Russia Seeks Thai Visa Flexibility

One has to wonder what this guy's motive is in even mentioning special arrangements for foreigners needing medical treatment?

Under the revised arrangements, Russian visitors to Thailand will now get the same 30-day Visa-Free entry as the other countries identified in the Thai government's list.

As for the prolonged medical treatment he mentions, there are already a number of medical visa categories in place for this, allowing up to 1-year for people with chronic conditions, organ transplants, cancer therapy, or long-term care.

Is he suggesting that Russians should get "special" special treatment!

Russian special bilateral agreement isn't what you think, Russians can not extend 30 days exempt with another 30 days, only 30 + 7 days. While other countries can stay 30 + 30.

One of many nationalities abusing the long stay visa programs offered.

Clean up is way overdue.

1 hour ago, Jim Waldron said:

One has to wonder what this guy's motive is in even mentioning special arrangements for foreigners needing medical treatment?

Under the revised arrangements, Russian visitors to Thailand will now get the same 30-day Visa-Free entry as the other countries identified in the Thai government's list.

As for the prolonged medical treatment he mentions, there are already a number of medical visa categories in place for this, allowing up to 1-year for people with chronic conditions, organ transplants, cancer therapy, or long-term care.

Is he suggesting that Russians should get "special" special treatment!

Yes, and they will get it. Money rules.

Felt

Special treatment for Chinese, Israelis and Russians, because their "tourists" are special people, who are willing to pay the "right" people for extra "special" treatment.

As discussed in the VISA forum, there already is a provision under ORDER OF THE IMMIGRATION BUREAU No. 327/2557 Section 5. --which itself is under the purview of Article 35 of the Immigration Act as amended 1999 -- to grant a one-year extension of stay for necessity outside the nominal 32 reasons given in the Order if a competent official believes there is a "legitimate reason" --

but in all the discussion on the other forum, it seems the "legitimate reason" for the waiver of regulations in MOST cases is how much money flows to the "competent official" via various intermediaries.

“The ambassador said there had been no complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far.”

I venture to suggest that maybe because many of them are here using the pretext of education and so have dodgy education visas, or have set up companies that do nothing and have 4 notional Thais as employees.

If they are staying here more than 30 days, they already have longer term arrangements in place.

And of course they expect rules to be “flexible”. 😏

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Russia has urged Thailand to apply flexibility to its revised visa rules

Or as Russia often does, declares the country part of Russia and its people Russian citizens. Problem solved.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

However, he acknowledged that difficulties could arise in special circumstances, particularly for visitors undergoing prolonged medical treatment.

A medical extension can be applied for though the hospital so this comment comes from a person or persons unfamiliar with the visa rules.

Apparently, hospitals have come across this problem already and are quite familiar with what to do.

It's possible my information may be out of date so if someone knows different then please let us know.

3 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

Apparently, hospitals have come across this problem already and are quite familiar with what to do.

There is a provision in the above referenced Police Order for 90 days:

2.25 In the case of receiving medical medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking

treatment, attending rehabilitation, or care of a patient:

If one applies for an exemption under 5. as above for the same 2.25 "Legitimate Reason" one can receive a stay for one year.

The fee for the one year exemption granted under 5. above as per the Immigration Act 1999 for ALL circumstances: 1900 baht (I.e.2000 baht maximum)

I guess they have to send all the Russian generals being wounded on the front lines to hospital somewhere.

Ordinary soldiers can use the local facilities, lol.

1 hour ago, Muhendis said:

A medical extension can be applied for though the hospital so this comment comes from a person or persons unfamiliar with the visa rules.

Apparently, hospitals have come across this problem already and are quite familiar with what to do.

It's possible my information may be out of date so if someone knows different then please let us know.

Well the comment came from the Russian Ambassador. So it suggests that the concern is not with visas for actual medical issues, but just a pretext for wanting the rules to be “flexibly” applied to Russian nationals.

2 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

Well the comment came from the Russian Ambassador. So it suggests that the concern is not with visas for actual medical issues, but just a pretext for wanting the rules to be “flexibly” applied to Russian nationals.

Maybe the Russian Ambassador knows that already there is lots of flexibility in the Thai Visa/Extension regs. They maybe just don't want to have to pay for it like the other farangs.

3 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Special treatment for Chinese, Israelis and Russians, because their "tourists" are special people, who are willing to pay the "right" people for extra "special" treatment.

Your racist comment is not surprising. None of the 3 nationalities receives special treatment. The Chinese are easily managed because of the Chinese government co-operation. The Chinese nationals who are engaged in illegal activities will not be impacted by the visa regulations because they were non compliant from the start. Most Chinese who are in Thailand are genuine short stay tourists. The Chinese are a valuable visitor, certainly more valuable than other nationalities as far as revenues demonstrate. The Israelis are not a problem in respect to visa violations or criminal activity.The data does not support your assertion that they are either a problem or receive special treatment.

Nice try! There are already options, DTV is one

Russia urges? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 That is rich AF. How about this Russia... Phuket locals urge Russians to stop acting like A-holes, and working in Thailand illegally. Oh, and we also urge the Russian government to stop invading Ukraine.

Ah, more bull<deleted> fertiliser from the Russkies. Draft dodgers welcome, Comrade!

1 hour ago, Cabradelmar said:

Russia urges? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 That is rich AF. How about this Russia... Phuket locals urge Russians to stop acting like A-holes, and working in Thailand illegally. Oh, and we also urge the Russian government to stop invading Ukraine.

Theyre the same in Chonburi they drive like they are playing GTA and smoke weed around their kids and others kids.

The rules for Russians are to flexible now.

I will say nothing about the Russian population here in Thailand but -- given the Persian Gulf Dustup -- Russia may soon be a significant source of petroleum & fertilizer for the folks in Thailand in general.

Medical extensions have been available for as long as I can remember. They aren't easy to get, but someone who's in hospital and genuinely unable to travel qualifies. For planned procedures, there's also the option to apply for a visa in advance.

5 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Medical extensions have been available for as long as I can remember. They aren't easy to get, but someone who's in hospital and genuinely unable to travel qualifies. For planned procedures, there's also the option to apply for a visa in advance.

There is the 2.25 90 day version and a one year Section 5. "legitimate reason" version. Neither is easy to get and requires a petition to the local immigration office and lots of documentation and medical statements including the physician's opinion that the illness is an impediment to travel.

For others, however non-medical and non-emergency, the one year extensions are handed out like Chupa Chups. Go figure.

12 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Russia has urged Thailand to apply flexibility to its revised visa rules, particularly for foreigners needing extended medical treatment. Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said he hoped Thai authorities would consider special arrangements in such cases after the cabinet approved reducing visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for visitors from 93 countries, including Russia.

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The policy change was approved by the Thai cabinet on Tuesday, according to the government’s public relations department. The revision has prompted concerns among some foreign visitors about how the shorter visa-free period could affect long-term stays in Thailand.

Speaking to Thai media at the Russian embassy on Wednesday ahead of Russia’s National Day on 12 June, Mr Tomikhin said Russian nationals had not been significantly affected by the new rules. He explained this was mainly because Thailand and Russia already have a bilateral agreement allowing Russian citizens to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days.

The ambassador said there had been no complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far. However, he acknowledged that difficulties could arise in special circumstances, particularly for visitors undergoing prolonged medical treatment.

“I hope there might be some flexible instruments for certain circumstances like this because life is much more difficult than only rules,” he said. He added that he hoped to discuss the matter further with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Mr Tomikhin also stressed that foreigners should comply with Thai regulations, describing the revised visa policy as a standard rule applied equally to all nationalities. His comments came as Thailand reviews immigration measures aimed at managing tourism and long-stay visitors more closely.

Separately, the ambassador said Russia was prepared to increase fertiliser exports to Thailand as countries affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict seek alternative suppliers. He noted that Russia remains one of the world’s leading fertiliser exporters.

According to Mr Tomikhin, Thailand imported around 600,000 tonnes of Russian fertiliser last year, valued at US$300 million, or about 9.78 billion baht. He said Russia was open to negotiating further supply agreements through designated companies, with pricing expected to be the main issue in future talks.

The Bangkokpost reported that the ambassador also expressed hope for further discussions with Thailand’s Energy Ministry on possible areas of cooperation. Further talks between Russian and Thai officials are expected in the coming months as both countries continue discussions on visa arrangements and trade cooperation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 23 May 2026

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I would give the Cossacks special arrangments. Ban the whole lot of the mongrels. Thailand will be a better place without them for sure.

20 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Special treatment for Chinese, Israelis and Russians, because their "tourists" are special people, who are willing to pay the "right" people for extra "special" treatment.

They're also amongst the few countries who deign to engage in discussions with the Thai government.

On 5/23/2026 at 4:21 AM, Georgealbert said:

The ambassador said there had been no complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far. However, he acknowledged that difficulties could arise in special circumstances, particularly for visitors undergoing prolonged medical treatment.

“I hope there might be some flexible instruments for certain circumstances like this because life is much more difficult than only rules,” he said.

From the OP above. From the Thai Visa Forum:

That's the beauty of agents. There's an agent for every situation. ... If you want someone that will cover everything while you still show up at immigration to get everything done then and there, there's an agent for that.

On 5/23/2026 at 4:21 AM, Georgealbert said:

Russia has urged Thailand to apply flexibility to its revised visa rules, particularly for foreigners needing extended medical treatment. Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said he hoped Thai authorities would consider special arrangements in such cases after the cabinet approved reducing visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for visitors from 93 countries, including Russia.

Get today's headlines by email

The policy change was approved by the Thai cabinet on Tuesday, according to the government’s public relations department. The revision has prompted concerns among some foreign visitors about how the shorter visa-free period could affect long-term stays in Thailand.

Speaking to Thai media at the Russian embassy on Wednesday ahead of Russia’s National Day on 12 June, Mr Tomikhin said Russian nationals had not been significantly affected by the new rules. He explained this was mainly because Thailand and Russia already have a bilateral agreement allowing Russian citizens to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days.

The ambassador said there had been no complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far. However, he acknowledged that difficulties could arise in special circumstances, particularly for visitors undergoing prolonged medical treatment.

“I hope there might be some flexible instruments for certain circumstances like this because life is much more difficult than only rules,” he said. He added that he hoped to discuss the matter further with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Mr Tomikhin also stressed that foreigners should comply with Thai regulations, describing the revised visa policy as a standard rule applied equally to all nationalities. His comments came as Thailand reviews immigration measures aimed at managing tourism and long-stay visitors more closely.

Separately, the ambassador said Russia was prepared to increase fertiliser exports to Thailand as countries affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict seek alternative suppliers. He noted that Russia remains one of the world’s leading fertiliser exporters.

According to Mr Tomikhin, Thailand imported around 600,000 tonnes of Russian fertiliser last year, valued at US$300 million, or about 9.78 billion baht. He said Russia was open to negotiating further supply agreements through designated companies, with pricing expected to be the main issue in future talks.

The Bangkokpost reported that the ambassador also expressed hope for further discussions with Thailand’s Energy Ministry on possible areas of cooperation. Further talks between Russian and Thai officials are expected in the coming months as both countries continue discussions on visa arrangements and trade cooperation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 23 May 2026

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A Russian diplomat disagreeing with another nation's rules-based immigration policy.

YCMTSU

19 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Your racist comment is not surprising. None of the 3 nationalities receives special treatment. The Chinese are easily managed because of the Chinese government co-operation. The Chinese nationals who are engaged in illegal activities will not be impacted by the visa regulations because they were non compliant from the start. Most Chinese who are in Thailand are genuine short stay tourists. The Chinese are a valuable visitor, certainly more valuable than other nationalities as far as revenues demonstrate. The Israelis are not a problem in respect to visa violations or criminal activity.The data does not support your assertion that they are either a problem or receive special treatment.

Who's being racist? @JimHuaHin was commenting on nationalities.

As for apologising for the flagrant and persistent lawbreaking of the Chinese, Russians and "new kids on the block" Israelis, get a grip FFS.

19 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Your racist comment is not surprising. None of the 3 nationalities receives special treatment. The Chinese are easily managed because of the Chinese government co-operation. The Chinese nationals who are engaged in illegal activities will not be impacted by the visa regulations because they were non compliant from the start. Most Chinese who are in Thailand are genuine short stay tourists. The Chinese are a valuable visitor, certainly more valuable than other nationalities as far as revenues demonstrate. The Israelis are not a problem in respect to visa violations or criminal activity.The data does not support your assertion that they are either a problem or receive special treatment.

The facts are no secret. Go to thethaiger.com and search for "Israeli" or "Russian" and you will find lots of articles detailing criminal activities of these nationalities. Some "chinese" criminal activities too, but also crimes against Chinese.

3 hours ago, Banana7 said:

The facts are no secret. Go to thethaiger.com and search for "Israeli" or "Russian" and you will find lots of articles detailing criminal activities of these nationalities. Some "chinese" criminal activities too, but also crimes against Chinese.

There are few actual articles detailing criminal activities of Israeli or Russians. There are however, multiple entries in the Forum from people repeating and embellishing stories and coming up with idiotic claims of criminality. The Israelis have a lower incidence of criminal activity than other nationalities, and when they do engage in criminality, it is almost always minor drug offences. The visa issues are relatively infrequent and minor too. The same for the Russians, except, instead of drugs it is drunk and disorderly, and their visa problems are relatively infrequent. Thee may be a large number of Russian criminals in Thailand, but unlike European and British thugs keep a low profile and don't make trouble.

A review of the crime reports will show that petty opportunistic thefts are often Myanmar workers. Europeans and British nationalities are at the top of criminal activity reports; Drugs, fighting, fraud and theft. The scooter gangs that were tormenting Phuket were French. The drug dealers who are trying to export back to the UK are British. Not a Chinese, Russian or Israeli was involved.

4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Who's being racist? @JimHuaHin was commenting on nationalities.

As for apologising for the flagrant and persistent lawbreaking of the Chinese, Russians and "new kids on the block" Israelis, get a grip FFS.

Ok, you want to push the false claim that that the Chinese , Russian and Israelis are persistent lawbreakers, then back it up with the data. You can use the crime stories that Asean Now has published since January. You will be disappointed to learn that the 3 groups you target have a lower likelihood of criminality than EU and British nationals.