Why is a tourist visa required for countries exempt from visa requirements in Thailand?

Many foreigners are taking advantage of visa exemption and extension and involve themselves in illegal work and businesses and other criminal activities. Consequently, the Thai government is forced to take proper actions.

Too many stories, too short of facts.

@Koolies ********

1. People use Visa Exempt to live and work here. Its meant for short term tourism.

2. Tourist Visa is available for the 93 countries that enter Visa exempt. Apply on the Thai eVisa website

Though Thailand has to be careful it is not discouraging genuine visitors/ tourists, as the country can ill afford to do that. According to the TAT figures are already down for this year.

We offer a pre-screening and fast-track service (typically 2,000–4,000 THB) that reviews your case before arrival and arranges an escort who is already familiar with your situation.

This ensures you won’t face unexpected issues or denials upon entry due to past complications. Immigration officers often have limited time to review every detail, so this service helps make your arrival process smooth and stress-free.

You can order our Fast Track + Pre-Screening Package, which also includes your TDAC early submission (available to file any time before your arrival):



Please submit at least 24 hours in advance of arrival date (no limit on lead time).

People abusing the 60 day exempt plus 30 day extension are ones often getting told to get real visa,s and as Brandon said if abused the exempt having a tourist visa is no guarantee of getting entry

Well if you go to the Thai consulate web site in Sydney you will see that you can but a TR60 visa which is a 60 day visa so not sure where you plucked that info you couldn’t get a visa from.

The people being told to get a tourist visa have already been in and out of the country previously for some time recently. Getting a tourist visa requires some level of financial evidence so they are making repeat travellers who are pushing the visa exempt scheme a bit to go have a bit of screening before entry. They mostly trying to filter out illegal workers

"(2) Online Tourist visa is not available for exempted countries. So how do you then supposed to apply for it?"

Huh?, certainly is.

Because you're not meant to try to live in Thailand as a tourist.

Also, how did you come to the conclusion that a tourist visa is not available to anyone? It is available. You just have to apply and pay, but that won't really matter. A tourist is a tourist whether it's visa exempt or tourist visa.

Here are some posts about the situation.

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