Can I extend my stay in Thailand using the new visa rules if I am already in the country?

May 28, 2024
6 months ago
Andy ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
With the new visa changes incoming, if we are already in thailand - is their a way to extend using the new rules?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The recent community discussion highlights confusion regarding new visa rules in Thailand and how they impact individuals currently in the country. Several comments clarify that the proposed changes mainly apply to newcomers and do not retroactively influence those already in Thailand. It is confirmed that individuals currently on tourist visas are allowed to extend their stay by an additional 30 days for a fee, regardless of new visa regulations. Overall, clarity is awaited until the new rules are formally published.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Jim ********
It seems a lot of things were kicked around in cabinet and the media has interpreted it in the way media normally does! Great clickbait!! šŸ˜†
Todd *********
@Jim *******
approved by cabinet commence effective in 4 days. Thatā€™s not click bait
Alan ******
@Todd ********
Yeah. Going by the press 1st June.
Todd *********
@Alan *****
gives them 2 whole days to sort it all outā€¦. Big changes
Jim ********
@Todd ********
They're still sorting this one out! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚
Todd *********
@Jim *******
well they have until Saturday lol. That headline is just wrong
Alan ******
@Todd ********
They haven't quite got No Luck Yingluck's flood mitigation sort out yet. 2 days is possibly asking for a miraclešŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£.
Jim ********
@Todd ********
They're saying now it'll be September - why doesn't that surprise me? šŸ¤£šŸ¤£
Maxim ***********
It's a whole bunch of nothing.

For the DTV visa, how are they gonna verify that you are a digital nomads, freelancers, etc?

You also need 500k proof of fund. Nobody will keep 500k for months in an account. We've been through that before... this doesn't work.

And it's 10k baht after 6 months to extend another 6 months, which is okay, but with the 500k proof of fund, it won't work, won't have enough customers.
Chad ******
@Maxim **********
Plenty of people have 500k savings they can relocate.

I expect this visa would be used more than the LTR if those were actually the only requirements.
Maxim ***********
No, most people have their money invested and having money stuck in a 1% gain account for 3 months is not a thing they will do.
Chad ******
@Maxim **********
What is the alternative? This would still be a more inexpensive option.

Until you factor in possible additional fees and taxes on bringing in the initial 500k, and them monitoring, and taxing your bank account.

Need to wait for more details.
Adnan *******
As pee the rules, you are now allowed to trade your passport with a Thai one provided you have strong evidence of your Thai language skills
Chris ******
@Adnan ******
They will give me two passports then.
Steve **********
@Adnan ******
Huh ?

WRONG in so many ways !
Michael ********
@Adnan ******
show me where it says that
Stuart *********
@Adnan ******
WTF is this comment about? Thereā€™s many fluent Thai speakers here that have no hope of getting a Thai passport as they donā€™t work here and havenā€™t qualified under the rules by paying tax etc.
Peter ********
@Stuart ********
He meant to say Thai and Serbo Croat. ā€¦. This whole thread is largely speculation and BS. The usual you say.
Philip ***********
@Stuart ********
pff. I could never do what you do. So many stupid answers and you keep on responding .. ,šŸ™
Galen *******
New Thai laws are only legally binding when they are published in the Royal Gazette.
Jonesx **********
Is uk classed as a visa free country ? As I was planning on applying for a 60 day tourist visa in July but after reading the article Iā€™m wondering if I should wait as it says they are extending the stay from 30-60 if Iā€™m correct?
Andreas *********
@XNatell *****************
correct. let's wait
Jim ***********
Jonesx **********
@Jim **********
amazing thank you so Iā€™m better of waiting until the 1st to see what happens . Last question , if you fly in on visa free can you extend that while you are there ? I believe you got an extra 30 days ? Or can you only do that if you enter with an actual visa
Jim ***********
@XNatell *****************
yes wait. Can extend by 30 days for 1900 baht.
Jonesx **********
@Jim **********
amazing thank you for your help
Jim ***********
@XNatell *****************
it's new announcement more known in next few days but personally I would wait. No idea if 60 day TR may be extended if apply own country. Hang fire few days but seems good news this for tourists
Steve *******
Nothing is official yet, so no one can answer your question.

Just wait until it's clear and concise (by thai standards at least)
John **********
As things stand these are only proposals and unlikely to affect you if you are already inside Thailand
Terry ********
What new rules?
Mike ********
@Terry *******
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Ishmael *********
@Terry *******
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02-big-thailand-visa-changes-from-june-1/
Stuart *********
@Terry *******
See my post a few moments ago. Press articles only at this stage but they say cabinet have approved as of June 1st.
Greg *********
@Stuart ********
Overall, are they good or bad for those not yet holding a visa?
Stuart *********
@Gregory ********
well they seem to indicate that a visa exempt entry will be increased to 60 days.

No idea what that means for those who have bought or are intending to buy a tourist visa.
Aslyman ***********
@Stuart ********
does it mean also those who are on visa excempted countries can stay 60days unlike before 30days only? Please answer
Henrik *****
It is still only 2. grade medias competing to be the first to announce it, it will take some time before it takes effect, and the precise terms are known.

Those medias was also far off, with reports during corona.

Donā€™t base anything of those rumors, It has to be announced in the Royal Gazette, before we know excactly the terms are, and which nationalities is involved.
Stuart *********
@Aslyman **********
So the media reports suggest. Not if you are already in Thailand but for new entries. We will have to wait for official confirmation to be sure.
Galen *******
@Stuart ********
2 years ago the visa exempt was 45 days. If the Royal Gazette will publish new rules (60 days), then it makes no sense to buy a simple tourist visa.
Stuart *********
Nope. These proposed changes are for entry only. If you are currently in Thailand then they donā€™t apply to you nor can you retroactively invoke them.
Andy ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Thanks for the help. Where do you check for official announcements? Excited for the new changes.
Stuart *********
@Andy ***
Any changes will be announced in the Royal Gazette for them to become law.

Typically that doesnā€™t happen until the last minute (well maybe a day before).

There will be posts about the changes all over the forums but at this stage all we have are press articles saying the cabinet approved this and that.

They obviously have to notify immigration about the changes to entry rules and the ministry of foreign affairs about the new visa and thatā€™s gonna be tough to get specifics in 3 days.
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