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.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA