With Canada, the UK and others about to start allowing visa-free entry for Chinese from tomorrow, any hope of Thailand tightening their immigration policy with regards the Chinese is probably even more of a moot point.

So I guess it's up to the RTP to do a much better job of catching the blaggards after letting them in. Time to get them smart BMW's out of the shed and go after real criminals like the ones cooking up drug precursors, the drug dealers and the kidnap for ransom enforcers rather than broke-arsed pensioners on overstay.

19 minutes ago, technoronin said:

What do you mean I'm not a tourist if I want to spend 4 months in Thailand?

Some are, most are not.

18 minutes ago, technoronin said:

To do that I would have to pull $30K out of my retirement account, which has tax consequences here in the US.

That is the price to stay here long time.

13 minutes ago, arick said:

Yesterday morning in DMK

For the first time I asked if I can enter on my UK passport instead of on my visa on the Canadian passport since I'm only staying in the UK for 2 days and avoid the re-entry cost. The immigration officers went and checked and they said that I could use the other passport to enter but if I ever use the UK passport again it could set me up for wasting time and interrogation because they're cracking down on people using new passports. Sounds like people are getting new passports and staying in Thailand longer on new passports. She showed me on another application immigration stamps to see if the new passports are in the system and if they have previous multiple new passports in the system then they're set up for an interview on arrival. One reason from reducing the free entry to 30 days.

My experience when "flipping" passports before re-entry at DMK a few years ago was similar in that I needed "secondary inspection" before it was politely allowed. I told them the other passport was full.

Several years before that, while doing the passport flip on re-entry at BKK, I was told that I could only use the passport that had a visa in it. If I insisted on using the other passport for a visa-exempt entry, they would cancel the visa in the other passport.

On 2/13/2026 at 1:42 PM, visarunner said:

more confusion. I understand that people choose other destinations. This constant flip flop has already pushed many people to Vietnam, which has a stable policy. Many Airlines also started direct flights to Vietnam, bypassing Thailand as a transit point.

30/60 is not stopping the main tourist from coming here. The people that they want are families and the majority of them only stay for a couple of weeks.

There was a hope that they would be able to get longer staying people. Unfortunately, the longer staying people that they got did not have the money to afford and started to become a pain in society.

On 2/14/2026 at 2:28 AM, DrJack54 said:

Valid point. Keep in mind Thailand has SETV and METV on offer.

So why do you think Hong Kong, Singapore , Malaysia , Korea and Japan offer 90 days with no visa to many countries? Even Thailands SETV is a pain. Even a 30 day extension costs 1900 baht and easily a 1/2 day of wasted time and takes a half page in your passport ( which is ridiculous) Thailand does not need to have visas " on offer" as you say if it needs tourists quite badly.

On 2/14/2026 at 12:15 AM, CHdiver said:

All my friends in my homecountry go for not more then two to three weeks away for a holiday. Working people have around 4 to 6 weeks holiday a year. So 30 days is plenty. You are not talking about real tourists. You are talking about people wanting to stay long time in the country. They are not tourists imho.

So only people that work are tourists.

There are many people that are retired live in cold climates and want to spend the winter in Thailand, you mean they are not tourists. Most live in long-stay hotels eat in restaurants and don't work if they are not tourists what are they?

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Well METV is excellent visa option.

Also point is you have a visa.

Good choice for up to 9 months

34 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

30 million tourist is enough, 40 million was a headache.

We need better tourists, not the fighting and stealing ones.

You mean quality tourists like yourself

1 minute ago, alex8912 said:

So why do you think Hong Kong, Singapore , Malaysia , Korea and Japan offer 90 days with no visa to many countries?

Your comparing countries such as Japan and Singapore to Thailand. Weird.

Thai citizens are given 15 days visa exempt to Japan. I Oz, get 90.

Thailand has many visa options available and has visa exempt to 93 countries.

I'm currently in Saigon and had to obtain a tourist visa. My country not visa exempt nor is USA.

I don't complain. If I'm not happy about the visa I require for Vietnam then best option is not to come.

5 minutes ago, Hatari fan said:

So only people that work are tourists.

There are many people that are retired live in cold climates and want to spend the winter in Thailand, you mean they are not tourists. Most live in long-stay hotels eat in restaurants and don't work if they are not tourists what are they?

You mean quality tourists like yourself

I am not a tourist, neither are people who want to live somewhere else to avoid the cold.

19 hours ago, Chivas said:

Course they are still tourists if they spend months in country.....why should I apply for a retirement visa (probably wrong terminology) when I dont want to retire here ?? I have private income now plus very shortly British Government Pension but if I choose 6 months a year I will....

And then there's the elephant in the room in England and a gigantic massive one in New England called six to eight months of Winter!! Thailand should for ONCE offer a stay of 4 to 6 months for certain countries for people over the age of 50 ( or 55 or maybe 60) to easily be snowbirds here. Perhaps a few requirements but still super easy to obtain ( much much easier than the current METV ) which still requires ridiculous exits after 60 days ( without stupid extension )! Most people who can spend 4 to 6 months somewhere and have a home somewhere else bring in good money to Thailand and spend it daily. They want peace of mind and don't want to travel out of Thailand every 30 or 60 days just to spend MORE money outside Thailand.

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Your comparing countries such as Japan and Singapore to Thailand. Weird.

Thai citizens are given 15 days visa exempt to Japan. I Oz, get 90.

Thailand has many visa options available and has visa exempt to 93 countries.

I'm currently in Saigon and had to obtain a tourist visa. My country not visa exempt nor is USA.

I don't complain. If I'm not happy about the visa I require for Vietnam then best option is not to come.

Of all posters on visa threads I find it quite Weird that you don't know why Thais can't super easily travel to many countries! Mean really!! Tell me how long does it take you to get the EVISA from Vietnam? Then tell us how long you think it takes the average person to apply for METV? Even SETV? The questions often don't make sense , they want ridiculous information , want to know details Vietnam doesn't care/ansk about etc! Don't you get why you seem to practically live in Saigon because Vietnam is stealing everyone who used to go to Thailand and they visit Vietnam exclusively now.

5 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

Thailand should for ONCE offer a stay of 4 to 6 months for certain countries for people over the age of 50 ( or 55 or maybe 60) to easily be snowbirds here.

Disagree.

Even SETV + extension = 90 day stay.

You refer to "stupid extension" (30 days)

Suggest you find an option that suites your needs or find a country that is a better fit.

2 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

Of all posters on visa threads I find it quite Weird that you don't know why Thais can't super easily travel to many countries!

What? Of course I know. I have obtain (assisted) with 4 tourist visas to Oz for my Thai partner over the years. It's certainly a process.

4 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

Tell me how long does it take you to get the EVISA from Vietnam?

It takes 4 days. From start to email of eVisa.

5 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

Then tell us how long you think it takes the average person to apply for METV? Even SETV?

Not long and somewhat irrelevant.

The evisa can be obtained in advance of travel to Thailand

Not difficult.

7 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

The questions often don't make sense , they want ridiculous information , want to know details Vietnam doesn't care/ansk about etc!

Nonsense comment.

I have annual extensions retirement + reentry permit for Thailand and time in Saigon with cheap flights and accom etc and easy eVisa $25 single entry 30 days

Or $45 multi. Multi can be up to 3 months.

Just now, alex8912 said:

Of all posters on visa threads I find it quite Weird that you don't know why Thais can't super easily travel to many countries! Mean really!! Tell me how long does it take you to get the EVISA from Vietnam? Then tell us how long you think it takes the average person to apply for METV? Even SETV? The questions often don't make sense , they want ridiculous information , want to know details Vietnam doesn't care/ansk about etc! Don't you get why you seem to practically live in Saigon because Vietnam is stealing everyone who used to go to Thailand and they visit Vietnam exclusively now.

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Disagree.

Even SETV + extension = 90 day stay.

You refer to "stupid extension" (30 days)

Suggest you find an option that suites your needs or find a country that is a better fit.

That's only 90 days Jack. Your suggestion is not good. Thanks anyways. This was Thai visa forum in the past! I find my suggestion for an easy 4 to 6 months stay for folks over 50/60 to make great sense as do many other posters on here.

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Disagree.

Even SETV + extension = 90 day stay.

You refer to "stupid extension" (30 days)

Suggest you find an option that suites your needs or find a country that is a better fit.

Yes the process of a 30 day extension that takes easily a 1/2 day and costs 1900 baht is stupid.

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

What? Of course I know. I have obtain (assisted) with 4 tourist visas to Oz for my Thai partner over the years. It's certainly a process.

It takes 4 days. From start to email of eVisa.

Not long and somewhat irrelevant.

The evisa can be obtained in advance of travel to Thailand

Not difficult.

Nonsense cement. I have annual extensions retirement + reentry permit and enjoy time in Saigon with cheap flights and accom etc and easy eVisa $25 single entry 30 days

Or $45 multi. Multi can be up to 3 months.

When discussing the " time " it takes to do the online Vietnam tourist visa I'm not counting the 3 or 4 days to get approval!! It's the few minutes you need to type in the info. The Thai SETV and METV aren't a few minutes. That's it. Bye

3 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

That's only 90 days Jack. Your suggestion is not good. Thanks anyways. This was Thai visa forum in the past! I find my suggestion for an easy 4 to 6 months stay for folks over 50/60 to make great sense as do many other posters on here.

I don't.

There are existing options that cover 4-6 month stay

For under 50 there is now the DTV.

The options don't suit you then fine.

If I was a snowbird 4-6 months or more.... I would have annual extension + reentry permit and come and stay as often as I want.

Easy Peasy

Note current thread running re best option for 4-6 month stay.

Here is cut/paste from @Upnotover good advice.

"Could do it on an annual extension. There is no minimum time required in Thailand. Plus you have complete flexibility on how long you want to stay each year."

On 2/13/2026 at 6:54 AM, ricky52 said:

The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government's plan to reduce visa‑free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists on average stay for less than a month.

You are asking "why?".

The answer in the news is that criminals stays in Thailand more than 30 days – while quality tourists only are in need of up to three weeks – and the government wish less criminals tyo enter Thailand. So, if you stay more than 30 days without obtaining a proper tourist visa or one of the long stay-visas, you know now know what kind you are considered to be...😉

On 2/13/2026 at 1:50 PM, DrJack54 said:

that still provides a stay of 30 + 30 (with extension)

Applying for the extension requires spending half a day at Chaengwattana. I enter Thailand with a return ticket. Is it reasonable, in this situation, to rely on the extension being granted?

41 minutes ago, daejung said:

Applying for the extension requires spending half a day at Chaengwattana. I enter Thailand with a return ticket. Is it reasonable, in this situation, to rely on the extension being granted?

Thinking you mean return ticket with stay of under 60 days.

You with be given an extension.

For airlines requiring onward flight for issue of boarding pass at departure there have been reports of return ticket being outside 30 but within 60 and that's fine with airline.

As for half a day for extension process... You could consider agent.

Yes has a cost. Some even pick up pp etc

3 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

30 million tourist is enough, 40 million was a headache.

We need better tourists, not the fighting and stealing ones.

Someone who has been in Thailand for as long as you have should realize that this idea to attract more "quality tourists" is a pipe dream. There has always been a mismatch between who they want to attract and who they actually attract, and to a certain extent, that explains their inept flip-flopping on visa exempt policies.

I predict that their planned reduction back to 30 days will do nothing to change that.

2 hours ago, Caldera said:

30 million tourist is enough, 40 million was a headache.

We need better tourists, not the fighting and stealing ones.

The ones you see in the media who are fighting with LBs and with each others are most likely 2 week millionaires. They have short time to spend, so they drink and fight like there is no tomorrow.

23 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

the official answer i saw was " for security reasons" or similar wording, is that not good enough for you? How about "because they say so" does that satisfy your curiosity ?

I have also seen for "security" reasons, but have never seen any explanation ss to why those on visa free are more of a security risk than anyone on any other visa...I do wish someone could explain it...I am full of questions.

7 hours ago, arick said:

Because people are abusing the system. They're staying for their 60 days and then coming in again on a 60 days and then applying from their own government a new passport. Start the process over again.

True.They really abuse the system but it will be discovered.Same some foreigners get banned and try to get in again with a new passport and denied.Some think they r smart but actually really stupid.

To CHdiver You wrote "All my friends in my homecountry go for not more then two to three weeks away for a holiday. Working people have around 4 to 6 weeks holiday a year. So 30 days is plenty. You are not talking about real tourists. You are talking about people wanting to stay long time in the country. They are not tourists imho."

Disagree with you. When I was working I used to visit twice a year for 6 weeks each time for a number of years. Now that I am retired I visit here for 90 days once a year. To overcome this hysteria about will they or won't they revert the visa free period back to 30 days, I get a 60 day SETV and get a further 30 days once I am in Thailand.

I am definitely a tourist.

12 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

I am not a tourist, neither are people who want to live somewhere else to avoid the cold.

You can be retired, and a tourist at the same time (traveling). There is no limit of how many days you can be a tourist, as far as I know..

Edit: I see my post should be directed and an answer to CHdiver, who means you're not a tourist if you spend 60 days in Thailand.

This post:

All my friends in my homecountry go for not more then two to three weeks away for a holiday. Working people have around 4 to 6 weeks holiday a year. So 30 days is plenty. You are not talking about real tourists. You are talking about people wanting to stay long time in the country. They are not tourists imho.

21 hours ago, technoronin said:

What do you mean I'm not a tourist if I want to spend 4 months in Thailand? I'm retired and slow traveling.

Yes if you consider that real tourists only stay for less than 30 days as I did when I was working and holiday time was limited. People might get 28 days paid leave a year but try getting permission to be off more than 15 days consecutively. Now I am retired and would love to spend longer in Thailand it seems I am not wanted. Oh well find a country that is more appreciative of retired people and would like to stay longer. Yes there is of course to the tourist visa but this come down to does Thailand really want you. Seems though don't.

8 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

Edit: I see my post should be directed and an answer to CHdiver, who means you're not a tourist if you spend 60 days in Thailand.

I would be interested to know what they are if they aren't tourists.

IfI'm coming back in this week. Hope I can get 60 en-route back home vs 30 and having to endure immigration queues...

Pain in the ass changes as usual. Hope they don't implement till after Asian New Year.

For anyone doing the tired "you are not a tourist if you stay 60 days or longer.." Why then does Thailand offer a specific 6-month tourist visa...?

Knucklehead argument that comes up again-and-again.

Malaysia 90-days free, Nam 45 days free...and no real issues. Typical clownfest Thai politicians going in circles.

All surrounding countries have fairly stable no-limit entry.

If anyone uses passive aggressive thumbs down vs words then you know what you are...inarticulate.

Say what you think vs being low effort.

1 hour ago, freedomnow said:

Say what you think vs being low effort.

Think your post is a rant.

You want something that suites you.

As pointed out in the thread there are options, for 6 month stay being METV.

I (AU) require a visa to enter Laos, Cambodia, etc. Where as many countries ie Japan I'm stamped in for 90.

You mention Vietnam being 45.

USA and AU citizens require a visa to enter Thailand.

Countries set their own rules.

Thailand has very flexible options.