Cash on hand.

16/03/2026

"Mr. Nantiwat Samart" clearly explained that Thailand does not oppose any nationality, but should review the free visa measures and increase screening of tourists through the visa system.

On March 16, 2026, reporters reported that Nantiwat Samart, former secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and former deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, posted a message on his Facebook page, "Nantiwat Samart," regarding the calls to abolish the visa-free policy. He stated that Thailand does not have any anti-Semitic or anti-nationalist stance and continues to welcome foreign tourists to the country.

The post stated, "Regarding the cancellation of visa-free entry, there are currently many calls to abolish it. It's important to understand that Thailand does not discriminate against Jewish people or any particular nationality. Thailand still welcomes foreign tourists, but we will need to screen them. Thailand wants quality tourists with money, not tourists who intend to come to find work or settle in Thailand."

Furthermore, "the method of screening tourists is through the visa application process, where tourists must have a good record and sufficient income to support their travel. Not just anyone can enter Thailand. Thailand has many valuable assets to showcase to the world, but there is a fee for entry; it's not free. Don't focus too much on the number of tourists and forget about the safety and security of the country. Thailand is then at risk from terrorists, individuals with a history of involvement with scammers, online cybercrime, and foreign mafia groups."

However, "tourists who overstay their permitted time, whether Jewish or of other nationalities, must be asked to leave the country because it is unacceptable. If they want to stay in Thailand and work, they must apply for a different type of visa. Immigration must be much stricter with overstaying tourists and illegal immigrants. There aren't enough personnel or equipment; we need to urgently request this during this transition period between governments."

#cancelfreevisa #immigration #thaigoverment

Does anyone know what’s the best process of getting the DTV E-Visa transferred over to a new passport?

My passport was about to expire, so I ordered a new one a few weeks ago and hopefully getting it in three or four weeks ! (UK Passport)

It’s gonna be a pretty quick turnaround. I may only be a few weeks in between when I receive my new passport and then when I have to leave the country and re enter for another 180 days!

I’ve read mixed advice online about whether to go to immigration and get my DTV transferred over before or after I travel in & out the country? Or if to just re enter the country with the DTV & both passports?! Surely that’s not a good idea 😅

(I’m assuming that I get to keep my old passport when I go to collect my new one?)

Pls don’t get mad at me if I’m asking obvious questions I have heard mixed advice so idk x

I'm going to the Chiang Mai Immigration Department soon to renew my retirement visa; it's been going smoothly for the past nine years. Does anyone know if there are any new policies or changes this year? Thank you🙏🏻

I'm still a little confused (just saying that will create some unfortunate comments) 😂

If before coming to Thailand l get a single entry 90 day visa, apparently after 60 days l must get a 30 day extension at an immigration office and still pay 1900 Baht ??? So the only difference if that is correct is the cost of the Tourist visa from the Embassy against the 60 day visa exempt on arrivals.

Are there any DTV holders here who have had success making bank accounts with Krungsri (yellow) bank, particularly in the Korat area?

Proof of accommodation for immigration purposes

Hello,

I will arrive in Bangkok on the morning of January 7. I only have proof of accommodation for the first 7 days, although I will be staying for one month. Do I need to provide accommodation proof for the entire duration of my stay?

Hi all, I'm Thai but my partner is foreigner. He has stayed in Thailand since November 8, 2025 on free exemption. (Last day on passport shows Jan 8th, 2026). We're still preparing the documents for his spouse visa but we need more time.

So my question is..

If he wants to extend his free-visa..

1. Will the record on immigration system be reset after January 2026 (New calendar year) ?

2. If it does reset after we travel out of Thailand just for 1 day, Does that mean the officer might allow him to stay for another 60 days since the record is fresh now? or it will be counted as his 1st running visa?

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

I just entered through Suvarnabhumi airport, longer queues for sure. I use visa exempt every month but never had any extensions and max stayed 4 to 12 days each time, and return back to my country. I had zero questions asked and was let through. This was my 12th Visa exempt this year. Never even asked for my return ticket, hotel or how much cash i had. Just biometric, photo and stamp the passport. Since there are many questions around this subject.

Is this important when registering TM.30 online?

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