CORONAVIRUS/Thailand to extend visa-free stays for visitors, including those from Taiwan

Bangkok, Sept. 20 (CNA) Starting next month, Taiwanese tourists and others who are permitted to enter Thailand visa-free or with visa on arrival will be able to stay 30 days or more, in accordance with a proposal that was approved Tuesday by the country's Cabinet.

The decision to extend visa-free and visa on arrival stays was aimed at expediting Thailand's economic recovery, as concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic continue to ease, the Cabinet said.

When the new policy takes effect Oct. 1, visitors from 18 countries and territories, including Taiwan, will be able to remain in Thailand for up to 30 days, as those places currently have visa-free or visa on arrival status for stays of 15 days maximum, according to the Thailand Cabinet.

Meanwhile, tourists from another 56 countries, who are currently allowed visa-free entry for a maximum 30 days, will have the option to stay for up to 45 days, also starting next month, the Cabinet said, adding that the new policy is valid until the end of March 2023.

The proposal was put forth by the Tourism Authority of Thailand with the aim of attracting more visitors during the upcoming tourism high season, which normally runs from October to March.

It was approved by the Thailand's Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration on Aug. 19 then sent to the Cabinet for final approval.