What are the implications of the new ผ.60 entry stamp for visa-exempt entries in Thailand?

Jul 20, 2024
4 months ago
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK it's now been confirmed that the new ผ.60 (ผ.60-ผ.17) exempt entry stamps are not subject to the "old rule" of two entries by land/sea borders in a calendar year.

This means that the stamps are available for "unlimited" entries by visa exempt via land or sea, exactly as they would be entering by air.

I use quotes around unlimited because that doesn't mean you can use them over and over and over again, just that there is no set limit on the number of entries you could potentially get. All entries are subject to the individual Immigration Officer you give your passport to. If that officer decides that you are trying to milk the system then they may question you or just flat out deny entry.

With the old "2 entries per year" rule you were pretty much "guaranteed" entry 2 times after Jan 1st, even if you'd had a fairly extensive history in the year prior.

The ผ.60 stamp is too new to work out if there may be issues related to that going forward. We shall have to wait and see how it pans out.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The newly confirmed ผ.60 entry stamp allows for unlimited visa-exempt entries into Thailand by land or sea, similarly to air entries. However, this doesn't guarantee repeated entries, as each one is still subject to the discretion of the Immigration Officer. Previously, there was a limit of two entries per year under the old rule, but the new rule poses potential uncertainties as it is too new to predict any future complications.
Gabriel ********
This is how it used to be prior to 2010 or so…you could do border runs in perpetuity and just live here forever…that scenario did not produce dividends for Thailand so it was changed…it seems very unlikely that the Thai government is going to allow folks to emigrate here forever without a more significant fee than 10k and 500k in a bank
Sam *********
@Gabriel *******
it was even later than 2010. I stayed in the country from 2012-2014 on pretty much back to back to back tourist visas. When I switched to the NON O based on marriage in 2014, it seemed like those days were wrapping up.
Michael *******
@Gabriel *******
tax residency will be a game changer, especially if a tax clearance cert is required to renew.
Jimmy *********
@Michael ******
no way will they ever manage to enforce that.
Sam *********
@Michael ******
the current crop of expats might stay, but for people that are considering Thailand, many of them will opt to choose a more accommodating place, like Cambodia, where not only does this tax thing not exist, but foreigners can own businesses outright. In 10 years, the authorities will be looking up and going "what happened to everyone"...they will have no one but themselves to blame.
Jimmy *********
@Sam ********
are you serious? Have you even been to Cambodia? Its a 3rd world country that most Thailand expats would never be able to handle.
Michael *******
@Jimmy ********
nice beaches 🤔😂
Michael *******
Only a matter of time before Cambodia (and others) catch up and tax foreign residents, it’s a step from developing to developed if you pay tax in your home country nothing to worry about. Death and taxes as the saying goes.
Gabriel ********
Niall ********
@Gabriel *******
i agree however with the recent focus on increasing tourism numbers maybe their thought process is that people who stay here will spend here, therefore contributing to the economy. When you look at whats happening in the world Thailand may be more appealing to people now than ever before. Who knows, i guess we will see!
Ken ***********
@Niall *******
Thailand gives a 60 day visa exempt with one hand to increase visitors but Taxes expats if residing 180 days or more with the other to discourage longterm visitors. Hmm. How does this make sense ?
Gabriel ********
@Niall *******
that’s what happened last time and the government figured out that without a significant expenditure on behalf of the emigre, the quality of “tourist” does not produce revenue but does cause optics issues…all that said, humans tend to be amnesiac so maybe they forgot the lesson they learned
Ron ********
Mr Cumming, have you seen anything on how long this 60 day thing supposed to last? Has it been approved with the understanding that it is only in-effect for a certain period of time, or is it indefinite so far? Thanks!
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron *******
So far there has been no mention of a timeframe so we assume it’s indefinite, until changed.
Ron ********
Roger that. Thank you Sir!
David *********
So we are allowed to stay for 60 days now visa free is that correct if you are from the UK?
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
Yes. And can get one 30 day extension from that too if required.
Jimmy *********
@Stuart ********
ah.. the so called visa expert. Just wondering, is this your job, are you a travel agent? Or are Thai visa issues just your hobby? Just wondering.
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jimmy ********
A hobby, but I also volunteer at Phuket Immigration
Jimmy *********
@Stuart ********
Fascinating hobby.
Ivan *******
@Stuart ********
do you have any idea till when this 60 day visa will be available. I need to travel in Nov or Dec, and need to stay in Thailand for 50-60 days.
Ken ***********
@Ivan ******
even under the old rules, you received a 30 day exemption and could get a 30 day extension. So your plan for 50 to 60 day stay would work either way.
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ******
There has been no mention of an end date. So it appears that it’s for infinity - until they change again.
Ivan *******
David *********
@Stuart ********
and what do you do if during your stay you want to.apy for a retirement based residency visa? I want to use the 2 months as a get to know first.
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
You can switch to a Non O in country from that entry stamp as long as you meet the requirements to do so.
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