Big Thailand visa changes from June 1

[snoop1130]

 

5-year visas available for digital nomads, boxers and chefs students

 

The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country's significant reliance on tourism, according to government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke.

 

He revealed that the range of countries eligible for visa-free entry would grow from 57 to 93. The newly added countries comprise Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. The duration of stays under this program has also been extended to 60 days, as presented by the government spokesperson.

 

Also, the cabinet approved visa-on-arrival for 31 countries, a marked increase from 19 previously.

 

Tourists wishing to work and sightsee can now be issued five-year visas for stays that last up to 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days. Previously, they were only permitted to stay twice for 30 days each. "These new rules target digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, as well as those interested in learning Muay Thai and Thai cuisine," Mr. Chai explained.

 

Foreign graduates can now stay for a full year after graduation. Before, they had to leave the country immediately after their studies.

 

"These graduates can search for jobs during this extended period, especially in our areas of need," Mr. Chai commented. He noted that about 40,000 foreign students are studying in the country.

 

These measures will come into effect on Saturday, June 1.

 

In other visa-related changes, tourists aged 50 years and above seeking long-stay visas are now only required to have health insurance coverage of 440,000 baht, down from the previous 3 million baht. This reduction will be effective for long-stay applicants from September to December, according to Mr Chai.

 

Additionally, the cabinet approved the increase of e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies, rising from 47 to 94 locations, beginning in September.

 

Summary:

The details include:

 

- Increase the number of visa-free countries from 57 to 93, including Albania, China, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Laos, Jamaica, Romania, Sri Lanka, Panama, Mexico, Morocco, Uzbekistan, etc.

 

- Extend the period of visa-free stays from 30 days to 60 days.

 

- Expand the list of countries eligible for visa arrivals from 19 to 31.

 

- Extend the period of stay for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, Muay Thai students, Thai food students, etc., from 60 days to 180 days.

 

- Extend the period of stay for foreign university students to one year after graduation, allowing them to work in professions not restricted to Thais only.

These measures are expected to come into effect in June.

 

Other measures set to take effect in September include:

- Doubling the number of locations offering e-visa services from 47 embassies and consulates-general to 94.

 

 

 🟢 Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days) and Visa On Arrival (VOA) (15 days):

🟢 5 year multiple entry DTA visa (Destination Thailand) 

 

 

 

-- 2024-05-28

 

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[Robert Paulson]

Sounds like they want the tax money. So can we just say we’re digital nomads. Someone explain to me why a digital nomad is going to get 180 days while a married expat has to jump through all kinds of hoops and report every90

[PingRoundTheWorld]

 

Is there any official source? requirements for the digital nomad visa?

 

Wouldn't the digital nomad visa essentially make Elite visas obsolete?

[Alldar]

  On 5/28/2024 at 10:39 AM, snoop1130 said:

- Extend the period of stay for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, Muay Thai students, Thai food students, etc., from 60 days to 180 days.

Expand  

What category are these visa anyway? Learning Muay Thai or cooking Thai food sounds like Non-ED visa. But what category is a visa for 'digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers'? It couldn't possibly be Non-ED, right?

[Andrew Dwyer]

Nothing for the majority on extensions of stay for retirement/marriage originating from an O visa ….. boo !

Those holding OA visas and presumably extensions of permission to stay see their mandatory health insurance dropping from 3M baht coverage to 440k.

[scubascuba3]

  On 5/28/2024 at 11:22 AM, Andrew Dwyer said:

Nothing for the majority on extensions of stay for retirement/marriage originating from an O visa ….. boo !

Those holding OA visas and presumably extensions of permission to stay see their mandatory health insurance dropping from 3M baht coverage to 440k.

Expand  

Sounds like OA, not why they can't accept 440k equivalent in the bank instead 

[Karma80]

  On 5/28/2024 at 10:39 AM, snoop1130 said:

Extend the period of stay for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, Muay Thai students, Thai food students, etc., from 60 days to 180 days.

Expand  

A renewable 180 day visa for remote workers in a country with a low cost of living, "flexible" territorial taxation, drugs, and sex on tap. Well, there goes the neighbourhood. The only hurdle that has ever existed in Thailand is the visa to it being the remote worker mecca.

[DLock]

This is all excellent news, particularly the 60-days, instead of 30-days, and the increased list of visa free countries.

 

 

[Chris Daley]

My last 'visa check' for the contract involved a urine sample, chest xray, and a blood test.  Talk about taking the piss.

 

As an English teacher, not once have they tested my knowledge of English.

[Pattaya57]

Shouldn't this be in the Thai Visa section? I only saw it because you closed the open thread there with a link to this one. Never would have seen it otherwise

[george]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:09 PM, Pattaya57 said:

Shouldn't this be in the Thai Visa section? I only saw it because you closed the open thread there with a link to this one. Never would have seen it otherwise

Expand  

 

Moved to visa forum.

[humbug]

Five year for Muay thai, nomads and tourists, must be lost in translation, maybe a mix up in information

 

Why would they only reduce health insurance for retirees and ooffer 5 year visas to Muay thai and nomads

 

Maybe they mean those new BOI Eec high earning professionals get 5 yeat

 

and they just extend tourist visas from 60 to 180 days?

[isandrew]

I believe they mean the visa is valid for 5 years but when you come and use it you get 180 days and can extend 1 time for 180 days 

[humbug]

  On 5/28/2024 at 11:22 AM, Andrew Dwyer said:

Nothing for the majority on extensions of stay for retirement/marriage originating from an O visa ….. boo !

Those holding OA visas and presumably extensions of permission to stay see their mandatory health insurance dropping from 3M baht coverage to 440k.

Expand  

It just looks to be extending visas from 60-180 days, no way they mean 5 year for Muay thai and nomads, nomads have a 5 year on LTR, it has to be bad translation

[MarkBR]

  On 5/28/2024 at 11:05 AM, Robert Paulson said:

Sounds like they want the tax money. So can we just say we’re digital nomads. Someone explain to me why a digital nomad is going to get 180 days while a married expat has to jump through all kinds of hoops and report every90

Expand  

Need to see the final details.  Because if everything is like this, everyone over 50 will change from retirement to digital nomad as less hassle is involved.   So final details are important. 

[humbug]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:24 PM, isandrew said:

I believe they mean the visa is valid for 5 years but when you come and use it you get 180 days and can extend 1 time for 180 days 

Expand  

Could be bad translation, grouping together information on 5 year and 180 days, when it looks to be quite different information, it seems excessive to use a 5 year visa and only use it for 360 days

[Pattaya57]

So with the visa exempt now 60 days they've just made the single entry tourist visa obsolete 😀

[UK Martin]

So, as a UK citizen it looks like we will get 60 days on arrival... then have the option to extend for a further 30 days for 1,800bht.

This will make my current situation a lot easier, good news for a change!  

[bob smith]

what the hell is going on in this country?

 

One minute they can't wait to get rid of us, the next they are welcoming all and sundry with open arms!

 

make your bleedin minds up will you!

 

bob.

[Pattaya57]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:32 PM, UK Martin said:

So, as a UK citizen it looks like we will get 60 days on arrival... then have the option to extend for a further 30 days for 1,800bht.

This will make my current situation a lot easier, good news for a change!  

Expand  

Yes, except you're 100 baht short, 30 day extension is 1900 baht

[smedly]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:35 PM, bob smith said:

what the hell is going on in this country?

 

One minute they can't wait to get rid of us, next minute they are welcoming all and sundry with open arms!

 

make your bleedin minds up will you!

 

bob.

Expand  

desperate for foreign income

[smedly]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:32 PM, UK Martin said:

So, as a UK citizen it looks like we will get 60 days on arrival... then have the option to extend for a further 30 days for 1,800bht.

This will make my current situation a lot easier, good news for a change!  

Expand  

correct me if wrong but you can now extend for 60 days ?, not sure

[Pattaya57]

Wondering what happens to expat insurance policies now since they've backfipped on O-A insurance and went back to 440k. I'm on a non-O and fishing for insurance and most of the good policies were for 3 million baht like the O-A....might wait a month to see what happens

[humbug]

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) eligibility and benefits:

 

Skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaging in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.
Spouses and legal children (under 20) of DTV holders.

 

Proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for the duration of stay.

 

DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht...

 

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/tourism/2024/05/28/thailand-eases-visa-rules-to-boost-economy-urgently/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2AbU7wWRrZ2h6LdCP-fcgN_7s5WWcn_lknwrcupH-ney78SwtlKnsjyHY_aem_AZLDPHBv47DFnZUswwREH9fo_EQgj9_TWPiyMVMxBIJ18SbV4sTJuWjksI-dSG5Zrz7ietju1PE091T1cqokaH89

[DrJack54]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:39 PM, smedly said:

correct me if wrong but you can now extend for 60 days

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It would remain at 30 day extension as per when previously visa exempt raised to 45 days extensions remained at 30 days

[Pattaya57]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:39 PM, smedly said:

correct me if wrong but you can now extend for 60 days

Expand  

Visa exempt is increased from 30 to 60 days but I don't see any mention of 30 day extensions being increased to 60 days?

[Captain Monday]

  On 5/28/2024 at 11:05 AM, Robert Paulson said:

Sounds like they want the tax money. So can we just say we’re digital nomads. Someone explain to me why a digital nomad is going to get 180 days while a married expat has to jump through all kinds of hoops and report every90

Expand  

Because so many ”married expats” appear to be skels?

Who were allowed into Thailand  without police checks and are likely to re-offend?

[Liquorice]

  On 5/28/2024 at 11:22 AM, Andrew Dwyer said:

Nothing for the majority on extensions of stay for retirement/marriage originating from an O visa ….. boo !

Those holding OA visas and presumably extensions of permission to stay see their mandatory health insurance dropping from 3M baht coverage to 440k.

Expand  

Not how I read it Andrew.

 

  On 5/28/2024 at 10:39 AM, snoop1130 said:

In other visa-related changes, tourists aged 50 years and above seeking long-stay visas are now only required to have health insurance coverage of 440,000 baht, down from the previous 3 million baht. This reduction will be effective for long-stay applicants from September to December, according to Mr Chai.

Expand  

That reads there will be a temporary relaxation of the required mandatory Insurance, from Sept - Dec, for applicants of the Non O-A visa.
Extensions from an O-A visa are not affected.

[Andrew Dwyer]

  On 5/28/2024 at 12:47 PM, Liquorice said:

Not how I read it Andrew.

 

That reads there will be a temporary relaxation of the required mandatory Insurance, from Sept - Dec, for applicants of the Non O-A visa.
Extensions from an O-A visa are not affected.

Expand  

Yes, i think you are right.

[PingRoundTheWorld]

  On 5/28/2024 at 11:48 AM, Karma80 said:

A renewable 180 day visa for remote workers in a country with a low cost of living, "flexible" territorial taxation, drugs, and sex on tap. Well, there goes the neighbourhood. The only hurdle that has ever existed in Thailand is the visa to it being the remote worker mecca.

Expand  

If this visa is actually easy to get (doubt it!) then Thailand will cease to be low cost of living once the hordes arrive. Thais love to raise prices at every whiff of possible tourism uptick and this will be no different.