I'm not sure I understand the difference between a visa exemption and a visa on arrival.

Are the two concepts referring to the same thing or is there a subtle difference that I'm missing?

No visa exemption regards a list of countries that are exempt from applying for visa, and just get a stamp at arrival. Most of them get 30 days, but have variations. Visa on arrival, regards another list of countries, that have to go to a separate desk and apply for a visa at arrival VoA at their destination. If I am not wrong, that one is only 15 days.

As the name suggests. Visa exemption is when you don't need a visa to enter a country. Visa on arrival is when you get a visa on the arrival at the airport. There is a fee for visa on arrival and they are given 15 day Permission to stay but visa exempt are given 30-day permission to stay. Visa exempt are allowed to extend it further for 30 more days but visa on arrivals are not extended. 

https://thaiembdc.org/visa-exemption-and-visa-on-arrival/

Edited June 13, 20224 yr by Onerak

A visa on arrival only allows a 15 day stay after applying for it and paying a 2000 baht fee for it. Also there is no extension that can be applied for.

A visa exempt entry allows a 30 day stay that can be extended for 30 days.

I often wonder how many people that don't qualify for one line up for a visa on arrival because they think a visa on arrival was a visa exempt entry.

Ok, thanks guys.

I understand now.

Much appreciated ????

In addition to these two options -which are Country of origin dependent-, one can also ask for a Tourist Visa at the own's Country Thai Embassy, for a maximum of 60 days in the Kingdom. It can be extended 30 days allowing 90 days in Thailand.