On 7/19/2026 at 6:45 AM, JerryM said:

Maybe the agencies service at a cost will be to 'influence' the Immigration officers discretion.

Give it a rest Jerry.

I feel the authorities are once again shooting themselves in the foot. Why crimp the stay to bonafide retirees and inject uncertainty. Vietnam is beating you up on the trade competition and are doing the same with long stay tourism. This constant changing of length of stay policy and requirements is an irritant and is ill advised. Start listening to some outsiders and quit circle jerking

23 hours ago, Rams86 said:

Why don't foreign countries reciprocate when Thais enter the destination of their choice? It simply wouldn't happen as the Thai people involved would scream racism. Of course we're led to believe that there's no racism in Thailand.

Probably because Thais don't get visa free entries to UK, Europe, USA and many many more countries around the world.... 👍

On 7/19/2026 at 4:48 AM, Georgealbert said:

Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom.

Fot those who didn't pay attention during geography leasson winter in the north can last 6 mth and it the change won't mean a <deleted> to the snowbirds. Can someone explain why the subject of 30 vs 60 days has any interest? Has anyone studied official [sic] numbers who will be affected by the change (which after all is equal to the 60 tourist visa thats been around for a while but (and here lays the problem) cost a few quid

5 minutes ago, Unclernie said:

I feel the authorities are once again shooting themselves in the foot. Why crimp the stay to bonafide retirees and inject uncertainty. Vietnam is beating you up on the trade competition and are doing the same with long stay tourism. This constant changing of length of stay policy and requirements is an irritant and is ill advised. Start listening to some outsiders and quit circle jerking

I don't see 45 day entry or max 3 month visa having any effect whatsoever on "long stay tourism'

"Some pensioners who are not comfortable with digital processes will not want to apply for a visa online and are likely to be affected by the measure," he said.

Another knee jerk reaction to policy change. Approximately 97% to 99% of the Swiss population uses the internet. The country boasts near-universal digital adoption, making it one of the most connected nations globally. Its not that Swiss retirees can't do it, its just plain inconvenient.

25 minutes ago, hanbla said:

Yes, exactly, I don't understand this whining. For years, tourists have stayed in Thailand on 60 + 30 day tourist visas. Long before they introduced the visa exemption.

As always, some people just need the whining.

23 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Bout time Thai authorities started scrutinising the Swiss a little bit more.

Agree. Just because they are not in the news all the time does not mean they are not up to something. I beleive a full investigation into why Swiss retirees are allegedly uncomfortable with the digital world as reported in the article. Maybe they are all on PornHub through VPN in order to bypass Thai scrutiny. Just saying.

Edited yesterday at 02:05 AM1 day by riverhigh

46 minutes ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

Give it a rest Jerry.

Why not -- As noted elsewhere by experts:

The decision to grant entry is completely up to the immigration officer. They have full discretion ..

On 7/19/2026 at 7:11 AM, Sir Dude said:

I don't really see what the drama here on this one is, as if you are a genuine seasonal "snow bird" escaping the cold weather, then getting an actual tourist visa is pretty simple... and gives you the option of staying 90 days if you really want to. Just comes across as really idle and entitled to whine at this change when it is so simple to get round.

It was easy before without all that online sh,most people went to Thai embassy and got what they needed.I don't expect dealing with the onlinesh.. is easy for elderly people

24 minutes ago, JerryM said:

Why not -- As noted elsewhere by experts:

The decision to grant entry is completely up to the immigration officer. They have full discretion ..

As it is in most countries.

23 minutes ago, mrmicbkktxl said:

It was easy before without all that online sh,most people went to Thai embassy and got what they needed.I don't expect dealing with the onlinesh.. is easy for elderly people

The Thai embassy is over 2000km from where I live. I love the online system. Quick and efficient. I am in my 70's. Not sure if that qualifies as elderly.

Just get a tourist visa when you plan your stay. Not rocket science....

On 7/19/2026 at 8:42 AM, Rams86 said:

Why don't foreign countries reciprocate when Thais enter the destination of their choice? It simply wouldn't happen as the Thai people involved would scream racism. Of course we're led to believe that there's no racism in Thailand.

A lot of foreign countries already have fairly stiff regulations. People here are upset about them dropping the 60 to 30, but you are all forgetting that it has only been 2 years since they raised the limit in the hope of raising the number of long-term.

However, the majority of the people that they want to come here are families, and they typically stay only 2 weeks.

Most expats who stayed for went with the 90-day, which was fairly easy to get, and it only costs 100 baht more than doing the extension.

As to extensions I think they will look at the person and their finances as well as where are they staying and what are they doing. ie it does not take 90 days to visit all the tourist areas of Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya

11 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

The Thai embassy is over 2000km from where I live. I love the online system. Quick and efficient. I am in my 70's. Not sure if that qualifies as elderly.

Agreed, i am 1,200 kms away from the Canberra and the thai embassy. Online really is a blessing.

As foreigners can't vote in Thailand political elections and generally would not contact a politician for representation my view this is an Embassy issue.

Start contacting your countries Thai Embassy. Explain the problem, what solution you believe is fair and beneficial for both Thailand and Foreign Tourist looking to spend 90 days in the Kingdom.

The Embassies have MUCH more power than any citizen, more influence and know the contacts and process to get something accomplished.

Follow up.

Grok AI provides these resources for Foreign policy interests in Thailand.

"The Thai Ombudsman Office: Handles complaints from anyone residing in Thailand regarding unfair treatment or malpractices by Thai government agencies or officials.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) - Department of Consular Affairs: Handles official diplomatic and civil matters involving non-nationals residing in the Kingdom."

17 hours ago, WHansen said:

Hardest part can be converting photos into an acceptable format before uploading.

This is exactly the part I had problems with. It took 3 or 4 different photo attempts before being accepted

I had to slightly rotate then color enhance a previously rejected photo to satisfy their requirements.

46 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

As it is in most countries.

But most countries do not have elaborate mecanism to bribe an immigration official as to how they choose to implement or not such discretion .

Lazy old farts. Nothing better to do anyway. Just make the effort and get a tourist visa.

I came into Thailand a few days ago. I am an Australian citizen. At the Immigration booth I handed over my passport,TDAC Paperwork and my boarding pass. The Lady scrutinise the above then asked me how long I was staying. I informed her 78 days, she replied, I should have applied for a Visa for 60 days. I informed her the Visa regulation is still 60 days as it is not gazetted. In a huff she said make sure you get it next time

Which genius came up with this idea? Are they trying to put the country at a comparative disadvantage?

"Thailand has also reported to be tightening entry conditions. A solo traveller must be able to show at least 20,000 baht, while families need 40,000 baht.".

Who carries this much cash anymore? This is what credit cards and ATMs are for.

If and when the 60 day visa exempt is lowered to 30 days just apply for the 60 day tourist visa. If you have problems doing this online ask your kids or grandkids for help. I'm sure they can do this pretty easily.

1 hour ago, Jack Hammer said:

I came into Thailand a few days ago. I am an Australian citizen. At the Immigration booth I handed over my passport,TDAC Paperwork and my boarding pass. The Lady scrutinise the above then asked me how long I was staying. I informed her 78 days, she replied, I should have applied for a Visa for 60 days. I informed her the Visa regulation is still 60 days as it is not gazetted. In a huff she said make sure you get it next time

I know counting is not for everybody, but saying staying in Thailand for 78 days on a 60 day vis does not match .... In my opinion there are 18 days too short in the visa.. No wonder people have to apply for a visa. In this case a 90 day visa, non extendable... all problems solved, or 60 days non extendable... as long as visa are given that can be extended it is no use to have a visa system. Extensions only possible in extreme situations, with proof

Edited 23 hours ago23 hr by ikke1959

So, what did they do before July 2024??

They want quality tourists and reduce the visa free period? What is next? Flip flop policies which nobody understands except the Thai. Seems to me they don't like "farangs" anymore as they did before. Its just their money.

No problem; they will just go somewhere else. Again, Thailand will lose the business.

On 7/19/2026 at 3:48 AM, Woke to Sounds said:

Bout time Thai authorities started scrutinising the Swiss a little bit more.

And what is the reason for your statement?

3 hours ago, Jack Hammer said:

I came into Thailand a few days ago. I am an Australian citizen. At the Immigration booth I handed over my passport,TDAC Paperwork and my boarding pass. The Lady scrutinise the above then asked me how long I was staying. I informed her 78 days, she replied, I should have applied for a Visa for 60 days. I informed her the Visa regulation is still 60 days as it is not gazetted. In a huff she said make sure you get it next time

So she was right. Staying 78 days requires a visa