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

Thailand Visa Rules Visa Exemption Tourist Visa Immigration Policies Visa Application Process Expats in Thailand

Oct 20, 2025

a day ago

Koolies *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Tourist visa required for exempted visa countries. 

Have seen posts and heard stories on how people have been told / forced to get a tourist visa even when they are exempted in order to be permitted to enter Thailand?

Questions are;

​(1) Why impose such a requirement?

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

​Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

There have been reports of individuals from visa-exempt countries being required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Thailand. The main reasons for this policy include concerns about tourists overstaying or trying to live in Thailand as residents without proper visas. Additionally, frequent travelers who exploit the visa exemption system may face stricter entry requirements, including financial scrutiny. Although some claim that online applications for tourist visas are unavailable for exempted countries, others clarify that there are options to apply for tourist visas through local consulates or directly via the Thai eVisa website. Recent changes in Thai immigration policies aim to address illegal work and ensure genuine tourists are not discouraged from visiting.

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Abu ********

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.

a day ago

Brad ************

Too many stories, too short of facts.

a day ago

Phil ******

@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

a day ago

Mark *******

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.

a day ago

THAI ******************************

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):

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

a day ago

Wayne *********

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

a day ago

Wayne *********

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.

a day ago

Shaughn ***********

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

a day ago

Graham ******

@Shaughn **********

They are told to get the correct visa for their stay not a tourist visa (se Brandon's post above) ;)

a day ago

Reply to

Graham ******

Tore *********

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

Huh?, certainly is.

a day ago

Brandon ************

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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a day ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.