Answered6 years ago
Will Thailand open Special Tourist Visas (STV) for foreigners currently in the country?
Anyone know whether they are even considering opening up STVs for foreigners already in-country?
Answer summary
In response to inquiries about the likelihood of Thailand opening Special Tourist Visas (STVs) for foreigners already in the country, users have confirmed that such options are currently unavailable. The STV is designed to attract tourists from abroad rather than those already in Thailand. General confusion exists around visa types, as some members mentioned that tourist visas cannot be obtained inside Thailand. Users noted strict regulations around visa applications, including a requirement for sufficient funds in a bank account and the inability to change visa types once in the country.
35 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Kathy ****************
DC Embassy states that next week.. spoke with them today.. Must have 500,000 baht showing for 6 months in bank..
Tod *********
they already started with the regular tourist visas
BUT
keep in mind both the new "regular" tourist visa and the Special Tourist Visa state they cannot be used to change to another type of visa once you're in thailand. :/
you're locked into that visa, can extend it for as long as it allows and then you leave..
BUT
keep in mind both the new "regular" tourist visa and the Special Tourist Visa state they cannot be used to change to another type of visa once you're in thailand. :/
you're locked into that visa, can extend it for as long as it allows and then you leave..
Kathy ****************
@T**
we have had a few hiccups the latest is them not notifying that they needed more info, talked with them today and hopefully they now have everything.. they don't tell you you can't have triple the income in joint account you must have way less in single accounts.. Also the foreign insurance form needs directors names as well as one signature..Kathy ****************
@T**
we are still sticking with OA.. Tod *********
@Kathy ***************
I've got friends from the US in quarantine now on O-A visas they got AND several more comin' in shortly on them. They seemed to have really gotten the online process working good on O-A visas at least.
Kathy ****************
Less money you have to have in the bank..
Tod *********
What does that even mean? you could NEVER get a tourist visa INSIDE thailand :/
Lou ****
@Tod ********
is it possible to come back from a non o Visa to Amnesty extension ?My 90 days finishing the 6th december
Scott **********
@Tod ********
Thanks for saving me the time to say the same thing 😀
Mark ***********
OP@Sc***
, you wanted to tell me that you could NEVER get a tourist visa INSIDE Thailand? Really? I get my tourist visa inside Thailand every time I visit the country. As for the STV, my post asked whether anyone knew if they would change requirements for that visa. Not sure how else I could have worded it. 
Steve *******
@Mark **********
You dont get your tourist visa inside Thailand every time you visit the country, what you get is a 30 day visa exemption. Two totally different animals. The STV isnt issued in country.Mark ***********
OPTod, it MEANS that we are in a PANDEMIC and things are, WELL, a little DIFFERENT.
Rob **********
No unfortunately not an option
Bobby ********
Unlikely. It's intended to encourage people into the country.
Bobby ********
@Mark **********
. The people already here have visas/extensions. The STV is slowly winding up, but it's aimed at a niche market predominantly in Asia. I think a handful of low-risk countries will enter into "bubble" arrangements with Thailand to eliminate the need for government quarantine. The STV, having potential to go to nine months, is a very flexible visa and I think the Chinese, Koreans and Koreans will take advantage of itMark ***********
OPI gave it a shot about 20 years ago, but Route 66 was replaced, piece-by-piece with other roads, and though you can travel parts of it, there really is no "Route 66" anymore!
Mark ***********
OP@Bo***
, and then... the Cannonball Run!Bobby ********
@Mark **********
. I haven't. That'll be the return trip after the next 66 trip. When I did 66 in 2002, the Lincoln was still being properly mapped. The Lincoln is a proper coast to coast trip so it's a must do. After Covid!Mark ***********
OP@Bo***
, you have more nostalgic spirit than I do! I pretty much gave up when I realized how piece-meal it was. Have you tried the Lincoln Highway?Bobby ********
@Mark **********
. You can actually follow most of the original alignment with one or two small detours, as some parts just come to an abrupt end. I drove one section which was a simple two lane highway with the grass creeping in on either side until the pot-holed bitumen was only just wide enough for one car. I turned around thinking I'd gone the wrong way and drove about 30-35 KMs back to the closest town to ask directions to discover I was on the right road. If I'd just driven another 3km I would have passed the familiar brown "Historic Route 66" sign. I took almost three weeks to do it, as lots of towns along the way required further exploration. It was great. I'd like to do it again before I die!Mark ***********
OP@Bo***
, I was just thinking it would be nice to settle in here and not have to worry about borders for many months. Now I guess I'm in two-months-at-a-time limbo, but I can't complain. I don't want to stay here, as I plan to ride my motorcycle to Europe, but I don't want to do that until the borders open up, so there's that. Thanks.
Bobby ********
@Mark **********
. That'd be a ride and a half to Europe! Have you done Route 66?Mark ***********
OP@Bo***
, thanks, and it looks like they're letting us extend two months at a time. Mark ***********
OP@Bobby *******
and it obviously isn't working, so why not offer it to people the safest group of tourists? The people who are already here. Anyway, I think you're right, but there's always hope...Mark ***********
OPWow, is that
@Dom****
's rule?Steve *******
It's not avaliable in Thailand.
Bim *******
They have already stated they are not. In addition I am sure this little PR excersise doesn't even exist. The first 100 supposed tourists from China were not even tourists but Chinese government officials.
Wilmont ******
@Bim ******
They’re here to buy up all the closed businesses, hotels and condos.Bim *******
@Wilmont *****
they already have an exit strategy. Using the fake PCR test if one person tests positive they will cancel the scheme. What's the odds.
ARattanaa *************
@Bim ******
I think you are right.
Chan ****
Jack Ma & company weren't interested?
Bim *******
@Chan ***
I don't understand your commentBim *******
@Chan ***
it doesn't exist. Let's wait and see if anyone genuinely enters Thailand on one. Not seen it yet.Chan ****
@Bim ******
, the STV was intended for high spenders.Activity
12 joined12
people
Related
25Can I change my Non-B visa to a tourist visa while in Thailand if my school has moved on?
6035422d
What visa should I choose for a 30-day visit to Thailand before deciding to retire?
3.5k26401y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand if I'm facing a 3-day overstay?
7.9k47812y
Are there any exceptions to the 180-day stay limit for tourists in Thailand?
5.2k37482y
Can I open a Thai bank account with the help of my girlfriend on a tourist visa?
7.1k72332y
What long-term visa options are available for German passport holders planning to stay in Thailand for 8-9 months?
2.1k17123y
Do I need to file a TM30 every time I enter Thailand for a 30-day extension?
1.3k884y
Is the special tourist visa still available to apply for in Thailand?
612254y
Can you apply for a Thai e-Visa from a country other than your home country?
1.7k11104y
What is considered proof of residential address in Australia for the STV application?
706225y
What are the requirements to obtain a Special Tourist Visa (STV) for Thailand?
1.9k14155y
What are the requirements for Australians applying for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) in Thailand?
2.1k2065y
Can I apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) after arriving in Thailand as a visa exempt traveler?
1.2k875y
Can I apply for an education visa in Thailand after my Special Tourist Visa (STV) ends?
1.6k1475y
What are the current requirements for applying for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) in Thailand?
44415y
How can a US citizen apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months?
3.3k31185y
How can I apply for the 90-day STV (Special Tourist Visa) for Thailand?
2.4k2295y
Is it possible to extend the Special Tourist Visa (STV) early in Thailand?
1.4k1226y
How can I change from a Non-B visa to a Tourist visa in Thailand after my work permit has expired?
1.5k8176y
What is the best visa option for a UK citizen traveling to Thailand with a Thai/Canadian citizen?
3.8k32326y
Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa to find work, and is quarantine still required in December?
2.5k20206y
Can my friend renew her tourist visa extension at immigration more than once in Thailand?
3378y
Can I obtain a one-year Non-O visa from Savannakhet for my Thai child without proof of funds?
3k3188y
What are the rules for crossing the Thailand-Laos border for tourists and exiting Thailand by air?
597218y
What are the implications of not reporting my address to immigration when leaving Thailand?
5k51249y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served