KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand is planning to introduce a new special 90-day visa for travellers in an effort to promote the country's tourism industry as well as promote the country's Muay Thai or Thai Boxing as a cultural heritage worldwide.
The plan was announced by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on his official X account.
The new visa gives travellers an extra 30 days from the normal 60-day visa currently available to foreigners.
In the post, Srettha said the country is also planning to extend the special 90-day visa to other Thai cultural heritage such as Thai dance, music and food.
"The Thai government and I are ready to support the 'Soft Power' of Thailand. Giving a special 90-day visa (from the normal 60-day visa) to people interested in learning Muay Thai is just a small beginning of the government's desired policy to stimulate the Thai economy by using Thai cultural heritage as an export to the whole world."
"We are not only planning for special visas for Muay Thai but other 'Soft Powers such as Thai dance, Thai music, Thai food cooking lessons and more," said Srettha.
The prime minister's advisor Pimol Srivikorn said the government will set a standard level to be attained at the Muay Thai classes.
Pimol, who is also the Thai government's subcommittee for driving sports-related activities chairman, added that the certification for Muay Thai teachers will also be standardised so the national self-defence art can be accurately disseminated around the world.
However, the Thai government has yet to announce when the new visa will be implemented.