Thailand has introduced new visa for foreigners who inspire to train in the nation’s native martial arts in a bid to promote the country’s tourism, Visa Guide reported on Monday.
The Muay Thai education visa will allow tourists to study the sport for a total of 90 days, compared with 60 days of the previous visa.
The announcement was made by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as part of the initiative to promote cultural tourism beyond the country’s cuisine, nightlife and beaches.
However, the official launching date of the new visa has yet to be public.
The applicants will be required to demonstrate they have already begun Muay Thai training and will have to live and stay at training camps certified by the Sports Authority of Thailand during their entire stay in the country.
Phuket city is popular among foreign tourists interested in health tourism, particularly Soi Ta-iad in tambon Chalong of Muang district, according to the Bangkok Post.