On 10 February 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet formally reviewed and endorsed progress on the country’s visa reform program, first introduced in 2024 to reinforce tourism and stimulate economic recovery. While most of the reforms have already been rolled out, the latest meeting served to consolidate them under a clearer policy direction and signal that refinements may be introduced—particularly to the 60-day visa exemption, which has faced instances of misuse.

According to Deputy Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Aiyarint Panrit, the Cabinet approved updated visa guidelines intended to strengthen Thailand’s appeal as an international destination while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.

Rather than marking a dramatic policy shift, the February review represents a continuation and political reaffirmation of measures progressively implemented over the past two years. The objective was to confirm achievements to date, streamline procedures, and define future priorities for managing arrivals and facilitating travel.

60-Day Visa Exemption Remains a Core Feature

A central element of the reform is the 60-day visa exemption, in place since July 2024, which allows passport holders from 93 countries and territories to enter Thailand without a visa for tourism or short-term business. Visitors may also request a 30-day extension during their stay.

The Cabinet confirmed that the scheme will remain in effect but acknowledged operational concerns linked to its expanded duration.

The Visa on Arrival (VoA) system also continues to operate for travelers from 31 countries at designated entry points. Authorities are currently assessing a possible expansion that would add eight more eligible nationalities.

New Visa Types Reflect Changing Travel Trends

Thailand’s updated visa framework also reflects broader global shifts in mobility and work patterns.

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was introduced to attract remote workers and international professionals who wish to combine employment with longer stays. The category responds to the growing popularity of flexible work arrangements and “workcation” lifestyles.

Similarly, the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa permits certain foreign students to pursue academic programs while engaging in limited employment, enhancing both educational opportunities and economic participation.

Together, these initiatives aim to broaden the range of visitors and residents contributing to Thailand’s economy.

Streamlining and Digitalization of Procedures

Administrative simplification has been another priority. In August 2025, authorities reduced 17 non-immigrant visa classifications to seven main categories, making the system more transparent and easier to navigate.

At the same time, Thailand expanded its e-Visa services worldwide as of January 2025, enabling applicants to complete visa applications online through Thai embassies and consulates without attending in person. This shift represents a significant step toward modernizing the country’s consular processes.

The launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in May 2025 further strengthened digital border management. Replacing the previously proposed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the TDAC requires travelers to submit entry information online within 72 hours before arrival. The system is designed to speed up processing at immigration checkpoints while improving data monitoring.

Closer Scrutiny of Visa Exemption Misuse

Although the overall strategy seeks to maintain Thailand’s openness and economic dynamism, officials have acknowledged that the extended 60-day visa exemption has created challenges.

Authorities have documented cases of individuals exploiting the longer stay period by engaging in unauthorized work or making repeated back-to-back entries to prolong their presence in the country. Such practices have complicated enforcement and prompted concerns about regulatory gaps.

Government representatives have previously indicated that adjustments could be introduced if necessary, including shortening the permitted stay or tightening entry requirements. The Cabinet reiterated that all options remain under review to ensure that the system supports economic growth without undermining national security or labor market stability.

To address these concerns, the Prime Minister established a dedicated committee last October to evaluate immigration policies more closely. The committee has been tasked with analyzing the impact of the visa exemption program and recommending corrective measures where needed, whether through stronger monitoring, enhanced enforcement, or revised eligibility rules.

At the same time, authorities are reassessing long-stay visa conditions for foreign retirees, with the dual objective of attracting financially secure residents and maintaining effective regulatory safeguards.

Overall, the government’s latest review highlights a balanced approach: sustaining Thailand’s reputation as an accessible and welcoming destination while reinforcing oversight to ensure long-term economic and social stability.

Thai Airways International is set to relaunch nonstop daily flights between Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) on July 1, 2026, marking the carrier's return to the Dutch market after nearly 28 years.

The service will utilize modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft as part of Thai Airways' Northern Summer 2026 schedule, with bookings now open following an announcement in early 2026.

This revival restores a historic long-haul link between Southeast Asia and Europe, last operated by Thai Airways in 1998 before the airline withdrew from the Netherlands.

The move aligns with Thai Airways' strategy to expand its European network amid post-restructuring growth, boosting tourism, business travel, and cultural ties between Thailand and the Netherlands while enhancing competition on the route.

By adding this daily connection, Thai Airways aims to strengthen overall Thailand-Europe connectivity, complementing partnerships like codeshares with carriers such as TAP Air Portugal for broader reach.

The resumption reflects confidence in demand from the Benelux region and supports the airline's long-haul ambitions.

flydubai has announced the launch of a new double-daily service to Bangkok, further strengthening its footprint in Thailand and increasing its total operations to the country to 28 weekly flights.

The new route will commence on 15 September 2026, operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The addition of Bangkok marks the airline’s second destination in Thailand, complementing its existing service to Krabi.

With this expansion, flydubai continues to enhance its network in Southeast Asia, which also includes destinations such as Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. The carrier’s growing regional presence reflects sustained passenger demand for travel between Dubai and key leisure and business markets across Asia.

Don Mueang International Airport, located north of central Bangkok, serves as one of the Thai capital’s two international gateways. Its strategic location provides convenient access for both corporate and leisure travellers visiting Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Commenting on the launch, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said:

“Thailand continues to be a highly popular destination for both leisure and business travel. The introduction of our double-daily Bangkok service reflects strong and consistent demand across our network. Operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International and under our codeshare partnership with Emirates, passengers will benefit from seamless connections via Dubai to destinations across the GCC, Europe and other international markets.”

The new service further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. flydubai’s network now extends to more than 135 destinations, offering customers expanded travel options and convenient one-stop connectivity.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at flydubai, added:

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Thailand with the launch of double-daily flights to Bangkok. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board and providing a comfortable and reliable travel experience in both Economy and Business Class.”

As part of its continued investment in customer experience, flydubai offers thoughtfully designed cabins across both classes. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, internationally inspired dining options and a wide selection of inflight entertainment available through the airline’s onboard system.

Flight Schedule (All Times Local)

From 15 September 2026, flydubai will operate the following services between Dubai and Bangkok:

• FZ1335: DXB 11:00 – DMK 20:45

• FZ1336: DMK 23:50 – DXB 03:20

• FZ1345: DXB 01:20 – DMK 11:10

• FZ1346: DMK 12:10 – DXB 15:40

Fares

• Return Business Class fares from DXB to DMK start from AED 9,000, while Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500.

• From DMK to DXB, return Business Class fares start from THB 64,000, and Economy Class Lite fares from THB 22,000.

Flights are available for booking via flydubai.com, the official flydubai mobile application, the UAE Contact Centre, flydubai travel shops and authorised travel partners.

Xiamen Airlines will resume its direct flights between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in Fujian and Mactan–Cebu International Airport in the Philippines starting 29 March 2026. The twice-weekly service will operate every Tuesday and Saturday using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring eight business-class and 162 economy seats. The flight takes just under three hours.

The move, announced on 14 February, follows recent bilateral talks that granted new traffic rights and improved ground-handling support ahead of the summer season. The reinstated route reconnects Quanzhou—a major manufacturing hub for shoes, garments, and stone products—with Cebu, the commercial heart of the Visayas region. It’s expected to make business travel and supply-chain visits much easier for companies that previously relied on indirect routes via Xiamen or Manila.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the restart, calling it a “new chapter” in people-to-people exchange. The Chinese Embassy in Manila also confirmed that Xiamen Airlines plans to increase flights on its Xiamen–Manila route to meet stronger demand. The announcement comes after the Philippines introduced a one-year visa-free entry scheme allowing Chinese citizens to stay up to 14 days for tourism or business.

For corporate travelers, the renewed direct link offers a more convenient route between Fujian’s export clusters and Cebu’s logistics, repair, and electronics sectors. It also supports greater accessibility to Mindanao, where several Chinese companies are currently involved in infrastructure projects. Filipino travelers should note that China has yet to introduce a reciprocal visa-free policy, so visas remain required except for short transits of up to 24 hours.

The service will also provide around five tonnes of cargo space per flight, which is expected to benefit e-commerce and high-value shipments like electronics and fashion samples. Freight forwarders are advised to secure space early, as the route typically maintains load factors above 80% during peak export periods.

Oman Air is set to introduce a new nonstop service linking Dubai with Salalah, beginning on July 3, 2026. The route will operate three times weekly throughout the year, further enhancing air connectivity to the Dhofar Governorate and offering greater travel convenience for both residents and international tourists ahead of the much-anticipated khareef season.

The addition of the new service reflects the growing demand for travel between Salalah and Dubai, while reinforcing Oman Air’s ongoing efforts to expand its domestic network and strengthen regional air corridors within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Con Korfiatis described the new route as a strategic step in advancing the airline’s role in national development. “Launching the Dubai–Salalah service highlights our continuous investment in enhancing regional connectivity in line with Oman’s broader economic and tourism ambitions,” he said.

“We’re responding to strong market demand by increasing capacity and creating more travel opportunities that support tourism and business growth across Dhofar. Oman Air remains a key enabler of connectivity and economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.”

Consistent with its growth strategy, Oman Air continues to scale up operations on key domestic routes. Seat capacity to Salalah has increased by 20% in January 2026 compared to the same period last year, following a 15% expansion during the 2025 khareef season to handle the surge in visitors. The airline also launched its first direct charter between Moscow and Salalah, expected to attract over 7,000 travelers from Russia and contribute strongly to Dhofar’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

In addition, Oman Air plans further network and schedule enhancements, including expanded services during Ramadan, to provide passengers with even more flexibility and travel options throughout the year.

Tickets for the new Dubai–Salalah route will be available from Monday, February 16, 2026, through www.omanair.com and the Oman Air mobile application.

AirAsia X is launching new routes from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and on to London Gatwick starting June 26, 2026. This move positions Bahrain as the airline's first global hub outside Asia.

The service connects Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe via Bahrain's prime location and strong aviation setup. Bahrain-to-London becomes AirAsia X's second Fifth Freedom route, helping it tap into worldwide low-cost long-haul travel.

AirAsia X sees Bahrain as a springboard for growth, with opportunities for transit traffic and partnerships in cargo and maintenance. It fits the airline's push to link regions efficiently while keeping fares affordable.

Tony Fernandes, Capital A CEO and AirAsia X advisor, called it a key growth step. "Bahrain lets us link Asia, the Middle East, and Europe better, plus scale up cargo like Teleport after its $50 million raise," he said. He plans deeper ties with local airports and tourism groups.

Bahrain's Finance and National Economy Minister, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, welcomed the deal. "It boosts jobs in aviation, tourism, and logistics, plus skills for Bahrainis in this growing field," he noted. Bahrain aims to solidify its role as a regional connector.