What are the recent changes to Thai visa applications at consulates in Cambodia and Malaysia?

Sep 4, 2024
3 months ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS

Changes to Thai Consulates in Cambodia and Malaysia

The thai consulate in Phnom Penh and the THREE thai consulates in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang & Kota Bharu) will go to eVisa online system effect in Oct.

There is no announcement date yet, but they did put out these notices

Be advised.. If you're going to those consulates to apply for visas do it BEFORE they switch over to the eVisa online application system
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thai consulates in Phnom Penh and in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Bharu) are transitioning to an eVisa online application system starting in October. It's advised to apply for visas before this change to avoid complications. There is no clear confirmation regarding the abolishment of visa-on-arrival for Malaysians or foreign nationals, though concerns have been raised about eligibility and documentation requirements under the new system.
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Darryl *********
On paper, this sounds good for Malaysians who want a Non-O spouse visa... No appointment, (in theory) no fee, and Non-O within X days.
Немања **********
I think the Thai authorities announced earlier that they plan to have all their consulates switch to the e-visa system by the end of the year.

Of course, what they announce is not always fulfilled, but they certainly strive for it.

This means that the Multi entry Non-O visa based on marriage will become a thing of the past (a very good option for me for many reasons and immeasurably easier and faster to obtain than a one-year extension).

It will certainly be interesting how the issuing of Thai visas for foreign nationals in Southeast Asian countries will work (how long it will take and what the requirements will be).
Paul *******
@Немања *********
Strange, but let's see. I've also been on the non-O multiple entry myself.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
well you're not gonna be as soon as the consulates go to eVisa 🙁 because none of the Non-O choices give you a multiple entry option, they're all single entry.

They want you to get an extension INSIDE the country I guess not bounce out and back every 90 days
Paul *******
@Tod ********
I see. So there definitely won't be any more non-O multiple entries available once the remaining consulates move to e-visas?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
correct, for some reason they just programmed retirement, marriage, etc to have single entry as the only option, 🙁
Paul *******
@Немања *********
Why will the non-O multiple entry become a thing of the past just because of the switch to the e-visa system? And yes, all consulates will switch by the end of the year. Yangon mentioned it and I'm sure Laos will too.
Немања **********
@Paul ******
I'm not entirely sure, but I don't think any consulate with an e-visa system offers Non-O Multi. I noticed that the practice is that they cancel it when switching to that system. I hope I'm wrong.
Frank **********
Not sure if they will require a proof of residence for some visas with the e visa system as this is the case in Europe which means you have to officially reside in Malaysia/Cambodia to apply..
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
that is not the case for the nearby consulates, you just have to show that you are indeed legally IN the country whose eVisa system you're using.
Frank **********
@Tod ********
thanks for clarifying
Paul *******
Although no dates have been mentioned but Laos will undoubtedly move to the e visa system soon too....
Paul *******
Ho Chi Minh confirmed the same. Evisa system starting in early October.
Paul *******
@Tod ********
They told me in an email.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
they might have said it but I can't find an announcement about it 😕
Shammie ****
Im so confused. Is this abolishing visa on entry and us Malaysians have to apply for e-visas to get into Thailand now?
Marek ***********
@Shammie ***
Malaysians do not need visa as a tourist (visa exempt entry). Any kind of visa (do not confuse it with visa exempt which means you get no visa when you enter) you will have to apply online instead of going in in-person
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shammie ***
this has nothing to do with the free entry program that malayz get to thailand

This is for foreigners (and Malayz) who want to BUY a visa from the three thai consulates in Malaysia after Oct when they go to the eVisa online system
Daryl *******
@Shammie ***
I would think if you need a visa use the system, if you just want the minimum no visa stay just arrive like normal. The evisa system worked very well for me in Australia, 3 day turnaround.
Shammie ****
@Daryl ******
ah. It’s not for Malaysians I see. Just foreign nationals applying from Malaysia.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shammie ***
it's for Malayz too that want to BUY a visa for thailand before they come here
Eva *********
The Malaysian flyer says foreign nationals. Just curious why it’s best to apply before October?
Anna ************
@Eva ********
but it doesn’t say foreign tourist…
@Tod ********
do you know if they have announced requirement for applying foreign national status in Malaysia for long term visas applications?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eva ********
it's not "best" to apply before Oct, if you want to go to the consulate and apply in person you do it before they switch over to the eVisa system because once they do you can't walk up to the consulate and apply
Eva *********
Do you think with evisa it won’t be possible to apply for a Thai visa in those countries as a foreigner?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eva ********
no issue at all applying as a foreigner for visas at those consulates,

You go there, you apply online, upload your documentation, pay the fee, wait to get the approval or rejection email
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