Thailand’s new update on visa policies and entry regulations has sparked mixed reactions, primarily enthusiasm and excitement, but also some confusion and even some resentment.
To clarify these changes, Naruchai Ninnad, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined the Bangkok Post’s Deeper Dive vodcast to address audience questions about the new visa regulations.
‘Destination Thailand’ Visa
The new “Destination Thailand” visa (DTV) headlines with its five-year validity, allowing for stays up to 180 days, which can be extended for another year. However, this visa targets specific groups.
Firstly, it caters to individuals earning their income from abroad, such as digital nomads or freelancers, though the employment can be permanent.
“You can have any type of work, and you’re working remotely here in Thailand,” Mr. Naruchai explained.
“Most importantly, the employer is not in Thailand, and your income has to come from outside Thailand.”
Applicants must provide proof, such as a form of documentation like a payslip or a letter from your employer abroad.
The second DTV category is more complex, encompassing those who relocate to Thailand for pre-approved activities like Muay Thai training, culinary classes, medical treatments, or attending seminars and festivals.
Supporting documents like appointment confirmations, course receipts, or event tickets are needed, and the allowed duration varies.
“It could be as short as two weeks or as long as a month, depending on what the applicant decides,” Mr. Naruchai noted. To extend beyond 189 days, further documentation such as certificates or acceptance letters is necessary.
He emphasized that these documents are needed both for visa applications and extensions within Thailand but usually not for entry, although entry is ultimately at the discretion of the immigration officer, as in other countries.
The third category is for those with spouses or children in Thailand, for which proof of relationship is required. 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.
Currently, there is no mandatory health insurance for the visa, but proof of financial assets equivalent to at least 500,000 baht is required, which can be demonstrated with foreign bank or brokerage statements, Mr. Naruchai clarified.
However, merely showing financial proof is insufficient for eligibility; applicants must be either remote workers, engaged in approved activities, or family members of residents.
“You should apply only for the purpose of that particular visa, meaning that you should come in with the correct visa,” he emphasized.
The DTV is not a replacement for the one-year retirement visa unless the applicant qualifies under another category.
Addressing a complaint from a reader about the DTV being a cheaper alternative to the Elite visa, Mr. Naruchai pointed out, “There are different benefits and privileges between the two visas. So you would have to choose between what will particularly benefit you the most.”
Visa-free Entry
A significant change is the expansion of countries eligible for visa-free entry from 57 to 93, including China and India. The duration of the entry stamp has increased from 30 to 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension.
Interestingly, there is no fixed limit on the number of entries per year.
“The immigration office does not have a specified number as to how many times you can enter,” Mr. Naruchai told the vodcast. “You can enter as many times as possible within a calendar year.”
Entrants should have access to at least 20,000 baht, but showing a return or onward ticket isn’t mandatory.
“In general, the immigration office will not ask for these documents, but you may be randomly checked if the immigration officer detects anything suspicious, or even not suspicious. If they would like to request a return ticket or accommodation, they have the right to do so.”
Unlike the DTV, visa exemption permits short-term “urgent” work up to 15 days, extendable by another 15, with proper authorization from an immigration or labor office.
Visa on Arrival
The list of countries eligible for visa on arrival has expanded from 19 to 31, though it’s less appealing than exemption—it costs 2,000 baht and is valid for only 15 days. Interestingly, China and some other countries appear on both the visa exemption and visa-on-arrival lists.
Mr. Naruchai explained that this is due to historical bilateral agreements, and “upon arrival, the immigration officer will always grant the most beneficial option”—for Chinese citizens, the 60-day visa exemption.
Non-ED Plus
Introduced on July 15, the Non-ED Plus visa allows the 40,000 foreign students at Thai universities to remain for a year post-graduation and pursue employment in their field.
“If you are here previously under the ED visa and you fulfill the requirements of the ED Plus, it will automatically upgrade into the ED Plus, meaning you will not need to have a re-entry permit.”
What Hasn’t Changed
Other visas remain unchanged, including the 90-day report, which continues to frustrate many expats.
Despite demands to extend the retirement visa to five years, the one-year option persists, though the minimum health insurance requirement has been lowered from 3 million baht to 400,000 baht.
Concerning potential risks from foreign criminals, Mr. Naruchai noted, “Previously, when people applied for a visa, we looked at the blacklist system.”
“Now, we may not have that pre-screening for the 97 countries, but when they arrive in Thailand, they have to undergo security screening—using the same database.”
“So the practice of checking out and screening arrivals into Thailand remains basically the same.”
