A long-tailed boat near James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket in Thailand. File photo/AFP

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

A total of 209,085 Emiratis have gone to Thailand as tourists from 2023 to July 1, 2024.

Moreover, the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi accepts an average maximum of 150 applications for any kind of visa from both the locals and expatriates five days a week. The Royal Thai Consulate General in Dubai released a total of 11,266 tourist visas, 288 non-immigrant (business/employment and family-related) visas, and 19 official diplomatic/courtesy visas from July 2023 to June 2024.

On July 15, Bangkok Post published the May-approved Cabinet new visa scheme, “effective immediately,” affecting 93 nationalities – including GCC nationals – Emiratis, Bahrainis, Kuwaitis, Omanis, Saudis, and Qataris – to “promote tourism and encourage longer stays” in the Southeast Asian kingdom.

From documents which Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Nipa Nirannoot shared on Monday, Thailand had expanded its visa exemption policy from 57 to 93 nationals “entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism business engagements or urgent work or ad-hoc work, for up to 60 days period of stay and can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. Extension of stay is solely at the discretion of the immigration officer. Before the maximum stay of 90 days, these nationals are eligible to apply for a new type of visa in Thailand.”

Those who are solely dependent on technology and the Internet for livelihood, otherwise known as “digital nomads and freelancers” and their immediate families, may stay in Thailand and immerse in Muay Thai and Thai Cooking classes, music festivals, sport training, seminars and medical treatment, for a total of 180 days per entry, through the Destination Thailand Visa, valid for five years.

Ambassador to the UAE Sorayut Chasombat said that as per embassy records, the visa applications being received every day by the diplomatic mission, are for tourism, medical and business purposes: “There has been a rapid increase in the number of UAE residents travelling to Thailand post-COVID-19; since Thailand is a value for money destination that offers activities, for all groups of people.”

“From family holidaymakers, adventure seekers, health travellers, and people who enjoy a vibrant nightlife, Thailand is a destination that is fit for all. The Thai Embassy is proud that Thailand has become a top travel destination for people from the UAE,” he added.

Niranoot is expecting that Thailand would be the host of more foreign visitors out of the visa regulation ease; favourable as well to students.

On the visa exemptions, she clarified that like the Emiratis, Indians and Filipinos, among the top three largest expatriate communities in the UAE, could also stay in Thailand for almost 90 days: “Before the maximum stay of 90 days, they are eligible to apply for a new type of visa in Thailand.”

On the visa on arrivals, nationalities from 31 countries, up from 19, could obtain this single entry “from the immigration checkpoints on arrival for tourism purposes for a period of maximum 15 days.”

For the Non-ED Plus visa for university students taking up bachelor degree courses or post-graduate studies: “During the course of study, foreign students can depart and re-enter Thailand without the need for a re-entry permit.” The universities and institutions are responsible for the submission of visa extension applications “on behalf of the students.” Foreign students may stay for one year in the country after graduation for employment purposes, travel or participation “in other activities and are eligible to apply for a new type of visa in Thailand if employed.” They have to coordinate with the Thai Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Labour. 

As per the World Tourism Rankings 2023, Thailand was the most visited country in Asia and the Pacific Region, welcoming 28.15 million foreign guests. It was 11th globally after France, Spain, USA, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, UK, Germany, Greece and Austria.

Nirannoot enumerated the reasons for Thailand as a top destination, based on feedback: the natural tourism attractions such as the capital of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai plus the appeal of its cuisine, traditions, and festivals; the ease of visa processing such as the two-working day at the consulate general if the applicants submit all the required papers; ample business opportunities due to the country’s “growing economy and strategic location in Southeast Asia that is an attraction for business ventures;” high-quality and affordable medical treatments, cosmetic surgery, and wellness programmes spurred by “easier visa processes for medical purposes;” and, well-developed tourism facilities such as various kinds of accommodations and transportation services.