Thailand does not just continue to be one of the most popular destinations for Russian tourists — the flow of people wishing to visit the kingdom is steadily growing. A few months ago, the executive director of the Thai Tourism Authority for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Chirawadi Khansab, announced that the country plans to receive at least 1.7 million tourists this year. Compared to last year, the number of travelers from the Russian Federation, therefore, should increase by 14-15%. It will be even easier to visit the kingdom now than before — the day before, the Thai government adopted several legislative acts at once, aimed, among other things, at Russian tourists.
On Monday, July 15, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Settha Thavisin signed a decree recognizing the temporary 60-day visa-free entry for Russian citizens as permanent. It has been introduced indefinitely — and applies to 93 countries, including China, the United States and EU countries. The authorities of the country place special emphasis on the fact that the adoption of the law should become another tool for increasing tourist flows through “soft power”.
Important: For tourists and citizens arriving in Thailand for one-time or urgent work, it is possible to extend the visa-free regime for a period of no more than 30 days.
The Thai authorities also approved the issuance of five—year visas to digital nomads – foreigners working remotely. According to the adopted law, this can be done in two ways:
● at the consulate;
● at the consular department of the Thai Embassy abroad, including by submitting an application through the portal thaievisa.go.th .
The digital nomad visa is designed for several categories of tourists, in addition to remote workers:
● Students of Muay Thai and cooking courses;
● Participants of seminars and music festivals;
● Those who plan to undergo treatment in Thailand;
● Arriving in the kingdom for further training. To apply for a digital nomad visa, you will need the following list of documents:
● The applicant’s passport. If you plan to submit an application not in your country of citizenship, then you need documents confirming your stay abroad;
● Photography;
● Financial guarantees: for example, a letter of sponsorship, a salary statement or a bank statement. The minimum security amount is 500,000 THB;
● Purpose of the visit: it is necessary to attach an employment contract or other proof of employment in your country or a portfolio confirming the remote nature of the work.
Those planning to come to Thailand for medical treatment or attend any events will need a corresponding letter. Spouses of holders of a digital nomad visa can provide a copy of a marriage certificate or a birth/adoption certificate for children together. The visa is valid for 5 years and allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days with the possibility of extension for the same period. The registration fee is 10,000 THB.
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