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What is the actual duration of stay under Thailand's visa exempt policy for US citizens arriving in January 2024?

Visa ExemptionThailand Visa RulesVisa TypesVisa DurationExpats in ThailandTourist VisaChiang MaiUS Citizens in Thailand
Aug 15, 2023
2 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone. I'm a bit confused. I'm a US citizen planning on coming to Chiang Mai in January 2024. I thought that with the "Visa exempt policy (correct terminology ?)" I got a stamp for a maximum stay of 30 days or less (without getting an extension). However, if I'm reading the Thai Embassy correctly, I get a stamp for a stay of less than 30 days. So, my question is this: is it 30 full days upon arrival or is basically 29 days upon arrival (i.e. less than 30 days)?

Thank you in advance for your help as I truly appreciate it!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen arriving in Thailand under the visa exempt policy receives a stamp valid for 30 calendar days. However, the entry day counts as day one, meaning you effectively have 29 full days left after arrival. Some users suggested applying for a 30-day extension while in Thailand, or alternatively, obtaining a tourist visa for a stay of 60 days.
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Tony *******
How many days have you stressed yourself about worrying about 1 day, silly
2 years ago
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Andrew *****
29

But try and arrive on 28th Feb.

Might get lucky 😉
2 years ago
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Us *****
Just get a tourist visa that will give you 60 days.
2 years ago
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Ken *************
It's 30 calendar days. Not 30 24 hour days. So if you are stamped in at 11 PM, that is day 1, and day 2 begins at 12:00 AM an hour later
2 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken ************
 Ken, thank you very much for the thoughtful explanation. I really appreciate your help. Have a good day!
2 years ago
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Mike ********
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Tony *******
Does 1 day in life really matter
2 years ago
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Scott ***************
@Tony ******
 Over stay that one day and youll see more clearly.
2 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ******
 Tony, I average 500+ hours of overtime at work each year. I take 1 vacation per year, which I haven't been able to do for 3 years. Also, it takes 24 hours of solid travel time for me to get to Thailand. So yes, 1 day really does matter for me. Have a good day bro, and thanks for your time.
2 years ago
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Tony *******
@Mike *******
 really, lol. Strange you feel 1 days is so important in life's big picture.
2 years ago
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Tony *******
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Tony *******
Fools
2 years ago
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James *********
@Tony ******
 For me, that'd depend on who I'm with that particular day.
2 years ago
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Bob **********
@Tony ******
 in Thailand it does 😎😎😎
2 years ago
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Jo **********
@Bob *********
 no then your not living life
2 years ago
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Jo **********
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Stuart *********
You get a visa exempt stamp for 30 days. However day 1 is your entry day regardless of time of entry. So in essence you get 29 further days.
2 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone for taking the time out of your day to help me find the answer to my question. I wish all of you well and nothing but happy and safe travels.

No more responses are needed. Thank you everyone!
2 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 Stuart, thanks for the valuable insight. That makes better sense to me. Have a great day!
2 years ago
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Mike ********
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Andy *******
29, but can apply once here for 30 more
2 years ago
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Andy *******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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