Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries and territories as it seeks to revitalise its tourism industry.
Visitors can stay in the South-East Asian nation for up to 60 days under the new scheme that took effect on Monday,
Previously, passport holders from 57 countries were allowed to enter without a visa.
Tourism is a key pillar of the Thai economy, but it has not fully recovered from the pandemic.
Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourists arrivals in the first six months of 2024, up 35% from the same period last year, according to official data. However, the numbers pale in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.
Most of the visitors were from China, Malaysia and India.
Tourism revenue during the same period came in at 858 billion baht ($23.6bn; £18.3bn), less than a quarter of the government's target.
Millions of tourists flock to Thailand every year for its golden temples, white sand beaches, picturesque mountains and vibrant night life.
The revised visa-free rules are part of a broader plan to boost tourism.
Also on Monday, Thailand introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers, that allows holders to stay for up to 180 days each year.

The country will also allow visiting students, who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand, to stay for one year after graduation to find a job or travel.
In June, authorities announced an extension of a waiver on hoteliers' operating fees for two more years. They also scrapped a proposed tourism fee for visitors flying into the country.
However some stakeholders are concerned that the country's infrastructure may not be able to keep up with travellers' demands.
“If more people are coming, it means the country as a whole... has to prepare our resources to welcome them," said Kantapong Thananuangroj, president of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association.
"If not, [the tourists] may not be impressed with the experience they have in Thailand and we may not get a second chance," he said.
Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said he foresees a "bottleneck in air traffic as the incoming flights may not increase in time to catch up with the demands of the travellers".
Some people have also raised safety concerns after rumours that tourists have been kidnapped and sent across the border to work in scam centres in Myanmar or Cambodia.
A fatal shooting in Bangkok's most famous shopping mall last year has also caused concern among visitors.
Latest Stories
-
International Women’s Day 2025: DWM calls for urgent action to accelerate Gender Equality
29 minutes -
Agalga, Ntim Fordjour lead Parliament’s Defence & Interior Committee
1 hour -
MTN Ghana champions women’s empowerment at National Women’s Summit 2025
8 hours -
Volta Council of State rep donates motorcycles to support journalists in the region
9 hours -
Cabinet approves construction of second gas processing plant
10 hours -
Whitray Junior Tennis Open 2025 begins in Accra
11 hours -
Judith Adjobah Blay confirmed as Ghana Gas Ag. MD; Robert Lartey elevated to Deputy MD
12 hours -
Man to be executed in US by firing squad
13 hours -
Several dead after UN helicopter shot at in South Sudan
13 hours -
Mahama designates Interior Minister to oversee National Security
13 hours -
Prosperity Vision Party launched to challenge Ghana’s political duopoly
13 hours -
Michael Essien is the greatest Ghanaian to ever play in the Premier League – Semenyo
14 hours -
Heal KATH Project: Patients readying to receive care at two upgraded wards
14 hours -
AGA rolls out its first All-Women Apprenticeship Programme in Obuasi
14 hours -
Accelerate action: Ghana champions women entrepreneurship in electric mobility on International Women’s Day
14 hours