What are the new changes to tourist entry and visa rules in Thailand?

Aug 25, 2022
2 years ago
JD ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So just watched The Thaiger channel & they said that under new government rule upcoming to increase tourist entry,they will now allow a 30 day TV to extend to 45 days, must be done applied outside of country & VOA from 15 to 30 days BUT after either, you can only extend AFTER you leave the country?!? What about a visa exemption, is that same as VOA?

Anyone know if this is accurate or just more talk from “ higher officials “

Also when will this take affect?

Oh & if entering exempt, is insurance still mandatory or not?!?

Firsthand recent experience is always preferred but open to any intelligent comments, thanks👍🏼
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent updates indicate that starting on October 1st, tourists entering Thailand from 59 countries may receive a 45-day stamp instead of the usual 30 days. Those eligible for visa exemption can extend their stay for an additional 30 days by visiting an immigration office, while those on a visa waiver cannot. Additionally, the duration for Visa on Arrival will increase from 15 days to 30 days, although it cannot be extended. It's essential to clarify that visa exemption differs from visa waiver. Insurance requirements for entry may still vary, so further confirmation is advised.
Steve ********
Just a small piece of advice. Don't always take notice of The Thaiger. They've been know to get things wrong in the past..Tod Daniels is a better source of information
Thai ******
@Steve *******
all The Thaiger do is copy other people's news and then they still don't get it right haha. Not a reliable source in my opinion.
Tod *********
@Steve *******
Not just Tod Daniels, it's THIS visa advice group and the mod team and the many many members who contribute to posting accurate and timely information about visas/extensions and entry to thailand.
Tod *********
Let's see if we can't make heads or tails out of this post

People from 59 countries can show up here without having bought a visa from a thai consulate before they come on either a visa exempt entry or a visa waiver entry and get stamped in for 30 day for free.

Starting on Oct 1st those people will get stamped in for 45 days.

OF those people, ones from the 53 countries which get a visa exempt entry can apply for a 30 day extension on that entry stamp at the immigration office for 1900baht.

BUT

the ones from other 6 countries which get in on a visa waiver entry cannot.

People from 17 countries BUY a 15 day visa on arrival when they land here for 2000baht/ Starting on Oct 1st those people will get a 30 day visa on arrival <- it will still cost them the 2000baht. They cannot extend it

A Visa Exempt/Visa Waiver and a Visa On Arrival are NOT The same thing AT ALL.

Visa Exempt <- can be extended in country for 30 days

Visa Waiver <- cannot be extended in country

Visa On Arrival <- cannot be extended in country
Nigel **************
@Tod ********
has this been published in the Royal Gazette yet and is official or is it still pending?
Tod *********
@Nigel *************
we're a LONG way off from Oct 1st, but CCSA said they approved it and it's been in every news media (even the thai language ones) so I am running with the premise they aren't gonna back pedal on it at this time.

As soon as the police order/Royal Gazette publication comes out we will post it
Graham ******
The Tourist Visa is already 60 days
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