Thailand to reopen to foreign visitors on long-stay basis

Thailand plans to reopen the country to foreign visitors on a long-stay basis, beginning next month, confirmed deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul on Tuesday.

The cabinet ministers on Tuesday approved measures to allow foreigners to visit and stay in Thailand for a maximum of nine-month time, Traisulee said.

Foreign visitors will be allowed to stay in Thailand for three months at a time but may have their stay extended twice, according to the deputy government spokeswoman.

Each extended period will also last a three-month time so that each foreigner may stay for a maximum of nine months, she said.

Each month a maximum of 1,200 foreigners will be allowed to enter Thailand and stay, she said.

They will all have to undergo a 14-day state quarantine upon arrival to the country amid the pandemic situation.

Some 1.2 billion baht (US$38.44 million) in tourism-related revenue is expected monthly, she said.