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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
a year 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.
Tony *******
How many days have you stressed yourself about worrying about 1 day, silly
a year ago
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Andrew *****
29

But try and arrive on 28th Feb.

Might get lucky 😉
a year ago
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Us *****
Just get a tourist visa that will give you 60 days.
a year 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
a year 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!
a year ago
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Mike ********
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Tony *******
Does 1 day in life really matter
a year ago
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Scott ***************
@Tony ******
 Over stay that one day and youll see more clearly.
a year 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.
a year ago
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Tony *******
@Mike *******
 really, lol. Strange you feel 1 days is so important in life's big picture.
a year ago
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Tony *******
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Tony *******
Fools
a year ago
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James *********
@Tony ******
 For me, that'd depend on who I'm with that particular day.
a year ago
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Bob **********
@Tony ******
 in Thailand it does 😎😎😎
a year ago
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Jo **********
@Bob *********
 no then your not living life
a year 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.
a year 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!
a year 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!
a year ago
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Mike ********
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Andy *******
29, but can apply once here for 30 more
a year ago
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Andy *******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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