Permission of stay only 30 DAYS for certain nationalities with a valid Tourist Visa

[lkv]

I'm reading something rather disturbing. According to the Hull Consulate website and the London Thai Embassy one, certain nationalities will receive a 60 day stamp on a valid Tourist Visa, whereas others will get only 30 days starting as of...well a week ago apparently.

Can anybody confirm this from experience or from official websites within Thailand?

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdf/v1-general-visa-rules-and-regs02015.pdf

[ukrules]

I'm not sure if what you're referring to has changed but while reading through the document you linked I noticed this little gem :

Please note it is not generally possible to extend a stay in Thailand. Extensions of stay are granted only in exceptional circumstances and are at the discretion of the Thai immigration officer

I'm not sure if the above sentence is new but its very common for people coming to Thailand to extend their stay by 30 days without needing to do a 'visa run' to another country.

If this is a new change then it will impact a lot of people who have already booked their flights for holidays starting in the coming weeks.

I've already heard of one case where someone has booked their flight long ago and the double entry visa they were going to use no longer exists. My recommendation was to just shorten the trip, don't bother with visa runs and only stay for 90 days maximum.

If they're stopping doing routine extensions of stay then it's a major change and for a lot of people this is going to mean a 60 day stay instead of a 90 day stay. Lots of people won't do the visa run nonsense due to it being ludicrous.

I see that this PDF file was created on November 12th so it was modified very recently.

[lkv]

Yes that's also a good point, with the 30 day extension. What i was reffering to is half way through the doc, would not apply to you if you're from the UK but applies to other countries.

See screenshot attached

[ukrules]

Yes that's also a good point, with the 30 day extension. What i was reffering to is half way through the doc, would not apply to you if you're from the UK but applies to other countries.

See screenshot attached

I know what you mean, was it always this way for people not on the 'favoured' countries list ?

I wouldn't have noticed because like you say it was always a 60 day entry for me when using a tourist visa in the past.

I always did the extension of stay as well which I think back then only got you about 2 weeks instead of the 30 days which is (or was) routinely available and not an emergency only thing.

Edit: I'll make a separate topic on this extension of stay issue as it's an important point that people need to know about if there has been a previously unpublished change.

[lkv]

Makes a difference for me, i am on the list of countries that do not get a visa exemption but paid VOA, and with a valid tourist visa I always got 60 Days plus paid 30 day extension. Now it seems I'd get 30 days and potentially no paid extension as you said.

[lkv]

So if you dont find yourself on that list that I have attached above, next time you'll get a 30 day chop instead of a 60 day chop on a valid Thai tourist visa. That's my understanding of it at least.

[Matej]

If this is true, then my stay in Thailand will be significantly harder ...

When I was looking for some information about this I found that there are no more triple entry visa available in my home country, but only

multiple entry visa for 6 months for 150 euros, and now this ...

What the hell is going on?

I stay here on tourist visa because I don't have any other option ...

And now I will have to travel to freaking Kuala Lumpur every 2 months or what?

It's just getting better and better ...

[ukrules]

So if you dont find yourself on that list that I have attached above, next time you'll get a 30 day chop instead of a 60 day chop on a valid Thai tourist visa. That's my understanding of it at least.

Yes, that's certainly the way it looks according to the document from this particular consulate.

I wonder if these changes have also been announced elsewhere.

[oncearugge]

So if you dont find yourself on that list that I have attached above, next time you'll get a 30 day chop instead of a 60 day chop on a valid Thai tourist visa. That's my understanding of it at least.

Which countries passport do you hold ?

[lkv]

Yes, London and Dublin are stating the same not only Hull. The sad thing is the info that geberally comes out of these websites (Hull in particular) has always been spot on.

[lkv]

Which countries passport do you hold ?

An Eastern European country not on that list that up until now got a 60 day chop.

[Matej]

Which countries passport do you hold ?

An Eastern European country not on that list that up until now got a 60 day chop.

Same here ...

Eastern Europeans are apparently not worthy of this elite club according Thai government

[VBF]

Yes that's also a good point, with the 30 day extension. What i was reffering to is half way through the doc, would not apply to you if you're from the UK but applies to other countries.

See screenshot attached

I know what you mean, was it always this way for people not on the 'favoured' countries list ?

I wouldn't have noticed because like you say it was always a 60 day entry for me when using a tourist visa in the past.

I always did the extension of stay as well which I think back then only got you about 2 weeks instead of the 30 days which is (or was) routinely available and not an emergency only thing.

Edit: I'll make a separate topic on this extension of stay issue as it's an important point that people need to know about if there has been a previously unpublished change.

Hold on there UKRules!!!!!!

There do NOT appear to have been any changes!

I have a document from Hull "General Visa Rules and Regulations" dated 01-03-2011 which says exactly the same thing about who gets 30 or 60 days, and further on in the document, it says exactly the same thing about "not generally possible to extend a stay in Thailand."!!!! Document attached

And on the London Embassy site it still says:

Nationals of countries which are on Thailand’s Tourist Visa Exemption list or have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand will be permitted to stay for a period of not exceeding 60 days. Nationals from other countries who hold a tourist visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days.

If you look here http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/55 you'll see the Tourist Visa Exemption list

So it would seem that nothing has actually changed - just that the documents are not correctly updated!

Aa General Visa Rules and Regulations 01.03.11.doc

[lkv]

I'll tell you in January the real answer to the question, I was just hoping someone else will tell me sooner. Since I'd be considering shelf companies or whatever with WP attached, although the cost is much higher.

[lkv]

And on the London Embassy site it still says:

Nationals of countries which are on Thailands Tourist Visa Exemption list or have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand will be permitted to stay for a period of not exceeding 60 days. Nationals from other countries who hold a tourist visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days.

If you look here http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/55 you'll see the Tourist Visa Exemption list

So it would seem that nothing has actually changed - just that the documents are not correctly updated!

And you're saying that 10 days ago for example this London website was stating the same and has not changed recently?

[VBF]

And on the London Embassy site it still says:

Nationals of countries which are on Thailands Tourist Visa Exemption list or have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand will be permitted to stay for a period of not exceeding 60 days. Nationals from other countries who hold a tourist visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days.

If you look here http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/55 you'll see the Tourist Visa Exemption list

So it would seem that nothing has actually changed - just that the documents are not correctly updated!

And you're saying that 10 days ago for example this London website was stating the same and has not changed recently?

Not as far as I can see. Others may disagree but I believe this is due to all of us (and I include myself!) looking for problems, what with all the other recent changes.

I'm hoping someone like UbonJoe contributes, but I can guarantee that the Hull document i attached above has been lurking on my computer since 2011. Even its "last modified" date is only June 2011!

[lkv]

Not as far as I can see. Others may disagree but I believe this is all of us (and I include myself!) looking for problems, what with all the other recent changes.

I'm hoping someone like UbonJoe contributes, but I can guarantee that the Hull document i attached above has been lurking on my computer since 2011. Even its "last modified" date is only June 2011!

I believe what you are saying, I was not aware that the Hull consulate has faulted with their info before, that was generally reserved for Gvt websites within Thailand.

Well yeah, when you get 1 month ED visa extensions, METV advertised as "encouraging tourism at 5k baht with proof of employment in your own country", when you get the latest "Amazing Thailand" commercial targeted at so called "rich Hong Kong-ers" that would rather travel to New York, when you see the attitude towards foreigners of the officials becoming more and more xenofobic, when you get asked for legal bribes (500k Thai Elite)...to live like a Thai citizen according to their website....but still report to Immigration (<deleted>? I thought Thai people don't report to Immmigration), then yeah nothing amazes you anymore.

Apart from amazing Thailand. Truly amazing

[oncearugge]

Not as far as I can see. Others may disagree but I believe this is all of us (and I include myself!) looking for problems, what with all the other recent changes.

I'm hoping someone like UbonJoe contributes, but I can guarantee that the Hull document i attached above has been lurking on my computer since 2011. Even its "last modified" date is only June 2011!

I believe what you are saying, I was not aware that the Hull consulate has faulted with their info before, that was generally reserved for Gvt websites within Thailand.

Well yeah, when you get 1 month ED visa extensions, METV advertised as "encouraging tourism at 5k baht with proof of employment in your own country", when you get the latest "Amazing Thailand" commercial targeted at so called "rich Hong Kong-ers" that would rather travel to New York, when you see the attitude towards foreigners of the officials becoming more and more xenofobic, when you get asked for legal bribes (500k Thai Elite)...to live like a Thai citizen according to their website....but still report to Immigration (<deleted>? I thought Thai people don't report to Immmigration), then yeah nothing amazes you anymore.

Apart from amazing Thailand. Truly amazing

If all you say is true why would you want to come (return?) to Thailand ?

Why expose yourself to alleged "xenophobic" officials when you have the option of going somewhere more suited to your needs ?

Are you aware that it will be very difficult now to live in Thailand using back to back tourist visas and visa exempt entries. I also believe the Ed visa is no longer an option for those who fail to attend classes.

[VBF]

Not as far as I can see. Others may disagree but I believe this is all of us (and I include myself!) looking for problems, what with all the other recent changes.

I'm hoping someone like UbonJoe contributes, but I can guarantee that the Hull document i attached above has been lurking on my computer since 2011. Even its "last modified" date is only June 2011!

I believe what you are saying, I was not aware that the Hull consulate has faulted with their info before, that was generally reserved for Gvt websites within Thailand.

Well yeah, when you get 1 month ED visa extensions, METV advertised as "encouraging tourism at 5k baht with proof of employment in your own country", when you get the latest "Amazing Thailand" commercial targeted at so called "rich Hong Kong-ers" that would rather travel to New York, when you see the attitude towards foreigners of the officials becoming more and more xenofobic, when you get asked for legal bribes (500k Thai Elite)...to live like a Thai citizen according to their website....but still report to Immigration (<deleted>? I thought Thai people don't report to Immmigration), then yeah nothing amazes you anymore.

Apart from amazing Thailand. Truly amazing

Unfortunately IKV, as good as the Hull consulate is, and as "user-friendly" as they once were (!) an awful lot of what's on their websites is simply "copied & pasted" from wherever London gets theirs.

It's bad enough for us who have some experience but pity the poor newbies!

Might I respectfully suggest that IF I'm correct, you, as the OP, ask the Mods to either remove or lock this thread? Otherwise, its very presence will cause FUD - you know how it goes.

Of course if I'm wrong, I apologise sincerely

[lkv]

Unfortunately IKV, as good as the Hull consulate is, and as "user-friendly" as they once were (!) an awful lot of what's on their websites is simply "copied & pasted" from wherever London gets theirs.

It's bad enough for us who have some experience but pity the poor newbies!

Might I respectfully suggest that IF I'm correct, you, as the OP, ask the Mods to either remove or lock this thread? Otherwise, its very presence will cause FUD - you know how it goes.

Of course if I'm wrong, I apologise sincerely

Look, none of us is wrong, we are simply commenting an information on an official Thai consulate website, so if anything is wrong, that info is.

It shouldn't be. It's unacceptable. I am genuinely tired of hearing "oh well this is Thailand you know how things go here" excuse. Actually this is on an UK website. People make decisions based on these pieces of information.

It's inconsistency that bothers me. If i saw consistency yes I'd exploit the loopholes. So what? Not breaking the law.

In regards to xenofobia if it continues like that then yes I may be considering other places. I will make a decision when I get to that stage. I'm not there yet but i am starting to get fed up, and I'm sure I am not the only one.

[VBF]

Unfortunately IKV, as good as the Hull consulate is, and as "user-friendly" as they once were (!) an awful lot of what's on their websites is simply "copied & pasted" from wherever London gets theirs.

It's bad enough for us who have some experience but pity the poor newbies!

Might I respectfully suggest that IF I'm correct, you, as the OP, ask the Mods to either remove or lock this thread? Otherwise, its very presence will cause FUD - you know how it goes.

Of course if I'm wrong, I apologise sincerely

Look, none of us is wrong, we are simply commenting an information on an official Thai consulate website, so if anything is wrong, that info is.

It shouldn't be. It's unacceptable. I am genuinely tired of hearing "oh well this is Thailand you know how things go here" excuse. Actually this is on an UK website. People make decisions based on these pieces of information.

It's inconsistency that bothers me. If i saw consistency yes I'd exploit the loopholes. So what? Not breaking the law.

In regards to xenofobia if it continues like that then yes I may be considering other places. I will make a decision when I get to that stage. I'm not there yet but i am starting to get fed up, and I'm sure I am not the only one.

Can't argue with what you say, but be ready to be flamed!

[oncearugge]

Unfortunately IKV, as good as the Hull consulate is, and as "user-friendly" as they once were (!) an awful lot of what's on their websites is simply "copied & pasted" from wherever London gets theirs.

It's bad enough for us who have some experience but pity the poor newbies!

Might I respectfully suggest that IF I'm correct, you, as the OP, ask the Mods to either remove or lock this thread? Otherwise, its very presence will cause FUD - you know how it goes.

Of course if I'm wrong, I apologise sincerely

Look, none of us is wrong, we are simply commenting an information on an official Thai consulate website, so if anything is wrong, that info is.

It shouldn't be. It's unacceptable. I am genuinely tired of hearing "oh well this is Thailand you know how things go here" excuse. Actually this is on an UK website. People make decisions based on these pieces of information.

It's inconsistency that bothers me. If i saw consistency yes I'd exploit the loopholes. So what? Not breaking the law.

In regards to xenofobia if it continues like that then yes I may be considering other places. I will make a decision when I get to that stage. I'm not there yet but i am starting to get fed up, and I'm sure I am not the only one.

What is this "xenofobia" ? (a word that is absent from my dictionary)

Explain please.

[ukrules]

If they publish incorrect information which will be taken at face value by people reading it then that's really quite a problem.

[lkv]

Can't argue with what you say, but be ready to be flamed!

Being flamed on the Thai Visa forum is the least of my concerns right now if I'm being honest with you, I'm more concerned about next year's visa options

[luke000]

The Thai Hull consulate will issue Visas , they have nothing to do with Visa extensions inside Thailand .

The Hull Consulate are probably just passing on info that they ve been told , with no experience in that infos application

[lkv]

What is this "xenofobia" ? (a word that is absent from my dictionary)

Explain please.

They call it xenophobia in your language.

Hey told you English is not my native language and I'm also typing from my phone

[luke000]

What is this "xenofobia" ? (a word that is absent from my dictionary)

Explain please.

I think that it means a dislike and mistrust of foreigners and foreign things

[oncearugge]

Can't argue with what you say, but be ready to be flamed!

Being flamed on the Thai Visa forum is the least of my concerns right now if I'm being honest with you, I'm more concerned about next year's visa options

There are many visa options. ........

1. Tourist visas , single or multiple entry

2. Non Immigrant "O" visa in many categories

3. Non immigrant "B" visas for those intending to work or undertake business.

4. Ed visas for those who intend to study.

5 O/A long stay visas for those aged 50+

6 The Thai Elite visa which is valid for 5+ years .

There is no shortage of choice .....................

[luke000]

If they publish incorrect information which will be taken at face value by people reading it then that's really quite a problem.

It isnt really incorrect information. It comes down to what is considered to be an emergency .

It also states that whether an extension is issued is entirely at the officers discretion.

[lkv]

There are many visa options. ........

1. Tourist visas , single or multiple entry

2. Non Immigrant "O" visa in many categories

3. Non immigrant "B" visas for those intending to work or undertake business.

4. Ed visas for those who intend to study.

5 O/A long stay visas for those aged 50+

6 The Thai Elite visa which is valid for 5+ years .

There is no shortage of choice .....................

Yeah well if tourist would not work anymore, I'd start "working" at my own company. Would just need to decide if I'd be the director or...i dunno...the tea boy. Although it has to be a job Thais can't do apparently.

Can Thai people serve tea?