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Is the 60-day visa exemption in Thailand being reduced back to 30 days?
Visa ExemptionTourist VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa RegulationsLong-term VisaDTV (Digital Nomad Visa)Travel to Thailand
Mar 18, 2025
a year ago
Derek ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnybody else seen that the 60 day visa exempt is to reduced back to 30 days like before ?...it was in the Bangkok Post apparently
TLDR : Answer Summary
There are discussions and rumors about Thailand potentially reducing the 60-day visa exemption back to 30 days, as mentioned in the Bangkok Post. Many expats and travelers are expressing frustration with the inconsistencies in immigration policies and the possible impacts on tourism and long-term stays. Some suggest alternatives like charging for the longer visa duration or implementing a system similar to Bali's visa policy. While there is much speculation, it is noted that until any changes are formally enacted and published, the current exemption remains in place.
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Dave ********
Until it's in the Royal Gazette, it's not confirmed
Pål *********
I checked Thai embassy in oslo norway and they say 60 days on arrival still..
Ian *********
Thailand don’t want you living there!
They want you to come on holiday and spend all your money and go home. This is why it’s always been difficult with visas etc.
They want you to come on holiday and spend all your money and go home. This is why it’s always been difficult with visas etc.
Phill *****
For a country that wants tourists so badly they make it so hard
Dave **********
@Phill ****
they only make it hard, because certain 'tourist's ' abuse the system for genuine people. People who've border bounced for 2 or 3 yearsReply to
Dave **********
Reply
Bri *****
Yes
Colin ********
All about money
Jaanika **********
Can someone explain to me logically how does it makes sense for airbnb to be legal 30+ plus and visa being 30 days only?
Stephen ********
@Jaanika *********
airbnb has nothing to do with visas 🤷♂️ Plus a 30 day entry visa exempt is not a visa. Plus, you could rent an airbnb for 30 days and enter visa exempt for 30 daysReply to
Stephen ********
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Anna *********
so much discussion about something that is only a discussion at this stage Heaven help us if it actually changes🤣
David *******
Fantastic...so glad I didn't make a legal commitment to but 16 million baht condo in Jom Tien. I like others will keep my foreign currency and spend in neighbouring SE Asian countries. Thailand plays games and frustrates our ability to make plans. Thailand will be a net loser！
Robert *********
@David ******
they powers that be ,simply don't care at allReply to
Robert *********
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Vonn ********
Oh wow! I am visiting in May with DTV. Hopefully that doesn’t change.
Mark **********
Thank god
Mike **********
Of course it is always a mystery =
Concerning Thai government (immigration)
Continually changing rules that for Westerners makes it more complicated to stay for up to 120 days EASILY
Collectively Westerners (American/Great Britain/EU)
Spend a LOT of money in the Thai economy
Chinese = are Cheapies- so limit them to 30 days ( they won’t typically stay more than a week anyway)
But as always I’ll say =
It’s the Thai government making decisions— I just don’t think they understand Westerners thoughts on travel and spending $$
Concerning Thai government (immigration)
Continually changing rules that for Westerners makes it more complicated to stay for up to 120 days EASILY
Collectively Westerners (American/Great Britain/EU)
Spend a LOT of money in the Thai economy
Chinese = are Cheapies- so limit them to 30 days ( they won’t typically stay more than a week anyway)
But as always I’ll say =
It’s the Thai government making decisions— I just don’t think they understand Westerners thoughts on travel and spending $$
Dany ********
it is a proposal and no law yet.
Fabio ****
Why so negative and don't just adapt.
Right now still 60 days exemption. And if the turn it back to 30 days, so what. There are many different type of Visa for long term tourists.
Right now still 60 days exemption. And if the turn it back to 30 days, so what. There are many different type of Visa for long term tourists.
Matthew *********
@Fabio ***
the 60 days with extension gave people time necessary to open bank acct and season money and do extension for marriage without applying for tourist visa. That's how I did itSteve *******
@Matthew ********
That's what the 90 days Non Imm O visa is for, which you need anyway to get the 1 year extension of stay. DOH!Matthew *********
@Steve ******
I did everything with 60 day exemption for my retirement visa but already had a bank acct. Couldn't have done that if go back to 30 days. Just saying starting with 60 days gives more options with 30 day extension. It's basically same same tourist visa . But go ahead argue it's not the same and 30 days was so great . Go ahead. Economic revenue was a success as government said under the 60 day exemption. End goal, revenue generated. Ever taken economics in college.Steve *******
@Matthew ********
You can do it your way but much easier to get the Non Imm O before you arrive in ThailandMatthew *********
@Steve ******
agreed , more options the betterReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Greg *********
I have no idea on why because anyone that comes in this country spends much money for Thailands economy. It's not like the United States with many illegals not spending any.
Nico ********
@Greg ********
Anyone? Backpackers without money who rely on the good nature of the Thai people? Indians sleeping on Pattaya Beach? I don‘t think so!Reply to
Nico ********
Reply
Michael *******
Can never make there mind up! 30 days it is! 🙄
Terrence ***********
The solution is simple. If it’s additional revenue they’re looking for then simply charge for the 60 days. It’ll cause a snaffle at the airport but they could have another counter selling voa like many other countries do.
David ***********
They say they are reducing it but it hasn't been passed yet.
Phil ******
@Derek *******
no law in place as yetMia ********
Why dont they do what Bali do?
A 30 days free visa exemption desk.
Or hop over to the other desk & pay $50 for 60 days.
So Easy 🤷🏻♀️
A 30 days free visa exemption desk.
Or hop over to the other desk & pay $50 for 60 days.
So Easy 🤷🏻♀️
Angelik *******
@Mia *******
yep, that would make much more sense. But Thailand doesn't want to make sense. Look at what they've just done about new visa obtaining rules. They made it digital, but managed to make it worse. They are probably the only country on the planet that made the online document submission less convenient than offline.Mia ********
@Angelik ******
here you, logic is lacking 🙈Reply to
Mia ********
Reply
Brian *********
@Mia *******
why don’t they stop making things a moving target so people can make a freaking plan!?! Right! Thais don’t plan. 🙄I haven’t attempted to further my OA because I am trying to go home in that 60-90 day window. Now this! 😡
Jim ********
@Brian ********
you can plan. If they put visa exempt back to 30 days then you can still get a 60 day TR visa that can be extended by 30 days giving you the same as the current visa exempt 🤷♂️Brian *********
@Jim *******
see your point. I just haven’t even looked to see what the reqs are or if I can apply from within the kingdom.It was just an easy short solution to buy some wiggle room.
Thanks!
Jim ********
@Brian ********
oh absolutely and I hope the 60 days visa exempt stays but if not then there’s a workaround although you cannot apply for a tourist visa whilst being in ThailandBrian *********
Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Mia ********
@Brian ********
yes its hard to keep up with all these changes, thats why the above would simplify things, as I see itBrian *********
@Mia *******
simplifying has never been a strong characteristic of Thailand. 🙁Matthew *********
@Brian ********
isn't that the truthReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Frank **********
Too many people pushing the boundaries. Tourist Visas, border bounces, etc. Some people have been here for years without a proper visa. I also heard rumors of the requirements for the DTV being tightened in the future.
Phil ******
@Frank *********
it was cited in articles that it enabled people to work hereMatthew *********
@Frank *********
Thailands number one source of income comes from tourist. They are pushing people to neighboring countries that have an easier 90 day. Lost revenue and there was a recent article saying how successful the new 60 day exempt was generating revenue. Cut the hand that feeds. Makes a lot of sense and if they were serious about the people that abuse the system they would clean up Phuket and get rid of the Russians.Brandon ************
@Matthew ********
Tourism is absolutely nowhere near the #1 source of income. It's not even 10% of the economy.Matthew *********
@Brandon ***********
government had put out many article during COVID how important it was to get back on track for tourism and was stated it was one of top source of revenue. It was stated over and over trying to get tourism up after COVID. I know exactly what I read and if you think tourism isn't one of their major sources your crazy it may not be the number one source but if you think for one minute they don't need the high tourism you be a fool.Reply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Frank **********
@Matthew ********
true words.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Wylie *******
The 60 days was intended to be temporary. Combine this with the fact that they likely lost a fair amount of revenue from people obtaining a tourist visa and it's no surprise. I mean why would you buy a tourist visa to get 60 days when you can get 60 days free?
Charlie *********
@Wylie ******
makes sense. Then they should just charge what they want for 60 days visa-free entry instead of lowering it to 30 days. Or do both.Reply to
Charlie *********
Reply
Charlie *********
TBH, I’ve had it with Thailand’s wish-washy ways and lack of consistency from one immigration office to the next. Still on-track with moving, but to Cambodia now, where getting a decent-length visa is more straightforward. I’ll travel to visit Thailand from there to figure out getting a retirement visa for Thailand without all the stress of wondering what could happen next. I will not actually move to Thailand until my visa is settled and set. In the meantime, I’ll have a stress-free (visa-wise, at least) stay in a country I’ve always wanted to visit (Angkor Wat and other, more natural, wonders). And who knows, I may fall in love with Cambodia the same way I fell in love with Thailand. Meh. Life is too short for BS.
Bonnie *******
@Charlie ********
we went to Cambodia for a month a couple of years ago. It was amazing. Going there again in a few weeks. Thinking about getting a 5 year visa in Thailand but worried about changes and hoops to jump thru.Charlie *********
@Bonnie ******
preaching to the choir. It’s also what I’m thinking. I’m seeing a lot on YouTube, but the more indicators the better. Thank for the recommendation.Reply to
Charlie *********
Reply
Tom ********
@Charlie ********
If you thought Police/Farang corruption is bad in Thailand wait till you see it in Cambodia, always keep $10 in your wallet if driving around.Charlie *********
@Tom *******
That, I expect. Lol. I’ve spent time in Thailand, and currently live in a Latin-American country. A a visit entry here was lengthy, and a permanent residency visa was very straightforward. Oh, and I won’t be driving any time soon after arrival, at least until I know what you’re talking about. Thanks for the heads-up.Tom ********
@Cha****
You're welcome, I lived there for 2 years on a business visa as I had a bar on Otres beach until the Government cleared a ***
mile of the beach from bars/guest houses, mine was one of them, sad end to a great experience ..... Enjoy!Charlie *********
@Tom *******
Thank you. Re: driving. I haven’t driven a car in 7 years. That always sounds so odd to me, but I don’t need or want a car where I am, and my US license expired a few years ago. I uber the few places I want to go that are too far to walk, less often than once a month . Further than that, I don’t want to drive anyway, lol. I’ll pay a luxe bus or tour company. Or fly. I’m hoping Siem Reap (or Pnom Phen, but leaning toward Siem Reap) is a “Thailand lite” experience. At least that’s how it looks (though cleaner) and seems in all the vids I’ve seen.Reply to
Charlie *********
Reply
Henry *********
@Charlie ********
This only affects visa exempt entries. Nothing has changed re visas and extensions of stay.Charlie *********
@Henry ********
my point still applies. I am certainly not going to go to Thailand and try to get a visa while on a shorter-term stay, and worry about whether I’ll be able to get back in until an actual visa is approved. I’ll do it from next-door.Stenbjorn *********
@Charlie ********
before the present rule we could get a 60 days tourist visum from Thai embassys vis mail. No sent passports, no personal visits. I think they took a fee. I did this when I returned after covid and it was an improved, simple process. I guess they will go back to that procedure.Charlie *********
@Stenbjorn ********
I don’t know, but I’m a bit weary of all the ifs, and, and buts. I’ll just go next door and figure it all out there.Davis ******
@Charlie ********
love prattling on don’t you?Charlie *********
@Davis *****
lmao. Love to change the subject and re-insult when you’ve been exposed dont you? You’ve already shown you’re not above being ignorant or lying.Davis ******
@Charlie ********
so is it 60 or 30 days on arrival now? Have you any clue?Charlie *********
@Davis *****
We’re done. Fresh out of patience. And I already told you that the correctness of the post didn’t make any difference and was never my point. PLEASE stop drinking. Lol, just kidding. Have a good one.Charlie *********
But yes. I love that I am more than capable of calling out rude, ignorant people. Satisfied? Proud? Lol
Tony **********
@Charlie ********
why would you try to get a longer term via in Thailand? Makes no sense.Charlie *********
@Tony *********
Retirement visa. I want to live there.Tony **********
@Charlie ********
my point is that it's easier to apply out of countryCharlie *********
@Tony *********
I will.Henry *********
@Charlie ********
If you're planning to get a Retirement extension, it's best to get the Non Imm O visa in your home country before you come to Thailand, then extend here. Same if you're married to a Thai. Getting any type of short-term visa aimed at tourists isn't recommended.Charlie *********
@Henry ********
I’ll do it from a neighboring country instead. The cost of traveling to and staying in my home country would be a giant waste. And my current country as a legal resident, no more feasible than a Thai neighboring country. Thanks.Charlie *********
@Henry ********
Understood. Thanks. I WAS planning to do it in-country, or secondarily from another more near if need be, but this just solidifies where I will be home-basing to do it from. Travel and stay in my home (passport) country while trying to get a visa from there would be a colossal waste of $. Thanks for the advice.Reply to
Charlie *********
Reply
Davis ******
@Charlie ********
so in short, you don’t know the answer to the question.Charlie *********
@Davis *****
In short, I don’t need to if I want to make an observation otherwise.Davis ******
@Sandy ******
he’s decided to move to Cambodia, a country he’s never visited because blah blah blah 30 days, 60 days somethingCharlie *********
@Davis *****
More proof that you lack reading comprehension, but maybe it’s intentional. I never said anything about “moving to” one in favor of the other. I said I was going to make it a home base until My Thai visa is “settled and set” because the longer term visa is simpler in Cambodia. Either learn to read or stop making things up to bolster your nasty attitude, whichever is the case.Charlie *********
@Sandy ******
omg. The FB comment police are here!!!! Gird your loins!!!! Btw, the gray hair and glasses fit perfectly my idea of old pinch-faced busy-body churchladies sneering at the high hemlines of others. Thanks for the laugh. Now go back to your knitting.Davis ******
@Charlie ********
you don’t know the answer but are instead going to move to a country you have never visited before? Ok buddy, lovely to hear from youCharlie *********
@Davis *****
Since that was not my point, what are you talking about?Charlie *********
Maybe take a course in reading comprehension. I said “wishy-washy ways and lack of consistency.” Whether I knew about this single post being correct or not was not necessary to already have that opinion, this post just being the catalyst for what I’ve already been thinking, and making a comment RELEVANT to the subject matter. Maybe take a logic course as well, and I’m sure you can find something out there about having manners instead of making snide comments. Go back to your knitting, too. I’m the wrong one.
Reply to
Charlie *********
Reply
Mark *********
I hope they don't do it anytime soon. I only booked my flight last week, 32 nights and i fly out in October 🙈
Jordan *****
@Mark ********
you can get an extension, 30+30. At least this is how it worked in the pastIan *********
@Jordan ****
30 day visa exemption was only a 7 day extension and 30 with a 60 day tourist visaJordan *****
@Ian ********
when? I have multiple 30 day extensions on my 30 day visa exemption from 2023 and 2024 before the policy changeAngelik *******
@Jordan ****
it depends on your passport, some countries get 30 days, others only 7.Ian *********
@Jordan ****
fair enough they might have changed it again which is typical for Thailand. I haven’t done that for a long while but it used to be 7 days.Angelik *******
@Ian ********
it depends on your passport. Not everyone can get 30 days on 30 days exempt, but everyone can get it on 60 days.Reply to
Angelik *******
Reply
Dany ********
@Mark ********
just get a 60 day tourist visa. super easyAngelik *******
@Mark ********
even if they do, 32 is not a big deal, you can always pay 500 baht a day for 2 days overstay, and since it's only 2 days it will not affect your travel history.Chuck **********
@Angelik ******
yes it will!Angelik *******
@Chuck *********
1-2 days do not matter, sometimes they won't even charge you for 1 day overstay (that's what I've heard). Also I just read about one person who does it systematically and still keeps traveling to Thailand no problem. I would do it systematically, but once is ok, especially if you're a real tourist and only travel to Thailand once a year or so. But if you have a big overstay than of course, it's a red flag for the immigration. But from what I see now they are more focused on people trying to live in Thailand on visa exempt than on regular tourists overstaying for a day.Chuck **********
@Angelik ******
I’m in Thailand and they cracked down big time! No more multi border runs either!Reply to
Chuck **********
Reply
EY ****
Lack of tourists = make 1900b a month earlier and lose a months total expenditure instead. Thai logic at its best
Roberto *********
@EY ***
Unfortunately many of those staying longer have been using illegal Airbnb accommodation, self-cateriing, and not putting as much money into the overall economy. These people are supposed to be tourists, but many are trying to live here insteadSean **********
@Roberto ********
self catering. So what you are saying is that they are cooking in their place of stay? So they brought their groceries from where they came from. That is ludicrous.Roberto *********
@Sean *********
It's done. It's the way it is. The 60-dayer is a failure in the eyes of the Thailand tourism industry and want it abolished.Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Paul *********
@Roberto ********
but not all....Roberto *********
@Paul ********
Irrelevant. However much people don't want to accept this, the fact remains it's the Hotels Association who are pushing the TAT to lean on the government to reinstate the 30-day visa exempt. That's the connection. That's the bottom linePaul *********
@Roberto ********
irrelevant for you. The world does revolve around you and what you think though.Roberto *********
@Paul ********
But it's not me. It's what the Hotels Association and the government have been saying. It's not my viewpoint. It's what has been widely reported.Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Stephen ********
@Roberto ********
what on earth has Airbnb got to do with either 30 days vs 60 days? Airbnb itself isn't illegal, it's renting less than 30 days. 🤷♂️Roberto *********
@Stephen *******
It's been widely reported recently. ****************************************************************************************************
*****
16/govt-cracks-down-on-illegal-daily-condo-rentalsStephen ********
@Roberto ********
did you even read the article? Illegal daily rentals 🤷♂️Roberto *********
@Stephen *******
I read the article. Perhaps you should read the comments? You obviously didn't read my first post about seven hours ago. Never mind, here it is again. Now try to absorb it this time, especially the "illegal Airbnb accommodation" 😂😂Stephen ********
@Roberto ********
airbnb for stays under 30 days are deemed illegal, those over 30 days are not illegal. So it's not the platform that is illegalRoberto *********
@Stephen *******
I said "illegal Airbnb accommodation". I wasn't referring to "legal Airbnb accommodation". Read it again. Please try to absorb it! Jesus wept!Stephen ********
@Roberto ********
the way I read it was that, in general, airbnb accommodation is illegal as nothing was specified to differentiate between illegal and legal airbnb rentals. And when you use the term "many of those staying longer.." does imply longer term rentals.And considering the post is about changing the visa exempt from 60 days back to 30 days, I really struggle to understand your initial point. Whether it's 60 days or 30 days, airbnb can be used. 🤷♂️ Jesus continues to weep 🤣🤣Roberto *********
@Stephen *******
So YOU decided I was saying ALL Airbnb accommodation is illegal? Wow you have got comprehension difficulties haven't you? All I'm doing is stating what has been in the news the last week or so. It's not my opinion. It's what is being reported. The Hotels Association don't like the 60-day visa exempt. It's that simple. Obviously the association has more clout than a few whiney expatsStephen ********
@Roberto ********
I interpreted based on your language using the term "many of those staying longer", so not implying to short term rentals. But ultimately 60 day visa exempt going to 30 day visa exempt leaves your comment about airbnb totally irrelevant considering airbnb can still be used 🤣🤣Roberto *********
@Stephen *******
Wake up you idiot. Why do you think the Hotels Association are having it changed?Stephen ********
@Roberto ********
🤣 I find it amusing that you call someone an idiot while being idiotic. Do you think someone cannot legally rent a condo using airbnb if the visa exempt changes from 60 to 30 days when it is still legal to rent for 30 days? Makes zero differenceStephen ********
@Roberto ********
but just out of curiosity, are you incapable of having a discussion, or a debate without resorting to insults? 🤣🤣Roberto *********
@Stephen *******
You've trolled this post from the outset. I merely repeated what has been talked about for the last couple of weeks, but you kept pounding into me. It's you who cannot have a proper discussionStephen ********
@Roberto ********
but I can, I was replying to your comment. Now you're saying "oh its not me saying it" 🤣 An d i have been civil the whole time, you should try it 😁Roberto *********
@Stephen *******
You really are a tosser aren't you? My original post was based on what the media reports have been saying recently. You're now trying to backtrack. Are you Irish by any chance? That would certainly explain a lotStephen ********
@Roberto ********
and wtf has that got to do with airbnb? Absolutely FARoberto *********
@Stephen *******
Again you're the idiot. It's not ME who's saying it. It's the Hotels Association. Were you born stupid or is it something you've had to work at?Stephen ********
@Roberto ********
they may be using it as an excuse, you're the idiot repeating it. What has airbnb got to do with whether someone enters visa exempt for 60 or 30 days and someone who enters on a 60 day tourist visa? Zilch. My initial reply was to you saying people staying longer have been using illegal airbnb. Implying long term stays on airbnb are illegal. I was pointing out that airbnb itself is not illegal. That doesn't change if visa exempt goes from 60 days to 30 days. 🤷♂️EY ****
@Stephen *******
i ignored his reply as it makes no sense at allRoberto *********
@EY ***
Your initial comment didn't make much sense either. However, it's the TAT and hotels who are pushing to have the 30-day limit restoredReply to
Roberto *********
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