tourist visa

  • Thailand News

    CCSA to consider extending Thailand tourist visa to 45 days | GMT

    CCSA to consider extending Thailand tourist visa to 45 days. After Seoul video, MRTA assures Bangkok subway flood-proof. Man caught taking drugs inside a Bangkok police booth didn’t give a crap. All this and more on today’s Good Morning Thailand.

  • Visa Information

    CCSA to consider extending Thailand tourist visa on arrival to 45 days

    Tourists might soon be granted a visa on arrival/visa exemption which allows them to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 45 days. Currently, passport holders of certain countries are granted 30 day visa exemptions on arrival, and others are granted visas on arrival with a maximum stay of 15 days. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will propose the…

  • Visa Information

    New tourist visa waivers being proposed to CCSA for next week’s meeting

    More proposals are heading to next week’s crucial CCSA meeting where Thailand’s Covid taskforce is poised to make several key changes to the reopening of the country and existing restrictions. Among the latest proposals to be tabled next week are changes to tourist visas. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, with support of a wide variety of tourism associations and players…

  • Crime News

    Foreign tourist breaks into bank, goes on rampage in northern Thailand

    A foreign tourist broke into a Bangkok Bank branch in Pai in the northern province of Mae Hong Son yesterday evening. He smashed his way through several glass doors with rocks and proceeded to cause significant damage to the bank’s property. Police detained him and discovered he was illegally residing in the kingdom. A foreigner named Kent Douglas Meades –…

  • Visa Information

    Many foreigners caught unaware of stricter Covid-19 visa rules

    Confusion and dismay are hitting long-staying foreign travellers in Thailand, as many were relieved to see the Covid-19 visa exemption extended, but missed the strict revisions in the fine print. While the decree was extended from the January 25 deadline at the last minute to March 25, the people who are allowed to take advantage of the easy-to-extend visa exemption…

  • Tourism News

    Thai Cabinet Committee officially extends Special Tourist Visa

    While the idea of extending the Special Tourist Visa in Thailand was announced recently, yesterday the Thai Cabinet Committee officially approved the extension. The plan has been in place for one year already, and will now continue until at least September 30, 2022, and is aimed at attracting well fear foreign travellers to visit Thailand spend big money while they’re here.…

  • Visa Information

    Thailand’s Special Tourist Visa scheme extended until September 2022

    The long-stay tourist visa has been extended for another year. The Special Tourist Visa scheme, or STV, was launched last year to draw in travellers from overseas in an effort to revive the crippled tourism industry. The visa allows a 90 day stay and can be extended twice, allowing a stay in Thailand of up to 9 months. The visa…

  • Visa Information

    60-day “Covid-19” visa extension deadline to apply now May 29

    In a typical last minute decision, Thai immigration announced that foreigners stuck in Thailand due to the Covid-19 situation will be able to extend their visas for another 60 days, with the new deadline to apply for the extension set to May 29, allowing a stay in Thailand up until July 27. The initial deadline for the 60 day “Covid-19…

  • Phuket News

    Foreigners seeking 60 day tourist visa extensions crowd Phuket Immigration

    Many foreigners seeking to extend what some are calling the “Covid visa” crowded Phuket Immigration this morning. The queue stretched from the second floor, out the door and down the stairs at the front of the building. One man told the Phuket News that many were waiting to file a 60 day tourist visa extension. The visa extensions are intended…

  • Visa Information

    Visa Emergency Extension extended to May 30 this year for stranded tourists

    Stranded foreign tourists, either genuinely stuck in Thailand since April 2020, or stuck here by choice, are able to stay in Thailand until May 30, according to an order signed by the Immigration Bureau last week. The order empowers local officers to grant a 60 day visa extensions from January 29 up to May 30. The order coincides with the…

  • Visa Information

    Make an appointment online for tourist visa extensions – Thai Immigration

    For those who need to extend their tourist visa, the Thai Immigration Bureau asks that applicants make an appointment online to reserve their spot in line. The bureau says the online appointments are aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 by reducing overcrowding and making sure people abide by social distancing practices. Applicants who need to extend a tourist visa,…

  • Phuket News

    Foreign flagged yacht docks and completes quarantine in Phuket

    The following is a statement from Asia Pacific Superyachts. The new Special Tourist Visa scheme allows tourists and crew members on foreign yachts to dock in Thailand and depart after an onboard quarantine. “The first Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) Phuket foreign-flagged superyacht client has now completed quarantining aboard in Phuket”, reports APS co-founder, Jojo Tanyuta Singmanee (Jojo), adding: “All aboard…

  • Visa Information

    45 day tourist visa exemption proposal to be presented to Cabinet

    After the prime minister told officials to hurry up and relax restrictions for foreigners entering Thailand, the recent proposal to extend the on-arrival visa exemption for tourists from 30 to 45 days is quickly moving forward and will be presented to the Cabinet. The 15 days added on to the visa exemption is intended to make up for the 2…

  • Tourism News

    Kiss the high season goodbye – Thailand’s long wait continues

    Just as last year’s high season was wrapping up, the Covid-19 pandemic became real and much of the world closed borders back in March. Thailand hoteliers, tour operators and airlines had to endure a very quiet low season, obviously a lot lower than usual. But with the next high season upon us the prospects of a sudden surge of tourists…

  • Visa Information

    On-arrival tourist visa might be extended to allow 45 day stays

    Thailand’s on-arrival tourist visa might be extended from 30 days to 45 days to lure more visitors. The extra 15 days added on would make up for the mandatory 2 week quarantine required for those entering the country. National Security Council secretary general Nathapol Nakpanit, who leads a business easing committee, says the committee members plan to propose the idea…

  • Tourism News

    60 day Tourist Visa stiff income requirement being wound back

    The hefty income requirement for Thailand’s Tourist Visas look like they’re being wound back following online backlash and low uptake. Previously, travellers were excited to learn they could visit a “Covid-free” Thailand, but their moods dipped after learning of the steep financial proof they needed in order to be granted under the revised Tourist Visa provisions. Now, some embassies and…

  • Tourism News

    Tourist Visa stiff income requirement being wound back

    The hefty income requirement for Thailand’s Tourist Visas look like they’re being wound back following online backlash and low uptake. Previously, travellers were excited to learn they could visit a “Covid-free” Thailand, but their moods dipped after learning of the steep financial proof they needed in order to be granted under the revised Tourist Visa provisions. Now, some embassies and…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand News Today | Protests to escalate, Domestic violence, Tourist visa exemptions? | Nov 19

    Just a reminder that it is still safe to travel to Thailand. The protests are in very small pockets around Bangkok and well publicised in advance. If you can, and are prepared to go through all the hoops and paperwork, it’s still a great place to visit. Bangkok police blame insufficient manpower for failure to control Parliament road clashes Police…

  • Tourism News

    Some Thai embassies dropping 500,000 baht requirement for 60 day tourist visa

    Reports are circulating on social media that some Thai embassies are no longer insisting on proof of funds of 500,000 baht for a 60 day tourist visa (not to be confused with the Special Tourist Visa). According to a report in the Pattaya News, posts in various social media groups dedicated to the 60 day tourist visa, would indicate that…

  • Visa Information

    Getting Back to Thailand, the latest information about ASQs and STVs | VIDEO

    Whilst some restrictions have been eased, there has been a doubling down on other restrictions for travel back to Thailand at this stage. Here’s all the latest information about the Social Tourist Visa (STV), ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine), golf courses. And then there’s the Thai baht which is causing problems as well. The situation is very fluid but we do…

  • Thailand News

    145 more on Special Tourist Visa arrive in Bangkok

    145 people on the new Special Tourist Visa arrived in Bangkok yesterday from Guangzhou, China, the second group after Thailand’s 7 month ban on international tourists. 39 people on the new long stay visa arrived last week, a small, yet significant step forward for Thailand as it pries open the borders for tourists, albeit with a lot of paperwork, restrictions…

  • Visa Information

    “Administrative issues” delayed Special Tourist Visa flight

    A senior tourism official told Reuters reporters that “administrative issues” are the reason for the delayed trip of foreigners on the Special Tourist Visa. Other officials claimed the postponement was done to help ease Covid-19 fears for Thai tourists planning on travelling to Phuket for the annual Vegetarian Festival later this month. A group of 120 to 150 foreigners on…

  • Crime News

    Sarasas school teacher charged with assault for allegedly abusing students

    The Nonthaburi teacher, who allegedly beat and mistreated kindergarten students, faces charges of physical assault and violating the Child Protection Act. The charges follow reports of abuse after classroom surveillance camera footage from the Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School spread on the internet. Videos show a teacher, identified as Ornuma “Khru Jum” Plodprong, pushing a child to the ground, dragging another…

  • Thailand News

    Foreign teachers checked by immigration at Sarasas school after alleged student abuse

    A foreign English teacher at a Sarasas private school in Nonthaburi was allegedly caught working without a proper visa and work permit after an immigration check. An investigation into all 42 Sarasas schools was prompted after a Thai teacher at the Sarasas Witaed Ratchapreauk School in Nonthaburi was allegedly caught on camera beating kindergarten students. A Filipino English teacher at…

  • Thailand News

    Today marks the ‘official’ end of tourist visa amnesty

    “Technically you will still be able to report to immigration and sort out your visa on Monday.” And that, as they say, is that – the end of the twice-extended visa amnesty. Today is the official end of the Thai government’s visa amnesty for those staying in the country on tourist visas. The amnesty was originally given 6 months ago…

  • Visa Information

    Get a visa or go to jail – Thai Immigration

    “Overstaying the tourist visa is punishable by both a jail term and fine under the Immigration Act.” Tourists have 5 days to renew their visa or they could get arrested. The current visa amnesty ends on September 26 and there isn’t going to be another sudden announcement for another grace period, according to immigration officials. Those who overstay will face…

  • Covid-19 News

    Despite special tourist visa approval, hoteliers remain skeptical about reopening

    As news comes of the cabinet approving a special long-term tourist visa scheme, hoteliers are remaining skeptical about reopening due to the lack of clarity in the recent announcement, which will reportedly take effect next month. The president of the Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter says more hoteliers will consider reopening if the government gives further information about the plan…

  • Tourism News

    “Phuket Model” to be re-named, expanded to all of Thailand

    A much-talked-about plan to reopen Phuket to international tourists is set for a rebrand and expansion. The plan, formerly known as the “Phuket Model”, is proposed to be re-named “Special Tourist Visa”, and will now cover all of Thailand. But, in its latest incarnation, the model will only allow tourists from “approved countries” to be involved. Apparently, the Phuket plan…

  • Thailand News

    Foreigners on short-term visas warned they must leave Thailand by September 26

    Don’t overstay your welcome… Thai Immigration officials are warning foreigners on short-term visas that they must make arrangements to leave the country before September 26. A visa amnesty in place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic was recently extended until that date, but it looks like authorities want to make clear there will be no further extension, except in…

  • Covid-19 News

    Extension to visa amnesty to be published in Royal Gazette

    Foreigners in Thailand can breathe a sigh of relief as government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul confirms the Cabinet has agreed to extend the visa amnesty until September 26. The good news was first announced yesterday , taking the pressure off of thousands of people who faced the prospect of having to leave the country- at a time when only limited international…

  • Expats

    Proposal being ‘examined’ by authorities for a possible visa amnesty extension

    Today the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has briefly addressed the issue of the current visa amnesty, which is due to finish on July 31. The issue was mentioned today as part of the daily briefings. The visa amnesty was announced, then extended, in April to allow foreigners with lapsed visas, to stay in the country without having to…

  • Covid-19 News

    Thailand visa amnesty extended to July 30

    Thailand’s cabinet has approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months. The extended amnesty is a bid to prevent long queues at immigration centres around the country. Narumon Pinyosinwat, spokeswoman for the Thai government, says they want to stem the spread of the coronavirus and avoid foreigners having to wait in lines and threaten their own health…