Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract digital nomads and remote workers.
Launched on July 15, the visa allows eligible individuals to stay and work in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry, with the visa valid for five years.
A report in DW stated that Naruchai Ninnad, deputy director-general of Thailand’s consular affairs, reported that approximately 1,200 DTV visas have been approved across 47 embassies and consulates.
The visa requires applicants to be at least 20 years old and from one of the 93 eligible countries. They must also provide proof of financial stability and a foreign employment contract.
The report added that the visa costs 10,000 Thai baht ($291) and requires proof of funds equivalent to 500,000 baht ($14,500). It also applies to those participating in activities like Muay Thai, cooking, or short-term educational courses.
The DTV program is designed to formalize work arrangements for remote workers in Thailand, where many have previously worked without legal permits.
According to the release, critics argue that the program could lead to rising rent prices and overtourism, but Ninnad stated that the visa approval process remains strict.
The DTV program is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to attract long-term visitors and boost the economy as digital nomadism grows globally.
The report noted that Thailand joins other East and Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan, in offering digital nomad visa schemes. The Philippines is also considering a similar program.
Thailand’s tourism sector, which accounted for 11.5% of the country’s GDP in 2019, is critical to economic recovery.
The country has already welcomed 21 million visitors in 2024 and expects to reach 36 million by the end of the year.
The report stated that the officials hope the DTV visa will extend tourists’ stays and increase spending in various regions.
More in this report Deutsche Welle.
