Visa exempt, visa waiver and Visa On Arrival.
Ok so it’s been confirmed by multiple sources that entry using visa exempt, visa waiver or visa on arrival have reverted back to their original number of days since midnight.
Visa exempt is now 30 days. You can extend for 30 days at a local immigration office.
Visa waiver is 30 days. You cannot extend this.
Visa on arrival is 15 days. You cannot extend this.
For those that are going to post that you can get a 7 day extension on the latter two options is debatable in terms of semantics. You can apply for an extension, but it will be denied. Because of the denial you will be given 7 days to leave the country.
If your entry stamp shows ผ.30 that’s a visa exempt stamp.
If your entry stamp shows ผผ.30 that’s a visa waiver stamp.
If your entry stamp shows TR-15 that’s a visa on arrival stamp (and you’ll be out of pocket by 2,000 baht, so you’ll know that).
No point in debating the pro or cons of whether they should have or shouldn’t have. Its happened.
For those of you that were spouting that “it’s been extended till the end of the year” because of a few media reports - that’s why we have to wait and see if official stuff gets published in the Royal Gazette before we believe it.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recently, the regulations regarding entry into Thailand through visa exempt, visa waiver, and visa on arrival options have changed. Visa exempt allows for a stay of 30 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. The visa waiver also grants 30 days but cannot be extended. The visa on arrival provides a maximum stay of 15 days, which likewise cannot be extended. The entry stamps provide clarity on each visa: a visa exempt stamp shows ผ.30, a visa waiver stamp shows ผผ.30, and the visa on arrival shows TR-15. There is a common misconception that one can apply for an extension on the last two options, but any applications are likely to be denied, resulting in a mandatory 7-day departure notice. Discussions among expats highlight the importance of being informed about these regulations, as misinformation can lead to misunderstandings about visa status and extensions.
