Big Thailand visa changes from June 1

[Chivas]

23 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

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

 

Yes my thoughts exactly

[PingRoundTheWorld]

11 minutes ago, humbug said:

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

Assuming that's the actual (and only) criteria, it remains to be seen how they define "proof of financial support" - proof of income above a certain level, or what? showing 500k is easy if you have it - anyway I trust Thai government to come out with ways to "filter out" broke "digital nomads" while making it difficult even for those who do have money.

 

I make more than the $80k they want for LTR, and I work for a NASDAQ 100 company - which should make me eligible for LTR - but because I am legally employed at a private subsidiary rather than directly by the NASDAQ company, I'm ineligible. They're that strict and petty about it.

[at15]

We have to wait on the fine print requirements for the 180 day visa. If its like the LTR Visa or Smart Visa then its more of an exclusive program.

 

Edited May 28 by at15

[humbug]

21 minutes ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

Assuming that's the actual (and only) criteria, it remains to be seen how they define "proof of financial support" - proof of income above a certain level, or what? showing 500k is easy if you have it - anyway I trust Thai government to come out with ways to "filter out" broke "digital nomads" while making it difficult even for those who do have money.

 

I make more than the $80k they want for LTR, and I work for a NASDAQ 100 company - which should make me eligible for LTR - but because I am legally employed at a private subsidiary rather than directly by the NASDAQ company, I'm ineligible. They're that strict and petty about it.

It seems strange, seems the 5 year is really 180 days + another 180 days within a 5 year period, how they confirm other details is also going to be strange, as it will need a lot of correct information to pass an application, maybe they will put it with the LTR group of visas under BOI, seems a lot of miss translation or few details at the moment

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, Robert Paulson said:

a married expat has to jump through all kinds of hoops and report every90

All foreigners have to report every 90 days regardless of most visa types.

I have lived here for 24 years, in the same house, with a work permit  and a twelve month visa and I still have to report every 90 days (as well as TM30's).

[george]

UPDATE:

 

BANGKOK: -– The Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, including easing visa rules to boost tourism and attract more foreign visitors. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, as the country faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt.

 

The Cabinet meeting reached a unanimous conclusion that Thailand needs to generate new income by fully accelerating tourism policies, which are considered the only economic engine that will yield rapid returns. Key points of the plan are divided into three phases for 2024-2025.

 

The government aims to generate this short-term measures no less than 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024.

 

Short-term measures:

 

- Visa exemption for tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (up from 57), allowing stays of up to 60 days.

 

- Expansion of Visa on Arrival (VOA) to 31 countries (up from 19).

 

- Introduction of a new visa category, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely (workcation).

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.

 

Improved benefits for foreign students:

 

- Foreign students pursuing bachelor’s degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will have an easier time finding work and staying in Thailand after graduation.

- Extended stay of 1 year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Medium-term measures:

 

- It will be implemented from September to December 2024.

 

- Restructuring and reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, starting in September 2024.

 

- Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024.

 

- Reducing the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels: 40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.

 

- Expanding the e-Visa service from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide by December 2024.

 

Long-term measures:

It will be fully implemented by June 2025.

 

- Developing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.

 

- Using technology and innovation to enhance the screening of foreign nationals by integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.

 

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong stated that while these measures to facilitate tourism will result in a loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD) in government revenue annually, the expected return from increased tourism, estimated at 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD), led the Cabinet to approve the measures.

 

-- Khao Sot 2024-05-28

[Captain Monday]

1 hour ago, bob smith said:

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.

Organs of Thai govt operating at cross purposes, again.

 

Promoting “illegal” Remote work? 🤐

[bob smith]

1 minute ago, Captain Monday said:

Organs of Thai govt operating at cross purposes, again.

 

Promoting “illegal” Remote work? 🤐

Its like a rolling sitcom living here! 

 

A traveling circus even. 

 

Bob. 

[Bvor]

1 hour ago, Pattaya57 said:

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

good for me ,i like!

but i wonder how many times per year before the "you come too many times" accusations?

[george]

UPDATE:

Thailand makes sweeping changes for foreign travellers in record tourism bid

Changes will be made for digital nomads, students and retirees

 

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's government has announced sweeping changes to tourism in the country.

 

Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a big source of employment.

 

The country said on Tuesday it had approved longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students and remote workers, and better visa conditions for retirees, in a move to boost its crucial tourism sector as its economy stutters.

 

Starting in June, Thailand will allow travelers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days, up from the current 57 nations, while more will also be eligible for visas on arrival, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told reporters.

 

Foreign students will be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed, he added.

 

The new measures come as part of an effort to boost visitors, especially from its main and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits to 60 days from 30 days for on-arrival visas.

 

The validity of so-called “digital nomad” visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from 60 days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days.

 

Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists in from January to May 26 this year and is targeting a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).

 

In pre-pandemic 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht.

 

-- independent.co.uk 2024-05-28

 

 

[Pattaya57]

3 minutes ago, Bvor said:

good for me ,i like!

but i wonder how many times per year before the "you come too many times" accusations?

Well currently you needed four 30+30 day entries for 8 months....now you only need 3 entries for 9 months so no problem as less visits 😀

[bob smith]

I honestly cannot believe what I am reading.

 

This government seems to have a split personality when it comes to foreigners/tourism. 

 

How long before we see the obligatory 'over tourism' articles, and the 'tourists stealing Thai jobs' evening specials? Anyone taking bets? 

 

Bob. 

Edited May 28 by bob smith

[Conrad Richard]

There are significant visa changes happening in Thailand, bringing about excitement and anticipation for travelers and visitors alike.

[theblether]

"- Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024."

 

Oooft - here we go. So where do they go with this? Raising the 65,000 baht monthly qualifier or 800,000 baht in bank? 

 

Let the speculation begin. 

[Moncul]

1 hour ago, Pattaya57 said:

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

Ah, but.....

 

Quote

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.

 

[BangkokHank]

Is there a complete list somewhere of ALL 93 countries whose citizens will not need a visa to come to Thailand, as well as a complete list of countries whose citizens will qualify for the visa on arrival?

[Bvor]

15 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

Well currently you needed four 30+30 day entries for 8 months....now you only need 3 entries for 9 months so no problem as less visits 😀

i hope you are right, but will i/o muppet switch from number of visits b/s to number of months b/s when no visa........ to maintain their sweetners.

whatever i still have 60 day evisa now available in oz . 

[Pattaya57]

Just now, Bvor said:

i hope you are right, but will i/o muppet switch from number of visits b/s to number of months b/s when no visa........ to maintain their sweetners.

whatever i still have 60 day evisa now available in oz . 

What would be the point. 60 day e-visa costs $60 and is exactly the same 60 days as a free vIsa exempt?

[Lorry]

28 minutes ago, theblether said:

"- Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024."

 

Oooft - here we go. So where do they go with this? Raising the 65,000 baht monthly qualifier or 800,000 baht in bank? 

 

Let the speculation begin. 

The last time Thaksin did this he doubled the necessary amounts iirc

 

So if you have 800,000 in the bank,  please bring 800,000 more - taxable, of course

Edited May 28 by Lorry

[Bvor]

10 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

What would be the point. 60 day e-visa costs $60 and is exactly the same 60 days as a free vIsa exempt?

i been doing mixture of visa exempts/tourist visa for nearly 20 years cos thats all the time i need.

just saying multiple visa exempts have been frowned upon more than multiple visa's.

you may well be right.... "no problem".

wait and see to be sure.

cheers

ps i avoid rogue jomtien i/o so extensions or tm30's not for me.   

[connda]

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

 

In the meanwhile:  Screw you foreign men who have been married to a Thai woman and living in Thailand between one to two decades.  Show up every year and PROVE TO US that you are married to your mongrel wife whom we detest as much as you - farang.

Simply amazing.

[theblether]

6 minutes ago, connda said:

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

 

In the meanwhile:  Screw you foreign men who have been married to a Thai woman and living in Thailand between one to two decades.  Show up every year and PROVE TO US that you are married to your mongrel wife whom we detest as much as you - farang.

Simply amazing.

 

A bit harsh but you can't truly believe that middle class and elite Thais are going to make it easy for a rice farmers bed-bouncing daughter, eh? 

 

No one is that stupid. 

[DonniePeverley]

It's going to be complete carnage with the volume of tourists  and visitors they are going to let in. 

Edited May 28 by DonniePeverley

[DonniePeverley]

1 hour ago, Conrad Richard said:

There are significant visa changes happening in Thailand, bringing about excitement and anticipation for travelers and visitors alike.

 

 

Not really. Thailand is already bucking under the pressure of serving 40 million tourists. You are now looking at doubling that figure. 

[DonniePeverley]

1 hour ago, bob smith said:

I honestly cannot believe what I am reading.

 

This government seems to have a split personality when it comes to foreigners/tourism. 

 

How long before we see the obligatory 'over tourism' articles, and the 'tourists stealing Thai jobs' evening specials? Anyone taking bets? 

 

Bob. 

 

 

It's a worthwhile point. Because it's going to cause the volume of numbers through the roof. 

 

Edited May 28 by DonniePeverley

[Sheryl]

Confuding since Cambodia and Laos already have visa free entry albeit gorr a shorter dtay (14 days). Are they really going to give them 60 days now? 

[TheFriend]

I have to say that I am welcoming the change to 60 days on arrival. It makes my life a bit easier, but it's clearly a subjective opinion. I've been living with my girlfriend in Thailand for 2.5 years, and every so often, it's really frustrating to make it work. All I can do for now are tourist visas. I am still thankful to be here. Luckily, I can work online, but it would be nice to be more a part of society and have a bit more possibilities and rights in these regards. We are both well integrated into society here and working good jobs. Fortunately, I have been working on my computer for over 10 years. However, whenever I look into the possibilities of longer stays, I feel like I am some kind of criminal with all the requirements and comments. I have been living and travelling around Asia for over 8 years, but Thailand is really the wild west for me 😂 But I get it. When I see how many people exploit and abuse the system, it makes me understand the reactions and thoughts. The Thai government really has this double personality. One day, they want to clean up the mess with all the foreigners, and the next day they lick their butts. It sucks to be dependent on the money, I guess. 

 

But I have to say, whenever I come here to check some news and after reading some of the comments, it always makes me feel like I am in an active war zone or so 😂. I understand the frustration to some extent, but it still cracks me up all the time. Let's hope for a good outcome.

 

I assume they will remove the single entry 60 days visa or change it to 90 days or so later this year.

Edited May 28 by TheFriend

[DonniePeverley]

21 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Confuding since Cambodia and Laos already have visa free entry albeit gorr a shorter dtay (14 days). Are they really going to give them 60 days now? 

 

Looks like it. More than likely an effect would be more working here illegally. 

 

Also now allowing visa on arrival to some countries with very high crime rates. 

[JoeyMac]

Whilst the visa length may be welcome by some, you have to think about whether Thailand will still look the same after the huge volume of people that are now going to be let in. 

 

This is not the good news people think. 

[VictorInBKK]

12 minutes ago, JoeyMac said:

Whilst the visa length may be welcome by some, you have to think about whether Thailand will still look the same after the huge volume of people that are now going to be let in. 

 

This is not the good news people think. 

 

Thailand is quite big. Not just Bangkok. I hope they provide 60+30 days on land border runs too as it would require just 1 for a 180 day/year stay.