In Thailand's effort to promote the tourism industry, which has struggled from the COVID-19 pandemic, it will open its doors to more international visitors.

Deputy Government spokesmen Ratchada Thanadirek has approved a proposal to give tourists from all countries a special tourist visa (STV) for long-stay stays.

Prior to this, STV only permitted visitors to access the kingdom from the low-risk COVID-19 countries.

She nevertheless said a relatively low number of foreigners entering the kingdom.

“It is lower than our expectation. About 825 tourists from 29 countries visited the kingdom. Only six yachts docked in Thailand,“ she said at a press conference here.

Ratchada said all visitors to foreign countries should comply with the STV rules and regulations, including the compulsory quarantine of 14 days upon arrival.

Foreign tourists may stay up to nine months in the Kingdom under the STV which began in late October.

Upon arrival they would have to go through a 14-day quarantine at state alternative quarantine facilities (hotel) and receive health benefits covering a total of $100,000 for COVID-19 treatment.