The minister continued by saying that if Thailand put together a transparent visa strategy and marketed it, the nation could become a preferred choice for long-stay tourism. She added that she planned to discuss the possibility with the national Immigration and Security divisions.
Malaysia currently offers 10-year visas which have so far proved an attractive proposition for retirees. Analysts claim a cohesive strategy to draw long-stay tourists to Thailand could see numbers rise by up to 10 per cent a year.
Over the years, various advocates have recommended the introduction of longer stay visas for Thailand but they have never been launched. At present, retirees and other expats remain in Thailand by extending their permissions to stay at in-country immigration offices.
Thailand tourism minister suggests five year visa option
News in Asia
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister has suggested the introduction of a five-year visa to encourage overseas visitors to stay longer. Khaosod reported that Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul believes offering a long-stay visa would also enable Thailand to compete with neighbouring nations for this genre of visitor.