Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors

[webfact]

New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China.

Visitors from these countries will receive a 60-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another 30 days at an immigration office. Additionally, certain types of short-term work in Thailand, up to 15 days, are permitted with prior permission from a labour office or at the airport.

 

For travellers from countries not on the visa exemption list, the visa-on-arrival option has expanded to 31 countries, up from the previous 19. However, this visa allows a single-entry stay of only 15 days and costs 2,000 baht.

 

Retirement visa holders will benefit from a reduction in the minimum health insurance coverage requirement, which has decreased from 3 million baht to 400,000 baht. This change aims to make it more accessible for retirees to live in Thailand.

 

Foreign students at Thai colleges and universities, numbering around 40,000, are now allowed to stay for one year after graduation. Previously, they were required to leave the country immediately after completing their courses. These graduates will also be able to take jobs in their field of study, enhancing their career prospects within Thailand.

The new Destination Thailand visa has garnered significant attention from those wishing to stay in the country for extended periods. This visa permits stays of up to 180 days, with the potential to extend up to a year in total. However, this visa is subject to specific eligibility criteria and requirements.

 

Visa process

 

Naruchai Ninnad, a senior official in Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs who played a key role in devising the new rules, elaborated on these changes in a recent interview. Ninnad highlighted the efforts made to streamline the visa process and accommodate the needs of various groups of visitors and expatriates.

 

“These new regulations are part of our ongoing efforts to make Thailand more accessible and welcoming to international visitors and long-term residents.”

 

The changes reflect Thailand’s commitment to boosting tourism and making the country an attractive destination for retirees, students, and professionals. The visa reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and international relations.

 

By expanding the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival, Thailand aims to encourage more tourists and business travellers to visit and explore the country. The extension of stay periods and the introduction of the Destination Thailand visa are likely to attract more long-term visitors, contributing to the growth of the local economy.

As Thailand continues to adapt its visa policies, these changes signify a step towards a more inclusive and flexible approach to international travel and residency. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to monitor the impact of these regulations and make further adjustments as needed to ensure that Thailand remains a top destination for visitors from around the world, reported Bangkok Post.

 

by Bob Scott
Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-26

 

- Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[daveAustin]

To make it more appealing to retirees, stop harping on about tax!

[Will B Good]

Are there any checks on who is actually coming into the country regarding their past?

 

I'm not worried for myself, just a little concerned that this move opens the floodgates to anyone and everyone...

 

Edited July 28 by stats
off topic diversion comment removed

[proton]

When did the lower taxes on wine to attract tourists get scrapped? they kept that quiet.

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, proton said:

When did the lower taxes on wine to attract tourists get scrapped? they kept that quiet.

It was for a fixed period of time.

Six or nine months I think.

[proton]

1 minute ago, Tropicalevo said:

It was for a fixed period of time.

Six or nine months I think.

 

Never appeared on any shelf anywhere

[mokwit]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

“These new regulations are part of our ongoing efforts to make Thailand more accessible and welcoming to international visitors and long-term residents.”

 

The changes reflect Thailand’s commitment to boosting tourism and making the country an attractive destination for retirees,

Nice to hear after 9 years of being viewed as a criminal because I stay here year 'round.

[mokwit]

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

Are there any checks on who is actually coming into the country regarding their past?

 

I'm not worried for myself, just a little concerned that this move opens the floodgates to anyone and everyone from cartel members to Tories and Republicans.

Colombian burglary gangs and Peruvian pick pocket gangs are licking their chops.

 

No, I am not saying all Colombian and Peruvians are like this, but those sub sectors are very real.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China.

Tourists and digital nomads will thank you.. as will the scum of the earth wanting to come and commit crime.

[hotchilli]

32 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

It was for a fixed period of time.

Six or nine months I think.

Big C and 7-11 here it never appeared on the shelf, price remained the same.

[jcmj]

This doesn’t help the long term retiree at all. They need to make it easier for us with less paperwork and threats of taxation. We are the ones who are supporting the local businesses and people. 

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, jcmj said:

This doesn’t help the long term retiree at all. They need to make it easier for us with less paperwork and threats of taxation. We are the ones who are supporting the local businesses and people. 

 

I guess they see us 'locked in' to living here...so don't give a damn.

 

It is only people not here that they feel the need to attract.

[Ulyssesamui]

 

This is an interesting development. 

 

I have just renewed my Retirement visa for the 9th time. I needed a minimum of Tb800,000 in the bank for three months prior to the application, and this must be held for some time after. I needed health insurance (notarised as it is a foreign policy). I needed a letter from the bank, which is only acceptable if issued on the day of application, and a medical examination and certificate. That is not to mention a photo in front of my house showing the house number, a Google Map showing my house location and a sketch map of the same. I further needed a lease agreement and a copy of the house book.

 

Finally, a copy of all 66 pages of my passport. I also required a multi-entry visa stamp as I travel often. I still need to register with immigration 60 days after entering Thailand. Cost Tb5700.00.

 

I now read for Tb10,000 I can get a DTV for 5 years multi-enty and unlimited entries to the Kingdom. This does not make any sense. Surely, Immigration should now extend the 5-year visa designation to all those on a Retirement Visa?

Edited July 28 by stats
font size normalized

[mokwit]

On 7/26/2024 at 1:38 PM, Ulyssesamui said:

 

 

This is an interesting development. 

I have just renewed my Retirement visa for the 9th time. I needed a minimum of Tb800,000 in the bank for three months prior to the application, and this must be held for some time after. I needed health insurance (notarised as it is a foreign policy). I needed a letter from the bank, which is only acceptable if issued on the day of application, and a medical examination and certificate. That is not to mention a photo in front of my house showing the house number, a Google Map showing my house location and a sketch map of the same. I further needed a lease agreement and a copy of the house book. Finally, a copy of all 66 pages of my passport. I also required a multi-entry visa stamp as I travel often. I still need to register with immigration 60 days after entering Thailand. Cost Tb5700.00.

I now read for Tb10,000 I can get a DTV for 5 years multi-enty and unlimited entries to the Kingdom. This does not make any sense. Surely, Immigration should now extend the 5-year visa designation to all those on a Retirement Visa?

Which province?

[KannikaP]

On 7/26/2024 at 1:38 PM, Ulyssesamui said:

 

 

This is an interesting development. 

I have just renewed my Retirement visa for the 9th time. I needed a minimum of Tb800,000 in the bank for three months prior to the application, and this must be held for some time after. I needed health insurance (notarised as it is a foreign policy). I needed a letter from the bank, which is only acceptable if issued on the day of application, and a medical examination and certificate. That is not to mention a photo in front of my house showing the house number, a Google Map showing my house location and a sketch map of the same. I further needed a lease agreement and a copy of the house book. Finally, a copy of all 66 pages of my passport. I also required a multi-entry visa stamp as I travel often. I still need to register with immigration 60 days after entering Thailand. Cost Tb5700.00.

I now read for Tb10,000 I can get a DTV for 5 years multi-enty and unlimited entries to the Kingdom. This does not make any sense. Surely, Immigration should now extend the 5-year visa designation to all those on a Retirement Visa?

 

For Retirement renewal, one must have had 800k in the bank 2 months prior and 3 months after, The rest of the time it can be 400k, but never dropped below that. Or 65k each month, or a Combination totalling 800k.

No medical, photos or passport copies, multi-entry stamp needed. Well not at my IO in Phitsanulok.

[Will B Good]

On 7/26/2024 at 1:38 PM, Ulyssesamui said:

 

 

This is an interesting development. 

I have just renewed my Retirement visa for the 9th time. I needed a minimum of Tb800,000 in the bank for three months prior to the application, and this must be held for some time after. I needed health insurance (notarised as it is a foreign policy). I needed a letter from the bank, which is only acceptable if issued on the day of application, and a medical examination and certificate. That is not to mention a photo in front of my house showing the house number, a Google Map showing my house location and a sketch map of the same. I further needed a lease agreement and a copy of the house book. Finally, a copy of all 66 pages of my passport. I also required a multi-entry visa stamp as I travel often. I still need to register with immigration 60 days after entering Thailand. Cost Tb5700.00.

I now read for Tb10,000 I can get a DTV for 5 years multi-enty and unlimited entries to the Kingdom. This does not make any sense. Surely, Immigration should now extend the 5-year visa designation to all those on a Retirement Visa?

 

You've made the rookie mistake of applying logic.

[Skeptic7]

This makes nothing easier for the vast majority of us on Non-O Retirement Extensions. T.I.T. to the MAX

[ikke1959]

What ease of rules?? no more 90 days report and address reporting??  Get visa longer than 1 year extension? less money for retirees to keep in bankaccounts or who have bought/rented houses here?? Less paperwork?? I think the same as always a lot of rumor about nothing, just as the tax reduction of the wine... still the same prices, this year possible gay marriage which will be surely be delayed to next year and alcohol sales hours will never disappear 

[Peterphuket]

On 7/26/2024 at 1:38 PM, Ulyssesamui said:

 

 

This is an interesting development. 

I have just renewed my Retirement visa for the 9th time. I needed a minimum of Tb800,000 in the bank for three months prior to the application, and this must be held for some time after. I needed health insurance (notarised as it is a foreign policy). I needed a letter from the bank, which is only acceptable if issued on the day of application, and a medical examination and certificate. That is not to mention a photo in front of my house showing the house number, a Google Map showing my house location and a sketch map of the same. I further needed a lease agreement and a copy of the house book. Finally, a copy of all 66 pages of my passport. I also required a multi-entry visa stamp as I travel often. I still need to register with immigration 60 days after entering Thailand. Cost Tb5700.00.

I now read for Tb10,000 I can get a DTV for 5 years multi-enty and unlimited entries to the Kingdom. This does not make any sense. Surely, Immigration should now extend the 5-year visa designation to all those on a Retirement Visa?

 

60 pages, that's a lot, that has advantages and disadvantages,my passport has only 31 pages so considerably fewer copies. to make, but yes if it remains valid for 10 years you have the chance of it being stamped full before it expires.
By the way you forget to mention that wine has not yet been reduced in price, maybe you don't drink wine.

 

[watchcat]

18 hours ago, daveAustin said:

To make it more appealing to retirees, stop harping on about tax!

 

And stop the silly 90 day reports......

[NoshowJones]

19 hours ago, KannikaP said:

For Retirement renewal, one must have had 800k in the bank 2 months prior and 3 months after, The rest of the time it can be 400k, but never dropped below that. Or 65k each month, or a Combination totalling 800k.

No medical, photos or passport copies, multi-entry stamp needed. Well not at my IO in Phitsanulok.

That is just at the moment, but this being Thailand, things can change particularly where Thai Immigration is concerned.

[john donson]

let all the rif raf in, and same bull crap for us long stayers

[KannikaP]

8 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

That is just at the moment, but this being Thailand, things can change particularly where Thai Immigration is concerned.

Like UK, where they were going to send illegals to Rwanda, now not. 

OK, I admit that in UK it was a change of Government whereas here it's the same lot simply changing their collective mind.

Edited July 27 by KannikaP

[DonniePeverley]

Here comes cheap mass tourism.

 

Thailand is about to get very ugly. 

 

Srettha is utterly useless. 

 

Nomad = backpacker with a laptop. 

[Danderman123]

Thailand wants new long term residents, but is also planning to tax them. That is going to discourage long time residents.

 

It sounds like no one is in charge.

[ChipButty]

20 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

Thailand wants new long term residents, but is also planning to tax them. That is going to discourage long time residents.

 

It sounds like no one is in charge.

The Lunatics are running the Asylum 

[KannikaP]

The lunatics are RUINING the Asylum !

[ikke1959]

On 7/27/2024 at 5:30 AM, watchcat said:

 

And stop the silly 90 day reports......

Indeed silly 90 days and when you come back from a holiday abroad you have to do again an address notification....even if you live in the same house for more than 15 years, extend all the time your visa in the same address. I am always wondering what is the need of it??

[watchcat]

6 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Indeed silly 90 days and when you come back from a holiday abroad you have to do again an address notification....even if you live in the same house for more than 15 years, extend all the time your visa in the same address. I am always wondering what is the need of it??

 

There's no need of it for expats who stays in the same house for decades.  But most people are "tourists" and move frequently where there should be a reason for checking up on them. And it should (for expats) be enough once per year to hand in the document together with your yearly extension.

 

[ikke1959]

3 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

There's no need of it for expats who stays in the same house for decades.  But most people are "tourists" and move frequently where there should be a reason for checking up on them. And it should (for expats) be enough once per year to hand in the document together with your yearly extension.

 

My immigration office needs a adrdress notification.....and they stamp it although I am not a tourist for a long time