Another twist regarding the new 60 days visa waiver - delayed!!
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... yed-462315
Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
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Dannie Boy
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Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
It seems that the Destination Thailand Visa is finally happening:
Thailand's new visa promotion scheme to start Monday
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... art-monday
"In addition, the country will introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service, targeting digital nomads, freelancers and visitors looking to perform or learn skills such as cooking and Muay Thai.
The new visa type, valid for five years, allows holders to stay up to 180 days."
Thailand's new visa promotion scheme to start Monday
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... art-monday
"In addition, the country will introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service, targeting digital nomads, freelancers and visitors looking to perform or learn skills such as cooking and Muay Thai.
The new visa type, valid for five years, allows holders to stay up to 180 days."
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
The DTV could be a good option for those who want to stay 180 days per year to avoid being taxed here - seems like a middle-ground visa between tourist and non-immigrant.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
^Yes it's definitely something that I'm considering.
I've already made a start at looking for property in Europe, I've rented for years in Luxembourg but the prices wouldn't be viable once I've finished working so I'm considering over the border in France where it's still pretty cheap to buy.
I like this area because you have France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg close together and it's easy to go to another country for a day out without any real effort.
I've already made a start at looking for property in Europe, I've rented for years in Luxembourg but the prices wouldn't be viable once I've finished working so I'm considering over the border in France where it's still pretty cheap to buy.
I like this area because you have France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg close together and it's easy to go to another country for a day out without any real effort.
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
It would be helpful if someone who enters Thailand on Monday or soon after would confirm that their passport is stamped with a plus 60 days stamp
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
According to this, people are already getting 60-day visa exempt stamps on arrival ...
Outstanding questions remain about new visa rules for Thailand
The interior minister has now signed off on the latest immigration rules which will permit citizens of 93 countries to obtain a visa-exempt 60 days on entering Thailand by land, air and sea. This includes all the countries which provide significant tourist numbers including the traditional markets of UK, mainland Europe, the USA and Australia. The formal introduction date is Monday July 15, but reports from newly arrived visitors suggest the doubling of 30 days to 60 is already in place.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-465511
Outstanding questions remain about new visa rules for Thailand
The interior minister has now signed off on the latest immigration rules which will permit citizens of 93 countries to obtain a visa-exempt 60 days on entering Thailand by land, air and sea. This includes all the countries which provide significant tourist numbers including the traditional markets of UK, mainland Europe, the USA and Australia. The formal introduction date is Monday July 15, but reports from newly arrived visitors suggest the doubling of 30 days to 60 is already in place.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-465511
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
Just posted on social media:
- visa.jpg (17.15 KiB) Viewed 2620 times
Championship Plymouth Argyle 3 - 2 Sunderland 
Points 5; Position 16
Points 5; Position 16
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
The BKP have just published an "explainer" for the new visa rules ... which is as clear as mud!
Explainer: Thailand's new visas
Thailand's major overhaul of visas and entry rules has stirred up strong reactions -- mostly joy and excitement, but also confusion and even some resentment.
To clarify the new rules, the Bangkok Post's Deeper Dive vodcast posed readers' questions to Naruchai Ninnad, one of the chief architects of the new visa scheme in his role as deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
'Destination Thailand' visa
The change that's grabbed the headlines is the new five-year "Destination Thailand" visa (DTV) that allows stays of up to 180 days, extendable for up to one year. But the visa is not for everyone: visa holders must fit into one of three categories.
The first is those who get their paycheques from outside Thailand, often referred to as digital nomads or freelancers, although in fact the remote job could be permanent.
"You can have any type of work and you're working remotely here in Thailand," Mr Naruchai said.
"Most importantly, the employer is not in Thailand. And your income has to come from outside Thailand."
This must be supported by evidence, "a form of documentation, like a payslip, or a letter from your employer abroad.
"The second category of DTV-holders is a little more complex. It covers people who move to Thailand for a specific set of approved activities, including Muay Thai or other sports training, cooking classes, medical treatment, and attending seminars and music festivals.
Evidence must be provided, such as an appointment, a course receipt or an event ticket, but there is flexibility as to duration. "It depends on the course," Mr Naruchai said.
"May be two weeks, one month, it's up to the applicant." And then if you wish to extend the 189 days at immigration, you need to provide another certificate or acceptance letter or other confirmation.
Pressed on the matter, he said such documentation is required when applying for the visa and when extending the visa inside Thailand, but usually not when actually entering the country -- although, of course "like in every other country, the final decision depends on the discretion of the immigration officer.
"The third category is those with spouses or children in Thailand, for which proof of relationship is required, and in this case the visa could be used as an alternative to the category "O" spousal visa -- but although it lasts longer, it requires extension every six months and leaving the country at least once per year.
There is currently no requirement for health insurance on the visa, but for all categories, the DTV requires proof of the equivalent of at least 500,000 baht in assets. Importantly, these can be anywhere in the world -- a foreign bank account or brokerage statement would be fine, Mr Naruchai said.
However, he stressed that proof of income or assets is not enough to qualify -- the applicant must be either remote worker, undertaking an approved activity or a spouse/dependent child.
"You should apply only for the purpose of that particular visa, meaning that you should come in with the correct visa," he emphasised.
In particular, the DTV cannot be used as a substitute for the one-year retirement visa, unless the applicant fits another category.
More here (its long): https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -new-visas
Looks like it could be used as an alternative to the marriage/child support visa for those who want to avoid being taxed here but still have an income.
Explainer: Thailand's new visas
Thailand's major overhaul of visas and entry rules has stirred up strong reactions -- mostly joy and excitement, but also confusion and even some resentment.
To clarify the new rules, the Bangkok Post's Deeper Dive vodcast posed readers' questions to Naruchai Ninnad, one of the chief architects of the new visa scheme in his role as deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
'Destination Thailand' visa
The change that's grabbed the headlines is the new five-year "Destination Thailand" visa (DTV) that allows stays of up to 180 days, extendable for up to one year. But the visa is not for everyone: visa holders must fit into one of three categories.
The first is those who get their paycheques from outside Thailand, often referred to as digital nomads or freelancers, although in fact the remote job could be permanent.
"You can have any type of work and you're working remotely here in Thailand," Mr Naruchai said.
"Most importantly, the employer is not in Thailand. And your income has to come from outside Thailand."
This must be supported by evidence, "a form of documentation, like a payslip, or a letter from your employer abroad.
"The second category of DTV-holders is a little more complex. It covers people who move to Thailand for a specific set of approved activities, including Muay Thai or other sports training, cooking classes, medical treatment, and attending seminars and music festivals.
Evidence must be provided, such as an appointment, a course receipt or an event ticket, but there is flexibility as to duration. "It depends on the course," Mr Naruchai said.
"May be two weeks, one month, it's up to the applicant." And then if you wish to extend the 189 days at immigration, you need to provide another certificate or acceptance letter or other confirmation.
Pressed on the matter, he said such documentation is required when applying for the visa and when extending the visa inside Thailand, but usually not when actually entering the country -- although, of course "like in every other country, the final decision depends on the discretion of the immigration officer.
"The third category is those with spouses or children in Thailand, for which proof of relationship is required, and in this case the visa could be used as an alternative to the category "O" spousal visa -- but although it lasts longer, it requires extension every six months and leaving the country at least once per year.
There is currently no requirement for health insurance on the visa, but for all categories, the DTV requires proof of the equivalent of at least 500,000 baht in assets. Importantly, these can be anywhere in the world -- a foreign bank account or brokerage statement would be fine, Mr Naruchai said.
However, he stressed that proof of income or assets is not enough to qualify -- the applicant must be either remote worker, undertaking an approved activity or a spouse/dependent child.
"You should apply only for the purpose of that particular visa, meaning that you should come in with the correct visa," he emphasised.
In particular, the DTV cannot be used as a substitute for the one-year retirement visa, unless the applicant fits another category.
More here (its long): https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -new-visas
Looks like it could be used as an alternative to the marriage/child support visa for those who want to avoid being taxed here but still have an income.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
Wasn’t sure where to post this because it involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The headline says Aussies but many countries are listed. So, more paperwork/hassle for us, and what about if you have an extension based on retirement and a re-entry permit?
Is this one of the September surprises?
Full article:
"Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel.
This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country.
“The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.”
The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan.
Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge.
Once approved, ETA holders will benefit from the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This comes alongside the recent extension of stay for tourists and business travellers from visa-free countries, who can now enjoy up to 60 days in Thailand, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days upon arrival.
In addition, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors attending approved activities. Priced at 10,000 baht (430 Aussie dollars), this visa allows a stay of up to five years, provided applicants can prove they have at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay.
The DTV also covers the holder’s spouse and dependent children, offering them a five-year stay with multiple entries, extendable by another 180 days,
Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel.
This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country.
“The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.”
The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan."
Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge.
The headline says Aussies but many countries are listed. So, more paperwork/hassle for us, and what about if you have an extension based on retirement and a re-entry permit?
Is this one of the September surprises?
Full article:
"Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel.
This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country.
“The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.”
The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan.
Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge.
Once approved, ETA holders will benefit from the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This comes alongside the recent extension of stay for tourists and business travellers from visa-free countries, who can now enjoy up to 60 days in Thailand, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days upon arrival.
In addition, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors attending approved activities. Priced at 10,000 baht (430 Aussie dollars), this visa allows a stay of up to five years, provided applicants can prove they have at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay.
The DTV also covers the holder’s spouse and dependent children, offering them a five-year stay with multiple entries, extendable by another 180 days,
Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel.
This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country.
“The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.”
The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan."
Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge.
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
^It's fine in theory as long as the online site actually works.
One advantage might be that if the authorisation to enter is obtained in advance, they could potentially let you use automated entry gates and get rid of the queues.
One advantage might be that if the authorisation to enter is obtained in advance, they could potentially let you use automated entry gates and get rid of the queues.
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
I have no objections to doing this, my concern is that the web site will have some bug/feature that doesn't work properly (eg making mandatory a non-existant value)
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
Don't know why the link won't work....Dannie Boy wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 1:59 pm I couldn’t open the link but the article is about tourists arriving on visa exemptions so shouldn’t be of any concern for long-term visa holders.
Hope you are right about us not being included, and that the airlines will understand this…..
I have a trip planned and will be returning to Thailand in December. Hope I don’t get caught in the pilot program.
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Dannie Boy
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Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
The article posted by Pete does indeed confirm that it includes automatic entry via the gatesSTEVE G wrote:^It's fine in theory as long as the online site actually works.
One advantage might be that if the authorisation to enter is obtained in advance, they could potentially let you use automated entry gates and get rid of the queues.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
A potential TIT that the automated gates could then be backed up a half kilometer. 
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Thailand changes visa rules to boost economy urgently
If that actually works I'm all for it.Dannie Boy wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 3:39 pmThe article posted by Pete does indeed confirm that it includes automatic entry via the gatesSTEVE G wrote:^It's fine in theory as long as the online site actually works.
One advantage might be that if the authorisation to enter is obtained in advance, they could potentially let you use automated entry gates and get rid of the queues.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've been coming to Thailand for over 20 years on Visa Exemptions. I spend time online searching for and buying flights and bus tickets and sometimes train tickets for connections in Europe and an extra step to apply for this won't bother me if it gets rid of the queue for immigration.
( Don't tell my boss but I do all this stuff at work anyway! )