’s disease control measures.

They must also have proof of their long-stay plans such as paying for accommodation or evidence of ownership of condominiums, where they will stay after completing their quarantine, plus a Covid-19-free certificate and sufficient travel and health insurance.

Traisuree said the visa would last for 90 days and cost 2,000 baht, but it could be extended twice, each for a further 90 days.

Those interested would need to apply to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Meanwhile, 421 people who came into close contact with a Uzbek football player infected by Covid-19 have been tested and most of them have been confirmed negative, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).

The 29-year-old football player at Buriram United tested positive on Sept 10 after finishing his 14day state quarantine.

DDC has identified 508 people who came into close contact with the player.

Altogether, 100 people were identified as being at high risk of infection and 421 were tested. Negative results were recorded for 382 people, while 39 are awaiting results.