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What is the proposed special visa for long-staying travelers in Thailand and how might it impact current expats?

Thai Visa Long-Term Stay Visa COVID-19 Immigration Policies Expat Community in Thailand Visa Types Travel Restrictions

Sep 4, 2020

4 years ago

William *********

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A proposed special visa aimed at attracting long-staying travelers to Thailand has sparked debate within the expat community. Many commenters express skepticism about the viability of such a visa due to high costs associated with travel and quarantine, suggesting that it may attract only a small number of wealthy individuals. Some expats prefer remaining in Thailand until more affordable options are available, as the current mandatory quarantine procedures are seen as burdensome. Concerns were raised about the lack of alternatives for those seeking to renew non-B visas while remaining in the country, indicating potential challenges for individuals who cannot leave Thailand. Overall, the discussion reflects apprehensions regarding ongoing travel restrictions and the socio-economic implications for expats living in Thailand.

Brian ********

These long term tourist (9 months) don’t have the money the Thai Government think they have and 90% will not be able to buy comprehensive travel insurance for that amount of time

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Jacob *******

Long term extended visa for foreigners who already be here

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Alex *****************

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Mark ***********

The article covered how the visa would be used for "arriving" visitors, (quarantine, etc.) but does anyone know whether it would be available for tourists already in country?

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Kool *******

Just remember, nothing is official until it is posted in the Royal Gazette.

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Nathan **********

Travel in Asia is done for. Dead. Gone.

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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

@Nathan *********

still thinking about Cambodia, even though you got a pay for that quarantine if anybody on your flight test positive, and I think it’s a slam dunk the government will find somebody positive. And I don’t think I’ll find anything there that will replace Chiang Mai But this being a Covid refugee is getting old

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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

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Dale *******

And the stranded non immigrant O visa holders who jump through hoops yearly. Where are they in the pecking order

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Marguyvin **********

Offer this to the ones already here !!!

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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

Dude, people have been eyeing and discussing and throwing out all kinds of different options and really, almost nothing is materializing from them. It’s just Clickbait from the Bangkok post and other papers in Thailand. If this kind of stuff helps keep you lubricated, all the more power to you

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Billy *********

Im right there with you mate

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Maxim ***********

I'm heading out with Thai GF before September 26 and not coming back until they come up with an affordable solution. I think most people are thinking like me, but I could be wrong. I would be willing to pay for 6 months - 1-year visa from within Thailand, even if it was 30k baht. But no way am I leaving and coming back the next day to be put in 14 days quarantine with insane cost and all the BS that comes with it.

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Anthony **********

@Oliver *******

what you said about getting a work visa is not true. Tons of people are already in Thailand and want to work and cannot, even with job offers, because they cannot renew their non b visas. The only legal way to change visa status from amnesty non b to valid Non b is to cross over a border and the government has provided no alternative to this in-country. You will see students with no teachers in schools across Thailand after September 26th if the issue is not resolved now.

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Tiago ********************

@Maxim **********

if you in Thailand you can have this visa and don’t need go out!

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Anthony *********

@Ashley *******

in with you man I wouldn't pay it even though I could do

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Eddy **********

@Maxim **********

think same of you

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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

Ok

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Ashley ********

@Edward *******

and ? I’ve got a house here . Why would I want to pay 30k ++++ when I could stay at home for free. Solution stay here until the quarantine is lifted . If that’s 5 years so be it

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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

@Maxim **********

there’s quarantine hotels that have been posted on this site or on the ASQ site for 30,000 baht

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Oliver ********

if you work here you can get a visa for that. if you study here you can get a visa for that. if you are over 50 and retired you can get a visa for that. if you are so rich you have taken early retirement below 50, you don't need to worry about "affordable".

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Oliver ********

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Andy **********

At an extraordinary cost. Cheaper to stay in Japan (rent included)

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Wojciech ***********

Come on probably 3-7k USD for the flight 8k USD for quarantine sure these is one or two rich and silly dude but not many

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Wojciech ***********

Bobby elite visa gives 20 years hassle free, this is different

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Maxim ***********

Yeah, that's great. But that 270 days scheme is not great.

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Bobby ********

@Maxim **********

. This gets you into the country. Once here you get yearly extensions for 1900 baht.

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Maxim ***********

The elite visa lasts very long, this is 9 months. The rich ones are already on elite visa, they don't need this.

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Bobby ********

@Wojciech **********

. And yet plenty are buying the elite visa $15,000/$30,000 for a sticker in their passport, a limo ride from the airport and a round of golf. 🤣

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Bobby ********

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Bim *******

It will be denied tomorrow.

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Wojciech ***********

No one will come

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Oliver ********

@Michel **********

yes even residents, semi-residents, and regular long-stayers, who are currently outside thailand are enough in number to fill the current capacity of quarantine hotel for quite some time. they would have to approve hundreds more hotels which will take years at the current rate, before they have to start worrying about how to attract regular tourists to fill the space.

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Michel *************

@Oliver *******

just returnees...

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Todd *********

@Wojciech **********

I will. And I sure won’t be alone 🙂

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Oliver ********

@Anthony ********

most aren't but plenty are. remember pre-covid thailand had over 3 million arrivals per month. even 1% of that is over 30,000, which is already more than the current quarantine hotel capacity.

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Anthony *********

@Oliver *******

don't get me wrong I'm all for people coming. Back and sooner rather than later as I could reopen my hostel business if a decent amount of people return soon, I just don't get how people are that desperate to come here lol

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Oliver ********

@Anthony ********

most of the quarantine hotels are already full or nearly full, even though only people with very specific circumstances are currently allowed to apply for a certificate of entry. this scheme will expand the number of people who can come much faster than the government can approve hotels as quarantine facilities. obviously the majority of thailand's normal tourists wont come but only 1% would already more than fill all the quarantine hotels.

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Anthony *********

@Oliver *******

and the price of that will be a big put off for the majority of people, you have to be pretty desperate to come to Thailand and also pretty well off to just happily pay nearly 100k just for the quarantine

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Wojciech ***********

Will not help tourism just fill rich hotels pockets

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Oliver ********

there will be plenty of demand. the limitation will be on the supply side as quarantine hotel capacity takes time to ramp up.

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Billy *********

'They', meaning the thai government.

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Billy *********

I think thats what they want.

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Billy *********

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