Are visas in Thailand now 45 days as of October 1st?

Oct 5, 2022
2 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sharon Dekker

Hey I heard oct 1 visas are now 45 days?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As of October 1st, 2022, the free entry program for travelers without a visa to Thailand has been extended from 30 days to 45 days. This extension applies to visitors from 58 countries who arrive without a visa. They can enter Thailand and receive a free entry stamp for 45 days, after which they can apply for a one-time 30-day extension at an immigration office for a fee of 1900 baht.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sadly, you "heard" wrong ๐Ÿ˜ฎ ๐Ÿ˜•

What happened on Oct 1st is the the free entry program when you enter without ANY visa (which used to be for 30 days) was increased to 45 days. The program runs from Oct 1st to Mar 31st

It is not a visa on arrival, it is not a visa at all it is a free entry stamp which people from 58 countries get when they show up here without a valid visa to thailand in their passport.

People who enter on that from 52 countries can get stamped in for 45 days and then apply one time for a 30 day extension at the immigration office where you stay for 1900baht
Joseph *****
Sorry for asking. But is Taiwan on the list?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ****
people from Taiwan are in the "visa on arrival" group

That means when they show up here they BUY a visa on arrival for 2000baht.

It was 15 days but since Oct 1st until Mar 31st it will be for 30 days, still costs 2000baht though when they show up at passport control to stamp in
Joseph *****
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ****
keep in mind people from the 17 visa on arrival countries usually are asked to show proof of 10K baht or the equivalent, proof of onward travel in 30 days and proof of lodging when they buy their visa on arrival at passport control. Not everyone is asked but I'd sure be prepared
Joseph *****
@Tod ********
bank statement from Taiwan?
Ady ********
@Joseph ****
No.

Google search it. There are now actually 64 countries in the visa exemption scheme. Taiwan isn't one of them. Google is a wonderful thing. ๐Ÿ™„
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Careful
@Ady *******
that's not correct. There are 52 countries that got in on the 30 day visa exempt entry program

AND

there are 6 countries that got in on the 30 day visa waiver program

BOTH those groups get 45 days when they show up here until Mar 31st 2023,

BUT

only the 52 countries who get visa exempt entries can get the 30 day extension the 6 countries that get visa waiver entries can't extend.
Joseph *****
@Ady *******
Thank you sir.
Ady ********
@Joseph ****
However you may apply for a 30 day on arrival.
Joseph *****
@Ady *******
I am here already. I am asking for my supervisors who may come next month.
Ady ********
@Joseph ****
Well if your supervisors are coming in a work capacity then they should get an appropriate visa. A visa upon arrival isn't the correct visa, is it?
Joseph *****
@Ady *******
They are here for holiday. Retire tour of sorts. They got friends to visit in Bangkok.
Ady ********
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ****
correct, (y) 45 day free entry stamp by air or land from Oct 1 to Mar 31 2023.
Sharon ********
@Tod ********
will any of that convert or count to apply for retirement visa?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sharon *******
There is no "retirement visa" it's just what people call the process and the stamps they get

BUT

yes, if you meet the financial requirements and have enough time left on your visa exempt entry stamp (most offices are minimum of 15 days and some are minimum of 21 days) you can use that entry stamp or the 30 day extension from it to apply for first the in country 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) for 2000baht and then the year extension 2 months after that for 1900baht.
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