Thailand Launches Visa-Free Policy to Boost European Tourism

Beginner Level | May 22, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

Thailand Visa-Free Tourism Policy Welcomes European Travelers

Thailand has started a new visa-free policy to attract more tourists from Europe. Beginning in July 2024, travelers from 93 countries—including all European Union nations—can visit Thailand for up to 60 days without needing a visa. The goal is to support the tourism industry, which has been recovering from years of slow travel due to global challenges. This new Thailand visa-free tourism policy is expected to significantly boost arrival numbers.

How the Thailand Visa-Free Tourism Policy Works

Under this policy, visitors do not need to apply for a visa before entering the country. They simply arrive, enjoy their stay for up to 60 days, and leave when the time is up. This makes it easier and faster for people to travel and enjoy popular Thai destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The Thailand visa-free tourism policy is especially helpful for travelers planning extended holidays.

New Digital Rules for Arrival

To make the travel experience even smoother, Thailand is also launching a new Digital Arrival Card system. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must fill out the form online at least three days before they arrive. This replaces the old paper arrival card and helps immigration officers process travelers faster.

Government Concerns and Adjustments

While the visa-free plan is helping tourism, the government is also watching for problems. Some people have stayed too long or worked illegally. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has asked officials to review the system to keep it safe and fair for everyone.

Why It’s Good News for Travelers and Thailand

Tourism is a big part of Thailand’s economy. By making it easier to visit, Thailand hopes to welcome more guests, support hotels and businesses, and show the world its culture. For travelers, the visa-free policy means lower costs, easier planning, and longer stays in a beautiful country.

Vocabulary

Visa (noun): Permission to enter a country for a specific time.
Example: You don’t need a visa to visit Thailand for 60 days.
Tourism (noun): Travel for fun, especially to visit other places.
Example: Tourism is important to Thailand’s economy.
Policy (noun): A rule or plan made by a government.
Example: The new visa-free policy began in 2024.
Arrival (noun): The act of coming to a place.
Example: You must fill out the digital arrival card before your arrival.
Immigration (noun): The system that checks people entering a country.
Example: Immigration officers checked my passport.
Stay (noun): The time a person spends in a place.
Example: Visitors can enjoy a 60-day stay in Thailand.
Economy (noun): A country’s money system and jobs.
Example: Tourism helps grow Thailand’s economy.
Digital (adjective): Using computers or the internet.
Example: The digital form replaces paper cards.
Review (verb): To look at something again to improve or check it.
Example: The government is reviewing the visa system.
Unauthorized (adjective): Not allowed by the rules.
Example: Working without permission is unauthorized.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the new visa-free policy in Thailand?
Which countries are included in the new rule?
What is the purpose of the Digital Arrival Card?
Why is the Thai government reviewing the policy?
How might this policy help Thailand’s economy?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Have you ever visited Thailand or would you like to?
What are the benefits of visa-free travel?
How can countries balance tourism and immigration control?
What are some top tourist spots in your country?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using digital systems instead of paper forms when traveling?

Related Idiom

“Roll out the red carpet”

Meaning: To welcome someone with special treatment.

Example: Thailand is rolling out the red carpet for European tourists.

📢 Want helpful English articles and speaking practice every week? Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter at allaboutenglishmastery.com/newsletter!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips.

Sources: