According to statistics, the United States and China have had the most number of visitors applying for Thailand’s 10-year visa since the program started on September 1. 

More than 1,600 people have registered for a new tourist visa, according to Narit Therdstreerakul, secretary general of Thailand’s Board of Investments (BOI). Up to now, the majority of applications have come from the US, China, the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively.

Thailand’s new long-term resident visa program will last for ten years. This is regarded as an outstanding effort by the country to attract international tourists and investors in order to boost the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic.

International visitors must have at least $1 million in assets, a minimum annual personal income of $80,000 for the previous two years, and invest at least $500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai assets to be eligible for the 10-year visa program.

Furthermore, this visa program is eligible to retirees who are 50 years old or older and have a consistent income of at least $80,000 per year at the time of application.

Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia are currently attracting international tourists by offering golden visas with stay periods of up to 20 years.

Vietnam has stopped multiple-entry visas for three months or more after reopening on March 15, and currently only provides 30-day, single entry visas.

Thanks to magnificent natural beauty, pleasant people, and numerous tourism activities, many international travelers see Vietnam as an ideal retirement destination. However, severe visa restrictions currently make it difficult for Vietnam to attract them.