I wanted to let everyone know that the expectation is Monday, August 31st, the Royal Gazette will publish the order reverting visa exempt to 30 days. The order will take effect 15 days after it is published (this is written in the order).

Also, specifically written in the order is that visa exempt at a land border will be limited to 2 times per calendar year.

The order was signed by the PM and has been submitted for publication in the Royal Gazette. I have attached a copy of the signed order in PDF format (Thai). Below you will find an AI translation of the document.

Full Translation of the Ministry of Interior Document

[Page 1: Cover Letter]

Urgent Doc. No.: MOI 0204.1/15655

Ministry of Interior, Atsadang Road, Bangkok 10200

27 August 2026

Subject: Request to publish Ministry of Interior announcements in the Royal Gazette

To: Secretary-General of the Cabinet

Reference: Cabinet Secretariat letter No. NR 0503/15966 dated 15 July 2026

Attachments:

1. Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the cancellation of the Ministry of Interior Announcement on the determination of the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business negotiations are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding sixty days as a special case, dated 15 July 2024 (1 copy).

2. Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding fifteen days (1 copy).

3. Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily may apply for a visa at immigration checkpoints (Visa on Arrival) (1 copy).

4. Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding thirty days (1 copy).

As the Cabinet Secretariat informed that the Cabinet, in its meeting on 14 July 2026, passed a resolution approving the 4 draft Ministry of Interior announcements and instructed the Ministry of Interior to issue such announcements expeditiously;

Now, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior have signed the aforementioned 4 Ministry of Interior announcements. The Ministry of Interior hereby submits these announcements for publication in the Royal Gazette, with details appearing in Attachments 1–4.

Please be informed for consideration.

[Page 2: Attachment 2 - 15-Day Visa Exemption Announcement]

Announcement of the Ministry of Interior

Subject: Determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding fifteen days

Whereas it is deemed appropriate to execute measures for the benefit of promoting international relations and safeguarding the overall interests of the Kingdom of Thailand on the basis of reciprocity;

By virtue of Section 13 of the Ministerial Regulation prescribing criteria, procedures, and conditions for inspection, exemption, and change of visa types, B.E. 2545 (2002), the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, with the approval of the Cabinet on 14 July B.E. 2569 (2026), hereby issue the following announcement:

• Clause 1: The list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding fifteen days shall be as follows:

  (1) Republic of Seychelles

  (2) Republic of Mauritius

• Clause 2: Holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports who are granted a visa exemption for tourism and permitted to enter the Kingdom temporarily under Clause 1, in case of entering through authorized immigration checkpoints or border checkpoints bordering land boundaries, shall be permitted to enter the Kingdom not more than twice per calendar year, except for persons possessing nationalities of countries prescribed by the Minister who may be permitted to enter the Kingdom more than twice per calendar year.

• Clause 3: This Announcement shall come into force after the expiration of fifteen days from the date of its publication in the Royal Gazette.

Announced on the 26th day of August B.E. 2569 (2026).

[Page 3: Attachment 3 - Visa on Arrival Announcement]

Announcement of the Ministry of Interior

Subject: Determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily may apply for a visa at immigration checkpoints

Whereas it is deemed expedient to revise the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily may apply for a visa at authorized immigration checkpoints to make it appropriate and consistent with current circumstances;

By virtue of Clause... paragraph two of the Ministerial Regulation prescribing criteria, procedures, and conditions for inspection, exemption, and change of visa types, B.E. 2545 (2002), the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, with the approval of the Cabinet on 14 July B.E. 2569 (2026), hereby issue the following announcement:

• Clause 1: The Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily may apply for a visa at authorized immigration checkpoints, dated 15 July B.E. 2567 (2024), shall be repealed.

• Clause 2: The list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily may apply for a visa at authorized immigration checkpoints shall be determined as follows:

  (1) Republic of Azerbaijan

  (2) Republic of Belarus

  (3) Republic of Serbia

• Clause 3: This Announcement shall come into force after the expiration of fifteen days from the date of its publication in the Royal Gazette.

Announced on the 26th day of August B.E. 2569 (2026).

[Page 4: Attachment 1 - Cancellation of 60-Day Exemption Announcement]

Announcement of the Ministry of Interior

Subject: Cancellation of the Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business negotiations are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding sixty days as a special case, dated 15 July B.E. 2567 (2024)

Whereas it is expedient to repeal the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business negotiations are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding sixty days as a special case, to be appropriate and consistent with current circumstances, taking into account national security, the economy, and the promotion of national tourism;

By virtue of Section 17 of the Immigration Act, B.E. 2522 (1979), the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, with the approval of the Cabinet on 14 July B.E. 2569 (2026), hereby issue the following announcement:

• Clause 1: The Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business negotiations are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding sixty days as a special case, dated 15 July B.E. 2567 (2024), shall be repealed.

• Clause 2: This Announcement shall come into force after the expiration of fifteen days from the date of its publication in the Royal Gazette.

Announced on the 26th day of August B.E. 2569 (2026).

[Pages 5, 6, 7: Attachment 4 - 30-Day Visa Exemption Announcement]

Announcement of the Ministry of Interior

Subject: Determination of the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding thirty days

Whereas it is expedient to revise the list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding thirty days, to make it appropriate and consistent with current circumstances, taking into account national security, the economy, and the promotion of national tourism;

By virtue of Section 13 of the Ministerial Regulation prescribing criteria, procedures, and conditions for inspection, exemption, and change of visa types, B.E. 2545 (2002), the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, with the approval of the Cabinet on 14 July B.E. 2569 (2026), hereby issue the following announcement:

• Clause 1: The following shall be repealed:

  (1) Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding thirty days, dated 4 March B.E. 2562 (2019).

  (2) Ministry of Interior Announcement regarding the determination of the list of countries whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding thirty days (No. 2), dated 21 June B.E. 2565 (2022).

• Clause 2: The list of countries and territories whose holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism are granted a visa exemption and permitted to stay in the Kingdom for not exceeding thirty days shall be determined as follows:

  (1) Commonwealth of Australia

  (2) Republic of Austria

  (3) Kingdom of Bahrain

  (4) Kingdom of Belgium

  (5) Republic of Bulgaria

  (6) Kingdom of Bhutan

  (7) Brunei Darussalam

  (8) Canada

  (9) Republic of Croatia

  (10) Republic of Cyprus

  (11) Czech Republic

  (12) Kingdom of Denmark

  (13) Republic of Estonia

  (14) Republic of Fiji

  (15) Republic of Finland

  (16) French Republic

  (17) Georgia

  (18) Federal Republic of Germany

  (19) Hellenic Republic

  (20) Hungary

  (21) Republic of Iceland

  (22) Republic of Indonesia

  (23) Republic of India

  (24) Ireland

  (25) State of Israel

  (26) Italian Republic

  (27) Japan

  (28) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

  (29) State of Kuwait

  (30) Kyrgyz Republic

  (31) Republic of Latvia

  (32) Principality of Liechtenstein

  (33) Republic of Lithuania

  (34) Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

  (35) Republic of Malta

  (36) Malaysia

  (37) Republic of Maldives

  (38) Kingdom of the Netherlands

  (39) New Zealand

  (40) Kingdom of Norway

  (41) Sultanate of Oman

  (42) Republic of the Philippines

  (43) Republic of Poland

  (44) Portuguese Republic

  (45) State of Qatar

  (46) Romania

  (47) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

  (48) Republic of Singapore

  (49) Slovak Republic

  (50) Republic of Slovenia

  (51) Republic of South Africa

  (52) Kingdom of Spain

  (53) Kingdom of Sweden

  (54) Swiss Confederation

  (55) Taiwan

  (56) Republic of Turkey

  (57) Ukraine

  (58) United Arab Emirates

  (59) United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

  (60) United States of America

• Clause 3: Holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports who are granted a visa exemption for tourism and permitted to enter the Kingdom temporarily under Clause 2, in case of entering through authorized immigration checkpoints or border checkpoints bordering land boundaries, shall be permitted to enter the Kingdom not more than twice per calendar year, except for persons possessing nationalities of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Republic of Indonesia, and Republic of Singapore, or persons possessing nationalities of other countries prescribed by the Minister, who may be permitted to enter the Kingdom more than twice per calendar year.

• Clause 4: This Announcement shall come into force after the expiration of fifteen days from the date of its publication in the Royal Gazette.

Announced on the 26th day of August B.E. 2569 (2026).

มท 0204.1-15655 ขอให้นำเรียนประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทยลงประกาศในราชกิจจานุเบกษา.pdf

Too much information!!

46 minutes ago, Olmate said:

Too much information!!

Then just read the top few lines. That tells you everything.

Good heads-up from @BrandonJT, much appreciated.

I foresee that inbound immigration at Thailand's international airports could be chock-a-block the weekend of 12th-13th of September.

Seems Thailand is heading for hermit status

53 minutes ago, bruce123123 said:

Seems Thailand is heading for hermit status

They're just going back to the way visa exempt has been for decades. The 60 day visa exempt was always meant to be temporary. If someone needs 60 days, they can spend 10 minutes to apply for a tourist visa online.

Utterly disastrous for me landing in middle of September but my decision not to apply for SETV so no ones fault but mine

Thankfully I hadnt already booked onward flight towards end of the 60 days so have options still

Could book a proper onward flight now at 29 days (to satisfy airline and potentially immigration) from landing but with option to change flight to 59 days assuming a 30 day extension

Or could buy a semi fake onward ticket for $7 as before and take my chances that check in accept it when seen (now an utter certainty to be asked for I suspect as on one way outbound)

My fault entirely. Frankly I see no point in trying to apply for a SETV in the time left as they will be inundated with applications

Edited Sunday at 03:57 AM3 days by Chivas

4 minutes ago, Chivas said:

Utterly disastrous for me landing in middle of September but my decision not to apply for SETV so no ones fault but mine

Thankfully I hadnt already booked onward flight towards end of the 60 days (and then extending visa))

Could book a proper onward flight now at 29 days (to satisfy airline and potentially immigration) from landing but with option to change flight to 59 days assuming a 30 day extension

Or could buy a semi fake onward ticket for $7 as before and take my chances that check in accept it when seen (now an utter certainty to be asked for I suspect as on one way outbound)

My fault entirely. Frankly I see no point in trying to apply for a SETV in the time left as they will be inundated with applications

It's not really public yet, so if you apply as soon as the e-visa system comes back online, you'd be at the head of the line.

3 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

It's not really public yet, so if you apply as soon as the e-visa system comes back online, you'd be at the head of the line.

If it was "delayed" being published in the Gazette couple days I'd actually be fine lol...thats how close it is !

I think when I first arrived here is was 30 days. But one could get three tourist visas and so had to leave to , say, Vientiane every 30 days.

So nothing new.

They could have waited just one more week with the announcement😪 off we go to apply for a Visa then...

What was the final decision on Indian passport holders?

Edit :

Ah, I see they have been added to the 30-day Visa Waiver group.

Edited Sunday at 06:30 AM3 days by Briggsy

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

It's not really public yet, so if you apply as soon as the e-visa system comes back online, you'd be at the head of the line.

It was in Next Step Hua Hin yesterday so expect everyone will know about it by Monday morning.

https://nextstephuahin.com/thailand-visa-exemption-30-days-60-countries-2026/

wont make expats living in Laos or Laos citizens that used to enjoy popping over the border for shopping every month

they should have included them in the list that allows malyaysian and singoreans expempt from the 2/year

20 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

wont make expats living in Laos or Laos citizens that used to enjoy popping over the border for shopping every month

they should have included them in the list that allows malyaysian and singoreans expempt from the 2/year

Won't make any difference to Lao citizens, many don't even use a passport for those trips.

Was it actually published today then in the Gazette ??

3 minutes ago, Chivas said:

Was it actually published today then in the Gazette ??

Give them a chance to have their breakfast first, maybe check back at teatime?

11 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Give them a chance to have their breakfast first, maybe check back at teatime?

Yes fair enough....had assumed (always fatal) it was an automated process if pre lodged in the system.

As the Moderator says should be enough time to apply for SETV anyway (hopefully)

If it literally doesnt appear today (31st) I'm ok....its thats close time wise !!

1 minute ago, Chivas said:

Yes fair enough....had assumed (always fatal) it was an automated process if pre lodged in the system.

As the Moderator says should be enough time to apply for SETV anyway (hopefully)

If it literally doesnt appear today (31st) I'm ok....its thats close time wise !!

Latest updates were on Friday 28th. Check it yourself here.....https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/

22 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

They're just going back to the way visa exempt has been for decades. The 60 day visa exempt was always meant to be temporary. If someone needs 60 days, they can spend 10 minutes to apply for a tourist visa online.

Indeed, but the change was overkill and a mistake.

Years ago, when they wanted to boost tourism on a temporary basis they offered the tourist visa free for a period.

Would have removed a great deal of controversy had they stuck to that arrangement.

1 hour ago, zzzzz said:

wont make expats living in Laos or Laos citizens that used to enjoy popping over the border for shopping every month

they should have included them in the list that allows malyaysian and singoreans expempt from the 2/year

The limit on land border crossings is poorly thought out. The intent is presumably to deter people from doing frequent border runs to extend their time in Thailand, but they could narrowly address that particular issue rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water. As you note, there are plenty of expats living in Laos who cross the border regularly for shopping, medical treatment, and recreation, and typically stay for only a day or two. Why inconvenience them when the target is a completely different group of people?

23 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

They're just going back to the way visa exempt has been for decades. The 60 day visa exempt was always meant to be temporary. If someone needs 60 days, they can spend 10 minutes to apply for a tourist visa online.

My first trip to Thailand was in 1986. At that time my Visa Exempt entry permitted a stay of 15 days. I continued to visit annually obtaining a Tourist Visa as my stays were for 2 weeks.

In September 1991 it was changed to 30 days. So my later visits were Visa Exempt until I obtained my Non-O Visa and moved here to live in the latter part of 2002.

As noted, when the change was made from 30 to 60 days, it was intended to be "temporary." If one needs more than 30, but less than 60 days, enter Visa Exempt for the first 30 days and go to Immigration for the one time extension of another 30 days.

As to the timing, it has been discussed a lot in these pages and generally assumed that a Gazetting is published on a Friday and the matter takes aeffect 15 days thereafter. So I'd say they publish on Sep 4, and those affected should get in a queue before midnight on Sep 18.

On 8/30/2026 at 11:08 AM, Chivas said:

If it was "delayed" being published in the Gazette couple days I'd actually be fine lol...thats how close it is !

You are in the UK, so you have plenty of time to apply for a TR visa. Saying the system will be inundated is an excuse for laziness, same as suggesting that a delay to the publication in the Royal Gazette would fit your current plans.

1 hour ago, BaronHardup said:

As to the timing, it has been discussed a lot in these pages and generally assumed that a Gazetting is published on a Friday and the matter takes aeffect 15 days thereafter. So I'd say they publish on Sep 4, and those affected should get in a queue before midnight on Sep 18.

Then again, it could be published today.

"Laws and official announcements in Thailand do not have a fixed day of the week for publication in the Royal Gazette."

What's with all this straw-clutching procrastination?

Edited Monday at 05:33 AM2 days by NanLaew

39 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

You are in the UK, so you have plenty of time to apply for a TR visa. Saying the system will be inundated is an excuse for laziness, same as suggesting that a delay to the publication in the Royal Gazette would fit your current plans.

You make me laugh you really do. Of COURSE the system is suddenly going to be inundated and only the terminally dimwitted could think otherwise. Likewise a delay even to tomorrow would suit nicely as it turns out and has sod all to do with laziness

If does appear today then I'll apply for a SETV

Get a grip

On 8/30/2026 at 1:32 AM, BrandonJT said:

Also, specifically written in the order is that visa exempt at a land border will be limited to 2 times per calendar year.

Thanks for that @BrandonJT - will affect me so I studied it carefully.

As you say Clause 3 is where the explanation of the land border restrictions are shown.

As a legal document, it is oddly silent by not explicitly mentioning arriving by air but if you take Clause 3 to be an exception that it is the general assumption that most people will do so.

So is it sensible to infer that if one is flying into Thailand, there are no limits on entries WITH a Visa?

And to ask a slightly different question:

One up to 60 day trip with a Visa, and Two up to 30 day trips without a Visa all in the same year will be acceptable?

2 hours ago, Chivas said:

You make me laugh you really do. Of COURSE the system is suddenly going to be inundated and only the terminally dimwitted could think otherwise. Likewise a delay even to tomorrow would suit nicely as it turns out and has sod all to do with laziness

If does appear today then I'll apply for a SETV

Get a grip

@Chivas I may misunderstand your issue about applying, but I just successfully logged into my account at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ at 10:07 BST 31/08/2026.

Why not apply anyway now? At worst you don't receive it in time or even need it but it might provide some piece of mind.

Edited Monday at 09:09 AM2 days by VBF

3 minutes ago, VBF said:

@Chivas I may misunderstand your issue about applying, but I just successfully logged into my account at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ at 10:07 BST 31/08/2026.

Why not apply anyway now? At worst you don't receive it in time or even need it but it might provide some piece of mind.

I acknowledge that albeit I literally just need to get past midnight tonight (Thai time) and it wont be required

It is literally that close

If it does appear prior to that time I will as you say apply later today from UK as have all documents/bookings/bank statements ready to go etc now

1 minute ago, Chivas said:

I acknowledge that albeit I literally just need to get past midnight tonight (Thai time) and it wont be required

It is literally that close

If it does appear prior to that time I will as you say apply later today from UK as have all documents/bookings/bank statements ready to go etc now

Gotcha..... fingers crossed 🤞

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