Thailand now allows digital nomads to work for up to five years
Calling all digital nomads! The government of Thailand is now allowing self-employed, remote workers to work in the country for up to five years.
In a report by Reuters, lawmakers in the country have now given a thumbs-up for longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students, and remote workers in an attempt to boost its tourism economic struggles.
The extended visa, which will take effect starting in June, allows travelers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days. This is an increase from the previous 57 countries.
In the case of digital nomads, or someone who does not have a permanent office or home and works from different countries, their visas will be extended up to five years, from 60 days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days.
Foreign students are meanwhile allowed to stay for an additional year upon graduation.
The move comes as tourism is considered a "key driver of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy and a big source of employment," according to Reuters.
While officials have yet to announce the new requirements that you'll need to prepare for the digital nomad visa, you can start applying for one by making an appointment at a Thai Embassy or applying online through the official Thai e-visa website.
Thailand is currently targeting around 40 million tourists for the full year. They have already recorded 14.3 million travelers from January to May 26 this year.