Thailand has recently introduced significant changes to its visa and entry rules, which have generated a range of reactions. While many enthusiastically welcome the updates, there has also been some confusion and concern. This article aims to clarify the new visa policies and options for foreigners.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the new five-year “Destination Thailand” visa (DTV). This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing holders to stay for 180 days per entry. It is extendable annually for another 180 days for a fee of THB 10,000. After each extension, visa holders must leave and re-enter Thailand to reset their stay duration.
The DTV is aimed at three main groups: remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers working for non-Thai companies; those engaged in “Thai soft power activities” such as medical treatment, Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai training, athletic training, music festivals, and seminars; and the spouses and dependent children of primary visa holders. Applicants must provide relevant documentation to prove their eligibility, such as employment contracts, professional portfolios, appointment letters, or proof of relationship.
To qualify for the DTV, applicants must be at least 20 years old and show financial stability with a bank balance of at least THB 500,000 or equivalent financial documents. While some nationals can apply through the e-visa portal, most must apply at a Thai embassy or consulate. It is crucial to note that DTV holders cannot work for Thai companies and are not entitled to a work permit. Additionally, they must report their address to the immigration bureau every 90 days.
Visa-exempt Entry
Thailand has added 36 countries to the visa exemption list to boost tourist arrivals. The number of visa-exempt countries has increased from 57 to 93, now including passport holders from India and the People’s Republic of China.
Contrary to recent speculation, there is no entry limit for visitors entering Thailand by air. However, those entering with a regular passport (i.e., non-diplomatic) by land or sea can only do so on a visa exemption twice per calendar year. Notable exemptions to this rule include Malaysian passport holders, who can enter Thailand via land border an unlimited number of times.
Visitors arriving by air may be asked to provide proof of funds to support their stay in Thailand (approximately THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family) and a return ticket for exiting Thailand.
Under Thailand’s new policy, those entering on a visa-exemption scheme can stay in the country for up to 60 days per entry, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at the discretion of an immigration officer for tourism, urgent work, or ad-hoc work.
Urgent and ad-hoc work includes:
- Organizing or setting up conferences
- Conducting training or academic lectures
- Quality control and inspections
- Installing or maintaining electronics and machinery
- Recruiting job seekers for overseas job placements
Those engaging in urgent or ad-hoc work must notify a registrar at an international airport or labor office in Thailand, and the process takes about one working day. This can only be done once the foreign national has entered Thailand, and the work must be completed within 15 days.
It should be noted, however, that while there is no entry limit for visitors entering Thailand by air, entry into Thailand will be at the discretion of an immigration officer, and back-to-back visa exemption entries may be flagged. Nonetheless, the immigration bureau also stated that those entering Thailand on a visa exemption can apply for a new type of visa within their maximum 90-day stay.
Visa-on-arrival
Not to be confused with visa exemption, visa-on-arrival (VOA) is a visa program that allows passport holders from a specified list of countries to apply for a Thai tourist visa upon arriving in Thailand rather than obtaining one pre-approved by a Thai consulate abroad.
According to Thailand’s latest visa policy, the list of eligible countries for VOA has expanded from 19 to 31. Those entering with a VOA are allowed to stay in the country for up to 15 days and must pay a visa fee of THB 2,000. Applicants must also fill out an application, provide a 4×6 cm photo, and show proof of accommodation, financial capacity, and a return ticket.
VOAs can be obtained at major international airports and checkpoints around Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Phuket Airport, and Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint.
Non-ED Visa
A non-immigrant “ED Plus” visa is granted to international students working towards their bachelor’s or higher degrees at universities and educational institutions in Thailand. Unlike regular non-ED visas, students with an ED Plus visa can depart from and enter Thailand without needing to apply for a re-entry permit. Additionally, the educational institution will be responsible for submitting applications for visa extensions on behalf of the students. Moreover, students can extend their stay in Thailand for one year after graduation to seek employment, travel, or participate in other activities. They can also change their visa type in Thailand once employed.
It should be noted, however, that ED Plus visas are only available for those enrolled full-time at a recognized educational institution. Those taking informal classes, such as Thai language courses and cultural training activities, will only be eligible for a regular ED Visa.
Non-immigrant-O visas are also available for accompanying family members of ED Plus visa holders. Family members of students below 20 years old only need to show proof of familial relations. However, family members above 20 years old must also provide a letter of certification from the educational institution in Thailand upon applying for the visa. Accompanying family members are not allowed to work in Thailand with this visa.
Other visa categories
While Thailand’s new visa policies may benefit some, others have complained that they are unfair to those who have already undergone lengthy and often costly processes to secure other visa types. Notably, there is a complaint that the DTV is significantly cheaper than Elite visas, with existing Elite visa holders feeling their visa category has become obsolete.
However, it should be noted that the DTV and Elite visas are two utterly separate visa categories with unique requirements. Elite visas are geared towards high-income individuals, retirees, investors, and businesspeople seeking long-term stays in Thailand with certain benefits. In contrast, the DTV is designed for digital nomads and remote workers who seek to work in Thailand for an extended period. This means the applicants of the DTV are required to meet specific requirements that Elite visa holders do not. Moreover, DTV holders must extend their stay yearly for a fee of THB 10,000, leave and re-enter Thailand every 180 days, and are only allowed to stay in Thailand for up to five years.
Other visas and the 90-day reporting requirement remain unchanged. While there are calls to extend the retirement visa to five years, it remains a one-year visa. However, the minimum health insurance requirement has been lowered from THB 3 million to THB 400,000.
Individuals considering these new visa options should seek information from reputable sources and consult experts in the field. Understanding each visa category’s specific requirements and limitations is essential to making informed decisions and ensuring compliance with Thai immigration laws. As the visa landscape continues to evolve, staying updated through reliable channels will be vital to leveraging the benefits of Thailand’s dynamic entry policies.
Silk Legal can provide a range of services for several practice areas. This article is for information only. While we have tried to keep our updates as accurate as possible, changes to legislation or other factors may affect your decisions. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation at [email protected].
