Answered5 months ago
Do I need a visa to attend a conference in Thailand and then travel for a holiday?
I've been invited to present at a conference in Thailand. While I am not being compensated for the presentations per se, the organisers are covering my flights and 2 nights accomodation at the venue. My plan following the event was to take a holiday in Thailand, a total duration from first arrival of 4 weeks. I'm a UK national. Would this be allowable under Visa Waiver or is the fact I am presenting meaning I need a Visa of some kind? I know ordinary attendance at a conference will fall within a Visa waiver permitted activity.
Answer summary
The original poster, a UK national, inquired about the need for a visa given that they would be presenting at a conference in Thailand, with flights and accommodation covered by the organizers. Several comments indicated that the Visa Waiver should suffice, as presenting at a conference typically falls under permitted activities without requiring a work visa or permit. The consensus is that he can enter Thailand visa-exempt for 60 days, allowing him to combine the conference with a holiday, given that his activity is sponsored and officially recognized. For complete assurance, contacting the Thai embassy was also suggested.
48 repliesnewest first
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Bent *************
I don’t think this Visa Waiver will cover 4 weeks vacation.
Why don’t you ask Thai Immigration?
Why don’t you ask Thai Immigration?
John *********
Ffs ask thai embassy how would we know
Martin ********
Visa exempt will be fine.
Karl *********
I had the same situation 10 years ago and there were no special visa requirements then.
Dave ********
I would suggest contacting the Thai embassy in London.
Siggi *******
Dave Cottom no need
Chris ***********
60 days still, so you should be good.
BronzePer**********
Just enjoy your time.
I assume you are responsible for your Visa.
So do it as a tourist visa
I assume you are responsible for your Visa.
So do it as a tourist visa
Kool *******
Commercial trade show, and professional conference presentations are exempt from work permit requirements, as you are not actually doing business in Thailand. Bangkok has one of the largest tradeshow, and professional conference industries in the world, with three major convention centers in Bangkok. Those making presentations are exempt. You come in on a visa exempt entry, that gives you a 60 day entry stamp. After the conference ends you've got what's left of your 60 day entry to tour Thailand.
Greg *************
Start your presentation with 'in my opinion ",then" how the fuck are ya".You'll have em all in the palm of your hand. Good luck.
Garrett ***********
Don't over think it you're fine
Lone **********
on the TDAC click for business purposes
Vlad *******************
Lone Andersen that’s how he will be denied entry hahah
Lone **********
since July 2024 Nationals from 93 countries and territories... are entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism and short business trips for up to 60 days. This covers: attending meetings and conference, conducting training or seminar, plus some more categories.
Vlad *******************
Lone Andersen yes, but mentioning the reason of entry as business is a sure way to be asked for non-b
You may be right in theory, but in practice it would backfire
You may be right in theory, but in practice it would backfire
Ryan ******
I would send a message to the embassy and clarify them the required visa based on the reason for travel
Jeen ************
you can stay totally 60 days without a visa
Ainsley *******
Yes you should be fine. See Dca Dca above.
David **********
Well as even volunteering is conaidered to be work and requires a visa.... I would say that you should technically have a visa and what you are doing would be considered work. But if they dont.know about it.....
Ron ******
David Williams not required
Paul ********************
David Williams he is not volunteering.. He is presenting at what is considered a "MICE" event.
The law was changed in 2018 👇👇
He is good on visa waiver
The law was changed in 2018 👇👇
He is good on visa waiver
Paul ********************
David Williams you don't need a work permit or visa to attempt MICE activites this was clarified years ago
**********************************************************
Andy **********
OPDavid Williams Given the event is sponsored by the Thai government, so the presumption is they would know about it.
Flemming ****
Andy Thompson But still your own responsibility at obtaining the correct visa, not the Thai government👍👍👍
Paul ********************
Flemming No.. If he is under Thai gov "sponsorship" he is good with a visa waiver... 👇👇... This is directly from the BOI
Andy **********
OPFlemming No Yeah, it was it response to. The previous poster suggesting the Thais won't know about it. Frankly, 99% of the responses this far, including the now blocked accounts, have been of low value, including yours. Nowhere have I suggested it's not my responsibility. Your reply adds nothing.
Gary *******
Visa exempt, can stay 60 days at the moment .. enjoy your 4 weeks in Thailand it is an amazing place.
Andy **********
OPGary Esler I've been visiting many years. My wife is Thai.
Gary *******
Andy Thompson my wife is Thai also ... a very special lady ❣️🌹
Tom *********
Something I’ve done many times with no problems… ad-hoc work is allowed.
John **********
@Tom ********
certain types of ad hoc work is allowed. Fortunately for the OP it covers conferencesTom *********
@John *********
I used to come here as a professional IT security trainer and ran many courses in Bangkok with many of the countries largest businesses. Always declared reason for visit was work and stated why and for how long and never had a problem in over 50 trips here in a period of of 10 years. Thankfully I am not a DJ.
Terry *********
Tom Woodyer God is 😁
Christer *****
Tom Woodyer Nah
David ******
Tom Woodyer tell that to the DJ how got deported.
Paul ********************
David Kemp a DJ is not presenting at a MICE event under the sponsorship of the Thai Gov the OPs case is completely different 👇👇
The law was changed in 2018
The law was changed in 2018
Claes **********
It depends if immigration sees your presentation as work. If they do that you have to have a workvisa.
Paul ********************
Claes Lagelius which is problematic as there is no such thing as a work visa in Thailand
The only thing that permits work is a work permit which is not a visa
Please be careful when you give people the incorrect information as they may go chasing for something that doesn't exist wasting their time
The only thing that permits work is a work permit which is not a visa
Please be careful when you give people the incorrect information as they may go chasing for something that doesn't exist wasting their time
Claes **********
Paul Anthony McDermott ok sorry for the wrong word…
Siggi *******
Claes Lagelius wrong
Reiner ************
Yes ! You are wrong
Mma *******
My old Muay Thai coach’s name was Andy Thompson!
Visa Exempt only.
Visa Exempt only.
Andy **********
OPMma Droog So MICE industry supported by TCEB applies. I don't see that express in the e-visa manual.
Peter *******
Yes you're fine !
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