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What are the implications of potential changes to the Thai visa exemption rules following the 60 Day Visa Exempt trial?
Thai Visa RulesVisa Exemption60 Day Visa ExemptDTV (Digital Nomad Visa)Thailand ImmigrationTravel ConcernsExpat Life in Thailand
Mar 17, 2025
a year ago
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDTV even more valuable now. The 60 Day Visa Exempt trial had unintended consequences.
This should also be a warning that Thai Immigration rules can change quickly.
This should also be a warning that Thai Immigration rules can change quickly.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the recent value of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in light of potential changes to Thai immigration rules following the trial of the 60 Day Visa Exempt policy. Comments express concerns about the unpredictability of Thai immigration regulations, with some travelers worried about planning trips amid these changes. There are differing opinions on the efficacy of strict visa rules, with some arguing it may hurt tourism while others suggest it might reduce illegal activities. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of staying informed about potential shifts in immigration policies.
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Andrew *********
I've never understood this. Keeping a Foreigner as long as possible on Thai soil is good for the economy. People are not eating food or paying for accomodation anywhere else other than Thailand whilst here. All being strict does is make it a waste of money and time for tourists to leave and come back.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
So all countries should have open door immigration policies?Andrew *********
@Greg *******
Its not an open door situation if you have to report every 60 days is it. A person who saves to come on holiday doesn't necessarily spend more than an expat. Far from it.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
It is a 90 day report but that is by the by. Most tourists do not stay for 60 days. There is still a tourist visa for 60 days and a 6 month METV. Changing back to 30 day visa exempt will have minimal effect on tourist numbers.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Carey *********
30 days stay is enough unless you're going to live there. I think it's a good rule, to cut out all the scams
Ian ********
How long does it take for these sort of immigration changes to come into effect ?
Brandon ************
@Ian *******
anywhere from 1 month or never at allReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Barry ******
Yes it also undermines the 60 day visa that you have to apply at an embassy.
Also getting rid of Indians visa free stay too would work.
India doesn't give visa free to Thai people, nor do its nationals contribute anything positively to society (see Pattaya). Make them give something back.
Also getting rid of Indians visa free stay too would work.
India doesn't give visa free to Thai people, nor do its nationals contribute anything positively to society (see Pattaya). Make them give something back.
Daniel ********
It won’t happen since going back to 30 days would upset big businesses making money from tourism. They’ll probably settle on limiting the 60-day exemption to certain countries, like the EU, US, and maybe Russia.
Anonymous ******************
@Daniel *******
You haven't been here long enough… Thailand changes its policies quickly, considering many factors such as foreigner-related crime, Airbnbs, and visa money. People often believe they are bringing in a lot of money to the economy, but that’s not necessarily the case. Never say never in Thailand.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Daniel *******
Please read the article and recent reports. It is big business wanting this.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Adz *******
Just looked on gov.uk. someone seems to be scaremongering! Research it
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Adz ******
Gov UK has sweet FA to do with Thailand internal rules and the Gov UK website is always behind when it comes to changes outside its remit *****
5Adz *******
@Greg *******
I'm sure they will update it eventually. Thailand seems to be happy when tourists are spending money there, yet, enjoy playing games with visa rules, it's Embarrassing, like they don't know what they are doing.Reply to
Adz *******
Reply
Richard ********
I travel in 12 days and was planning on staying for 6 weeks on Visa Exemption. Is it unlikely any changes will happen before then?
I decided to delay getting the DTV until later this year and definitely regret it now!
I decided to delay getting the DTV until later this year and definitely regret it now!
Anonymous ******************
@Richard *******
It will not impact you. Worst case scenario you get 30 days and do an extension to cover the 6 weeks.Barry ******
Or a border bounce. In Thailand as long as someone gets their kickbacks and you dont cause any problems for the locals everything works out
Reply to
Barry ******
Reply
Henrik *****
Richard ********
@Henrik ****
Yes I read the story, I'm aware it's not in effect yet - but I am unfamilair with whether these types of changes can possibly happen as quickly as to change before I travel. That is more the point.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard *******
It usually effects new arrivals or extensions. I think you are fine. Enjoy your hilodayReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
You tell them Henrik.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard *******
Currently you are getting 60 days. If you are already here any changes will not effect youHave a great holiday.
Richard ********
@Greg *******
Thanks, I'm in the UK and travelling for the first time.Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
AllSabai ******
Better
Andrew ********
@AllSabai *****
The request to revert to 30 exemption on arrival from 60 days is due to areas that have had unacceptable behaviour (on the streets or behind closed doors...DTV holders perhaps.. paid 10k baht for a tourist visa .hmm 5 year validation....) Read between the lines ...AllSabai ******
@Andrew *******
at least DTV has requirements and documentation Not as an open door
Any one had ticket cost
Book a ticket and jump here for 90 days with his behavior and troubles and mentality
90 days for 1900 THB government fee.
Almost free and brought us creepy people
Reply to
AllSabai ******
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@AllSabai *****
It has the support of so many stakeholders and groups. I wil be very surprised if it does not come to pass. The Asia Old Hand experts in this group think otherwise though :-)AllSabai ******
@Greg *******
60 says is too long and it brings us too many useless people 60 + 30 = 90 days for a tourist!
What the hell is a tourist doing in a country for 90 days
Helen ********
@AllSabai *****
a lot of people actually. I've met lots of people who use visa exempt to come to Thailand, travel around a bit and then determine if they want to proceed with a longer term visa or if they want to live in a certain area before signing a long term lease. Along with those that aren't interested in settling, don't need to work, travel full time and spend 3 months in various countries in the area. Easy enough for people in those circumstances to switch to getting a tourist visa instead so they won't be affected. Visa exempt entries have always been abused no matter how long they were valid for. It's surprising it's lasted as long as it has considering it was announced by the prior PM and didnt seem to be a permanent thing.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Helen *******
The DTV was the baby of the prior PM too. His family company where he was CEO, Sansiri, has a lot of properties being used as AirBnB too with short term lets.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@AllSabai *****
Exactly. There are too many visas and they do not align. At least BOI recently realised this with LTR and Smart VisasReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Chris *********
But has nothing to do with the DTV.
Anonymous ******************
@Chris ********
It could have an impact, as the rules may become stricter to prevent these people from switching to it instead. The DTV is far too easy and cheap not to become a real alternative for them. However, that’s not necessarily a negative for those who behave and meet the requirements...Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 673 I have said for a long time the Workaytiom is easiest to prove ongoing qualification. They could introduce a minimum income or remittance requirement too. Collect revenue and ensure more money is in Thailand. Does not to be that much. Align with WP amounts
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Yep, same here. But people always go for the easiest option, thinking they can trick the tricky system. 😂Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 673 So true. Often the newbies though whose experience of Asia and Thailand is quite recent. Play the game and it is fine.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********
It was an example of how rules can change quickly and to show DTV is a valuable visa. Sorry if that went past you. Scroll on byChris *********
@Greg *******
it's not DTV related. Simple.Andi ***********
@Mason ******
It is not directly related to the DTV but what Greg is highlighting is the benefit of having the multi entry DTV. DTVERS are not limited to *****
days like visa exempts, this is the point he is making.Mason *******
@Chris ********
He is a clown who thinks he knows everything. Ignore him.Reply to
Mason *******
Reply
Andrew ********
So if approved, the amendment would probably occur on April 1st (April Fool's Day) ?!?
Anonymous ******************
Just enough time to rip one last 60 day border bounce for good measure,
@And***
. Yahtzee!Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 589 Will the safe land border crossing reduce the fee it is now going back to 30 days? It went from 2500 for 30 to 3500 for 60.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Wesley ********
Huge amounts of illegal businesses have been operating .
Seen many first hand examples of Russian, Chinese and Indian that were blatantly obvious, but there must be so many that aren’t so obvious.
I think they are better off though, imposing huge fines for operating illegally, and actually actively police it. Even a reporting system would help them
Seen many first hand examples of Russian, Chinese and Indian that were blatantly obvious, but there must be so many that aren’t so obvious.
I think they are better off though, imposing huge fines for operating illegally, and actually actively police it. Even a reporting system would help them
Sam ******
@Wesley *******
they will continue to operate regardless of what kind of visa they entered on.Anonymous ******************
@Sam *****
Yep, you're right. That's the issue of the DTV: too easy, too cheap, 5-years... Perfect alternative. 😢Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 673 It is if it becomes an obvious problem then action will be taken. People working illegally in Thailand in protected jobs such as tour guides and real estate. Scammer call centres. Drug dealers in certain Bangkok Sois.
Wesley ********
@Greg *******
exactly, 60 day visa exempt or DTV, same issue will occur. They need to crack down on these businesses.Sam ******
@Wesley *******
a balance needs to be struck between encouraging tourism, which is a huge industry in Thailand, and "cracking down" on illegal workers which is a comparatively tiny problem in Thailand compared to other countries.Reply to
Sam ******
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wesley *******
60 day with extension gives them the timeline for what you are describing DTV opens the window too though. If the people move over to the DTV it may bring both scrutiny and unwanted unintended consequences. The problem with fines though it is not the people owning the business and profiting getting caught. It is the front line fools. Sold a dream and working for paupers wagesReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
If this happens, it's a great reminder that things can change very quickly in Thailand, even though some may believe the country is only focused on attracting volume for financial gain. This would unfortunately make the DTV very attractive to certain bad actors, as it would be the easiest, cheapest, and safest option for them. Those who believe no stricter rules could be implemented are simply unrealistic.
Anonymous ******************
DTV is a great cash cow, but most people won't spend 65-70K (agent prices) on a guaranteed soft power DTV as long you can do unlimited 60+30 day border runs for 4000 THB. Now they're trying to shift that volume to DTV sales.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 589 Cash cow? It is 10k a time to an Embassy. How many DTVs do you think there are? MFA are not getting rich issuing this visa. Immigration in Thailand making nowt either.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 589 Agree. As you say, they now tell people to go for a DTV... Then what's next? Nothing to get from a normal trip out/in. They could be very imaginative when it comes to make some extra money.
Anonymous ******************
Notice how they're also more frequently hassling both exempt and DTV entrants at random to increase fast track (safe entry) sales. Not a crackdown but a business move.
As long as fast track remains for sale in the open, nothing changed. It's all about the revenue.
As long as fast track remains for sale in the open, nothing changed. It's all about the revenue.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 589 Fast Track has been around for years and always a strange one. I am differentiating fast track here from safe entry. Who actually paid for fast track previously? Guys in economy? First and Business got it free. Certain visa holder like elite/privilege and Certain BOI. Platinum of TG.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 589 Right, I don’t think the DTV will disappear, but the rules will likely become strict enough to ensure some extra revenue, as it currently brings almost nothing (aside from the rare extension fees or special lane access). The shift from other visas to the DTV is definitely having an impact as well.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 673 True. How can Immigration make DTV pay which was an MFA project :-) :-)
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Steve *******
Thai immigration rules have changed, on average, every 2 months for the past 15 years.
No surprise here.
No surprise here.
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
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