Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government Minister Mark Coulton welcomed the move to expand visa arrangements for young Thai nationals, saying it will help satisfy serious workforce demand in regional areas.

"By expanding this successful program to more young people we are helping regional areas access the workforce they need to produce and grow their economies," Minister Coulton said.

Minister Coulton said Thai nationals who undertake three months of specified work in a regional area are eligible to apply for a second Work and Holiday visa.

From January, second year visa holders can also apply for a third year WHM visa if they carry out an additional six months specified work in regional areas during their second year.

"Increasing these numbers, and offering the third year stay option means regional areas will be able to find more workers for a range of industries and boost tourism in regional Australia," he said.

"Businesses throughout regional Australia struggle to fill the positions they have vacant and by expanding this program, we are helping alleviate labour strains so regional communities can get on with what they do best - producing the wealth our nation thrives on."

Australia currently has Work and Holiday arrangements in place with 44 countries.

More information on the Work and Holiday visa program is available at www.homeaffairs.gov.au

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