ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
NEW REQUIREMENT TO BUY A TOURIST VISA FROM EMBASSIES
There is a LOT of misinformation about this topic going around out on the inter-web right now (not surprising :O )
Sadly, it's 100% due to people using bad terminology when they talk about entering thailand :O
SO
Let's sort out two completely different things FIRST
60 day visa exempt entry <- you show up here without having bought ANY visa from a thai consulate and you get stamped in FREE for 60 days on the visa exempt entry program (on July 15th 2024 it went from 30 day visa exempt entry to 60 days)
Currently, people from 90+ countries get that if they show up without having a visa in their passport to thailand. Visa Exempt entry stamps usually have the code ผ.60-ม.17.
A Visa Exempt entry is not a tourist visa, it's not a visa at all, it's nothing but a free 60 day entry stamp. This is not affected by the proof of funds rule change.
Tourist Visa entry <- this is where you BUY a tourist visa from a thai consulate using the online eVisa website before you come to thailand.
When you arrive you are stamped in for 60 days under the TR60 entry stamp.
This IS affected by the proof of funds rule change and now to buy a tourist visa from a thai consulate online before you come here you must show proof of funds (20k baht or the equivalent) as a requirement
One last time FREE 60 day entry stamps are NOT affected by this rule change, you ONLY show proof of funds if you decide to buy a tourist visa from a thai consulate online before you come here...
AND (just so everyone knows)
There is no update on when/if the current 60 day free entry might change back to 30 days. The government talked about it, had press releases about it but at this time nothing has been decided at all
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post clarifies the distinction between Visa Exempt Entry and Tourist Visa for entry into Thailand. Visa Exempt Entry allows travelers from certain countries to enter Thailand without a visa for 60 days, which is not affected by the new proof of funds rule. In contrast, obtaining a Tourist Visa requires showing proof of funds (20,000 THB or equivalent) and can be acquired through Thai consulates. The post highlights ongoing confusion among travelers regarding these regulations and emphasizes the importance of using correct terminology.
