Pattaya Supports Thailand's Visa-Free Stay Reduction

All 93 countries or just certain ones? The devil 👿 is in the details but 0 mention of the countries or blanket policy in the post

Well, letting in the Russians, Indians, Chinese, Arabs etc. willy-nilly, is just asking for it on the crime and problem front... you reap what you sow, I'm afraid, and even Stevie Wonder could have see the outcome on this one. Facepalm.

45 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

with Pattaya officials supporting the move due to decreasing tourist arrivals

This is the most retarded thing I've ever read.

It's like announcing that visitor numbers are falling so in an effort increase the number of visitors they make it harder to visit.

For those interested, the 93 counties are listed in an article from The Nation, on May 20 at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40066453

While many are critical of this decision, it must be remembered that it is merely a return to pre-extension visa conditions.

You still get 30-day Visa-Free Entry, and if you do want to stay longer you can apply online for a 60-day Visa (that can be extended to 90-days).

If it's any consolation, just remember that there are a further 102 countries whose citizens must apply for a visa regardless of how long they wish to visit Thailand!

8 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

Well, letting in the Russians, Indians, Chinese, Arabs etc. willy-nilly, is just asking for it on the crime and problem front... you reap what you sow

Add the British to the top of that list. Count the times their nationality appears in crime or self harm stories and there's your leader. Is it reasonable to keep all of them out? No more so than painting the others on your list with the same brush.

I wonder why Thailand doesn’t target snow birds specifically. They seem to be a decent sized demographic group to me both in terms of number and economic benefit.

And yet we seldom see them mentioned by TAT as a target market. In many of the southern states in USA snow birds are coveted and Cuba virtually built its Varadayo resort region off the back of them.

The visa requirements would need to be drawn up such that criminal elements are kept out, perhaps by having a background check as one of the requirements, but surely sufficient safeguards could be built in.

Thanks Pattaya. Out with the riffraff or at least more control💗

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This adjustment aims to curb illegal activities and enhance tourism revenue.

Of course, Pattaya will be more attractive for normal visitors with money, both individuals and families, if the town can get rid of criminals and misbehaving idiots. I used to live in Pattaya for years but moved to Bangkok as it is much safer. Would I consider moving back? Yes maybe, but only if law and order is restored.

8 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

For those interested, the 93 counties are listed in an article from The Nation, on May 20 at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40066453

While many are critical of this decision, it must be remembered that it is merely a return to pre-extension visa conditions.

You still get 30-day Visa-Free Entry, and if you do want to stay longer you can apply online for a 60-day Visa (that can be extended to 90-days).

If it's any consolation, just remember that there are a further 102 countries whose citizens must apply for a visa regardless of how long they wish to visit Thailand!

I would agree with you in general. However, I have 2 remarks:

1 - I tried several times to renew my account or create a new account on the thaievisa.go.th website. Whenever I managed to pass the very annoying CAPTCHA screening - which resets every time I made an error with the email adress or the password - I was given the message that an email would be sent to me, which I should check out in order to proceed : I never received an email!

2 - The ever continuing back and forth of the visa-free rules (endlessly fiddling with just about everything seems to be a deep cultural thing in Thailand) is like putting plasters on top of old plasters on top of even older plasters ..... or fresh paint on top of old paint on top of even older paint. All of which does not adress the root problem, an injury or a stain on the wall or, in the present case problems Thailand experiences with some foreigners not behaving properly. It‘s superficial and ineffective. It‘s a fig leaf to disguise a problem while doing little to address the underlying issue.

14 minutes ago, gejohesch said:

I would agree with you in general. However, I have 2 remarks:

1 - I tried several times to renew my account or create a new account on the thaievisa.go.th website. Whenever I managed to pass the very annoying CAPTCHA screening - which resets every time I made an error with the email adress or the password - I was given the message that an email would be sent to me, which I should check out in order to proceed : I never received an email!

2 - The ever continuing back and forth of the visa-free rules (endlessly fiddling with just about everything seems to be a deep cultural thing in Thailand) is like putting plasters on top of old plasters on top of even older plasters ..... or fresh paint on top of old paint on top of even older paint. All of which does not adress the root problem, an injury or a stain on the wall or, in the present case problems Thailand experiences with some foreigners not behaving properly. It‘s superficial and ineffective. It‘s a fig leaf to disguise a problem while doing little to address the underlying issue.

As you mentioned: little efforts, but: the first step is always the hardest

5 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

I wonder why Thailand doesn’t target snow birds specifically. They seem to be a decent sized demographic group to me both in terms of number and economic benefit.

And yet we seldom see them mentioned by TAT as a target market. In many of the southern states in USA snow birds are coveted and Cuba virtually built its Varadayo resort region off the back of them.

The visa requirements would need to be drawn up such that criminal elements are kept out, perhaps by having a background check as one of the requirements, but surely sufficient safeguards could be built in.

Your first sentence doesn’t make sense ! It’s not the older generation snowbirds that are creating hell in the beach resorts. They are all on the golf scene, eating in the better restaurants, very many having invested in nice condos. You don’t see them rolling round soi six drunk or drugged , or terrorizing people with their bike gangs. They don’t deserve to be targeted.

It’s in your face obvious the ones that need to be discouraged from coming to Thailand, thats easy to do, stop fine deport. The word will get round faster than lightening. Police and authorities ought to get tougher and fix the problem.

Nuff said.

So if 60 day tourists aren't spendy enough for the powers that be, what do they think of EXPATS? You know people that have the nerve to do things like cook their owns meals, etc. The nerve of them! Do they have work permits to buy groceries and brew their own coffee!

3 hours ago, gejohesch said:

I would agree with you in general. However, I have 2 remarks:

1 - I tried several times to renew my account or create a new account on the thaievisa.go.th website. Whenever I managed to pass the very annoying CAPTCHA screening - which resets every time I made an error with the email adress or the password - I was given the message that an email would be sent to me, which I should check out in order to proceed : I never received an email!

2 - The ever continuing back and forth of the visa-free rules (endlessly fiddling with just about everything seems to be a deep cultural thing in Thailand) is like putting plasters on top of old plasters on top of even older plasters ..... or fresh paint on top of old paint on top of even older paint. All of which does not adress the root problem, an injury or a stain on the wall or, in the present case problems Thailand experiences with some foreigners not behaving properly. It‘s superficial and ineffective. It‘s a fig leaf to disguise a problem while doing little to address the underlying issue.

1 I have to say, that is something you are doing wrong! I just logged into my account, not used since 2023 and it took me straight into my account. I let Chrome remember my password so just have to do the simple Captcha - how is that "very annoying"? If you're doing it on a phone or tablet, the experience may be different.

2 There you're right but don't forget that the 60 day visa free entry was only introduced after the Covid nonsense i.e. in early 2020 I had to get a visa for my 60 day trip.

But, as you say, changing details like this is not going to change the behaviour of the mindless morons that undermine the rest of us.

1 hour ago, geisha said:

Your first sentence doesn’t make sense ! It’s not the older generation snowbirds that are creating hell in the beach resorts. They are all on the golf scene, eating in the better restaurants, very many having invested in nice condos. You don’t see them rolling round soi six drunk or drugged , or terrorizing people with their bike gangs. They don’t deserve to be targeted.

It’s in your face obvious the ones that need to be discouraged from coming to Thailand, thats easy to do, stop fine deport. The word will get round faster than lightening. Police and authorities ought to get tougher and fix the problem.

Nuff said.

"And yet we seldom see them mentioned by TAT as a target market."

I think wensiensheng meant that snowbirds should be targetted as a valued group of visitors to Thailand.

21 hours ago, ukrules said:

This is the most retarded thing I've ever read.

It's like announcing that visitor numbers are falling so in an effort increase the number of visitors they make it harder to visit.

Yes it’s called THAINESS. You and me would call complete stupidity. 🤷🏼

21 hours ago, ukrules said:

This is the most retarded thing I've ever read.

It's like announcing that visitor numbers are falling so in an effort increase the number of visitors they make it harder to visit.

21 hours ago, ukrules said:

This is the most retarded thing I've ever read.

It's like announcing that visitor numbers are falling so in an effort increase the number of visitors they make it harder to visit.

21 hours ago, ukrules said:

This is the most retarded thing I've ever read.

Maybe they are just sick and tired of the trash that comes since the introduction. Anyone ole timer that lives there will tell you how Pattaya has disintegrated into drug ridden hell hole with half the world's rebrabates coming there

Just now, wensiensheng said:

I wonder why Thailand doesn’t target snow birds specifically. They seem to be a decent sized demographic group to me both in terms of number and economic benefit.

And yet we seldom see them mentioned by TAT as a target market. In many of the southern states in USA snow birds are coveted and Cuba virtually built its Varadayo resort region off the back of them.

The visa requirements would need to be drawn up such that criminal elements are kept out, perhaps by having a background check as one of the requirements, but surely sufficient safeguards could be built in.

14 hours ago, geisha said:

Your first sentence doesn’t make sense ! It’s not the older generation snowbirds that are creating hell in the beach resorts. They are all on the golf scene, eating in the better restaurants, very many having invested in nice condos. You don’t see them rolling round soi six drunk or drugged , or terrorizing people with their bike gangs. They don’t deserve to be targeted.

It’s in your face obvious the ones that need to be discouraged from coming to Thailand, thats easy to do, stop fine deport. The word will get round faster than lightening. Police and authorities ought to get tougher and fix the problem.

Nuff said.

14 hours ago, geisha said:

Your first sentence doesn’t make sense ! It’s not the older generation snowbirds that are creating hell in the beach resorts. They are all on the golf scene, eating in the better restaurants, very many having invested in nice condos. You don’t see them rolling round soi six drunk or drugged , or terrorizing people with their bike gangs. They don’t deserve to be targeted.

It’s in your face obvious the ones that need to be discouraged from coming to Thailand, thats easy to do, stop fine deport. The word will get round faster than lightening. Police and authorities ought to get tougher and fix the problem.

Nuff said.

14 hours ago, geisha said:

Your first sentence doesn’t make sense ! It’s not the older generation snowbirds that are creating hell in the beach resorts. They are all on the golf scene, eating in the better restaurants, very many having invested in nice condos. You don’t see them rolling round soi six drunk or drugged , or terrorizing people with their bike gangs. They don’t deserve to be targeted.

It’s in your face obvious the ones that need to be discouraged from coming to Thailand, thats easy to do, stop fine deport. The word will get round faster than lightening. Police and authorities ought to get tougher and fix the problem.

Nuff said.

Well, it does make sense in that I wasn’t suggesting that targeting snow birds as a demographic would cut out badly behaved foreigners. I had moved a step further.

First step is stopping badly behaved tourists. That requires action including but not limited to reducing visa times.

But then those badly behaved tourists need to be replaced because tourism is an industry that Thailand appears to want to continue with. So I was suggesting snow birds ( who will be at least inconvenienced by shorter visa times and at worst put off from coming) could be targeted as a demographic group because they are desirable tourists even though they want to stay for more than 30 days.

As you say, snow birds tend to be retired so over 60, tend to be affluent and tend to spend reliable amounts of money. So desirable tourists. But reduced visa times will cause them issues, so a desirable demographic group will be discouraged from visiting Thailand.

I other words, I was agreeing with you that they are not the problem, in effect they are part of the answer. But shorter visa times won’t help them.

Why doesn't Japan have all these crime problems? You get 90 days visa free there.

3 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

Why doesn't Japan have all these crime problems? You get 90 days visa free there.

Japan doesn't give 90 day visa to India or China. Both India and China need a visa for Japan, and so do countless other countries.

Japan is an expensive country to visit, so by and large Benidorm, rough, cheap trash will not go there.

Japan has very hardcore criminal proceedings.

Japan spends nearly 20 times more on crime, policing, cameras than Thailand (obviously due to economic reasons).

Just now, DonniePeverley said:

Japan doesn't give 90 day visa to India or China. Both India and China need a visa for Japan, and so do countless other countries.

Japan is an expensive country to visit, so by and large Benidorm, rough, cheap trash will not go there.

Japan has very hardcore criminal proceedings.

Japan spends nearly 20 times more on crime, policing, cameras than Thailand (obviously due to economic reasons).

Ok, sounds like a better plan than just reducing it outright to 30 days. They're going to lose far more money doing this than any gains in crime reduction.

8 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

Ok, sounds like a better plan than just reducing it outright to 30 days. They're going to lose far more money doing this than any gains in crime reduction.

8 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

Ok, sounds like a better plan than just reducing it outright to 30 days. They're going to lose far more money doing this than any gains in crime reduction.

Thailand has some revenue down from tourism by nearly 25% since these visa rules were relaxed a few years ago. Cheap trash are taking over the country. Who would have thought holiday makers wanted safety, avoiding violence and trash tourists.

IMHO, this will do nothing to reduce crime by foreign nationals. What is needed is far 'harder' punishment applied specifically to foreigners who break the rules:

• Take illegal drugs: $10,000 fine, caning. 6 months hard labour, deport for life

• Driving drunk: same as above

• Fighting in the street: same as above

• Not wearing a shirt when off the beach: same punishment as above

• Flaunting orange hair: same as above.....

1 minute ago, simon43 said:

What is needed is far 'harder' punishment applied specifically to foreigners who break the rules:

Full on Singapore style should do it................

1 minute ago, Off Piste said:

Full on Singapore style should do it................

Well, it worked for Singapore...

22 hours ago, VBF said:

1 I have to say, that is something you are doing wrong! I just logged into my account, not used since 2023 and it took me straight into my account. I let Chrome remember my password so just have to do the simple Captcha - how is that "very annoying"? If you're doing it on a phone or tablet, the experience may be different.

2 There you're right but don't forget that the 60 day visa free entry was only introduced after the Covid nonsense i.e. in early 2020 I had to get a visa for my 60 day trip.

But, as you say, changing details like this is not going to change the behaviour of the mindless morons that undermine the rest of us.

On (1) : I got through! The reason it miserably failed before was that I was using a hotmail address. Now, I tried with a gmail address and that worked. One really wonders how a gvt official site is only ‘half effective‘ in IT / web terms..... The least oen would expect is a clear warning upfront that a hotmail address will not be recognised!

3 minutes ago, gejohesch said:

On (1) : I got through! The reason it miserably failed before was that I was using a hotmail address. Now, I tried with a gmail address and that worked. One really wonders how a gvt official site is only ‘half effective‘ in IT / web terms..... The least oen would expect is a clear warning upfront that a hotmail address will not be recognised!

I have used a Hotmail address the since the online came into existence. Nary a problem one. The last was just 3 weeks ago.

On 5/21/2026 at 9:18 AM, newbee2022 said:

Thanks Pattaya. Out with the riffraff or at least more control💗

What if a 30 days free visa holder plays up really badly on his first day in Thailand? So much for at least more control. Deep down Pataya will never change whilst there's money involved.

19 hours ago, marin said:

I have used a Hotmail address the since the online came into existence. Nary a problem one. The last was just 3 weeks ago.

I believe you. But how strange really! Makes one wonder how the site software or algorithms or whatever it is that makes it run has been developed and maintained!