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dirtydog

Download your Immigration forms Here.

TM7. Application for Extension of Visa for Thailand, Download the Form Here

TM8. Application Form for Re-Entry Permit for Thailand

TM47. 90 Day reporting Form can be Downloaded Here

If you are doing a visa run to Singapore you can download the Visa application form here for your Thai Visa


Overstay Fines and Information.

On land border crossings you will be fined 500baht perday from the day your visa expired, ie if your visa expired today and you drive to the border tomorrow you will have to pay a 500baht fine, on flights out of Bangkok you are given a 1 day leeway and do not have to pay any fine, if it is your second day on overstay the airport will make you pay for 2 days overstay, ie your leeway day plus the next day.

The maximum fine is 20,000baht, occasionally you will get a bad immigration officer at Bangkok airport who will deny this and take you into the office, they will try to charge you 500baht perday for your overstay, just hold out and keep telling them that all you have is the 20,000baht, about 20 minutes before your flight they will let you board after paying the 20,000baht.

More on overstay fines here (Overstay fines)

New 30 Day Rule here (New rules on Thailands 30 day visa)

Cheap ticket out of Thailand for visa exempt people, ie 30 days on arrival from Daung Cambodia to Pong Nam Ron Thailand (Pong Nam Ron ticket out of Thailand 30 day entry)


Extension Warning.

If you are a on a 60 day Tourist Visa or a 90 day Non Immigrant Visa you can apply for a 30 day Extension, this costs 1,900baht, on granting your extension they will have given you 14 days, you can then go back and get another 14 days and will not be charged, BUT, this has to be done at the same office where you got the original extension.

For the extension you need 1 Passport photo, 1 copy of your passport main details page, 1 copy of your visa and 1 copy of your TM card, these you generally have to sign.


As of October 1st 2006; New Visa on arrival Rules:

Visa on arrival which are issued to 36 Nationalities and are valid for 30 days, using just this type of visa you will only be allowed to stay 90 days within a 6 month period from the first date of entry, this is generally aimed at visa runners doing monthly visa runs to the likes of Cambodia or Laos.

One way round this is of course to do 2 land border visa runs and then a trip to a neighbouring countries Thai Consulate or Embassy to apply for a tourist visa, Cambodia,Malaysia and Laos will probably only give you a single entry, this is valid for 60 days and you can get a 30 day extension for 1,900baht, you can then do at least 2 more Visa on Arrival trips for more 30 day visas, but obviously you have to check that you haven't spent more than 90 days in the last 180 days with a 30 day VOA.
This is what will be stamped in your passport (3 30 day visas and out)

Update on VOA 30 day on arrival visa

Penang and Kuala Lumpur are now not issuing "Non Immigrant" multi entry visas.
Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar do not issue "Non Immigrant" multi entry visas.
Singapore is still issuing "Non Immigrant O" multi entry visas as long as you have the correct paperwork, ie a copy of your marriage certificate to a Thai National, Birth Certificate of your Thai child will not entitle you to a Non Immigrant "O" multi entry visa.


Penang do not issue double entry Tourist Visas anymore (Penang halts issuance of double-entry tourist visas)

Kuala Lumpur is now issuing Non Immigrant B Multi Entry Visas (Non Immigrant "B" visa - 1 year multiple entry)

Bangkok Immigration and pictures (Immigration/Visa experience...)

Some information about Non Immigrant type O-A long stay visa (visa info)

Getting a Thai Multi Entry Non Immigrant Visa in Singapore can be found here

Non Immigrant type "O" Visa Info (Non-Immigrant -O-)

Multi entry Non Immigrant "O" Visas Now Available in Penang. June 2007 (Penang resumes Thai multi entry Non Imm "O" visas)

Visa to the UK for a Thai National (British Visa for Thai Wife)
Non immigrant "O" visa yearly.

Non immigrant type "O" Visa and how much money to show (Income certification (marriage extension))

Non Immigrant "O" Visa and how much money you need as of 1st October 2006 (Marriage Visa Rules)


GENERAL INFORMATION about getting visas for Thailand.

1. Any foreigner wishing to enter Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. However, there are nationals of certain countries who do not require a visa, provided they meet the requirements, as follows;

(1) nationals of countries which are exempted from visa requirements when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 30 days, according to the Interior Ministerial Announcements. For more information, please see Tourist Visa Exemption; or

(2) nationals of countries which have bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements. For more information, please see List of countries which have concluded agreements on the exemption of visa requirements with Thailand.

2a. Nationals of specific countries may apply for a visa upon arrival in Thailand. Travellers with this type of visa are permitted to enter and stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 15 days. For more information, please see Visa on Arrival.

3. Travellers from/through the countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas must have an International Health Certificate proving that they have received a Yellow Fever vaccination. For more information, see List of countries which are declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.

4. Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.
Information on location and contact number of Thai Embassies and Consulates-General is available at www.mfa.go.th/web/10.php

5. To apply for a visa, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act of Thailand B.E.2522 (1979) and its relevant regulations. In addition, a visa applicant must be outside Thailand at the time of the application. Applicants will be issued with types of visas according to their purpose of visit.
For more information on types of visas and general requirements for each type of visas, please see Types of Visa and Issuance of Visa.

6. In general, applicants are required to apply for a visa in person. However, Thai embassies and consulates in some countries and in some cases may also accept applications sent through representatives, authorized travel agencies or by post. Please check acceptable ways of applications with the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General where you intend to submit your application.

7. Please note that the period of visa validity is different from the period of stay. The visa validity is a period during which a visa can be used to enter Thailand. Generally, the validity of a visa is 3 months, but in some cases, we also issue visas valid for 6 months or 1 year. The validity of a visa is granted by the Embassy or Consulate-General and shown in the visa. The period of stay depends on the type of visa and is granted by an immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry. For example, the period of stay for a transit visa does not exceed 30 days, for a tourist visa does not exceed 60 days and for a non-immigrant visa does not exceed 90 days from the arrival date. Travellers who wish to stay longer than such period may apply for extension of stay at offices of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, located in Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel 02-2873101-10 or at an Immigration office in the provinces. For information on application for extension of stay, please see the website of the Immigration Bureau at www.immigration.go.th

8. Foreigners entering Thailand are not allowed to work, regardless of their types of visa,unless they are granted a work permit. Information on Work Permit application could be obtained from the website of the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour at www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html







9. Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom:

(1) Having no genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without visaing by the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates-General in foreign countries; or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except if a visa is not required for certain types of aliens in special instances.

Visaing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations.

(2) Having no appropriate means of living following entry into the Kingdom.

(3) Having entered into the Kingdom to work as an unskilled labourer, or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.

(4) Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

(5) Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.

(6) Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.

(7) Having behavior which would cause danger to the public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.

(8) Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trafficking of women or children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality.

(9) Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

(10) Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

(11) Being deported by either the Government of Thailand or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister considers exemption on an individual special case basis.

The examination and diagnosis of disease of a physical or mental nature, including protective operations as against disease, shall be conducted by the Immigration Doctor.

TYPES OF VISA

Following are types of visa granted byThai Embassy and Consulate-General:
1. Transit Visa
2. Tourist Visa
3. Non-Immigrant Visa
4. Diplomatic Visa
5. Official Visa
6. Courtesy Visa

1. TRANSIT VISA

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes : - to travel in transit through the Kingdom in order to proceed to the country of destination or to re-enter his/her own country (category "TS") - to participate in sports activities (sportsmen, sportswomen, etc.)(category "S") *** *** Those who are scheduled to stay in the Kingdom longer than one month , Non-Immigrant Visa category “O” can be issued to them - the person in charge or crew of a conveyance coming to a port, station or area in the Kingdom. (category "C")
2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months - Visa application form completely filled out - Recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant - Evidence of travel from Thailand (confirmed air ticket paid in full) - Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) - Visa of a third country in a passport or travel document - Letter of invitation stating the application's participation in sports activities in the Kingdom - Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary.
3. VISA FEE
800 Baht per entry. (Visa fee may be changed without prior notice)
4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months.
5. PERIOD OF STAY
Travellers coming to Thailand with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days.
6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their type of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel 02 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.immigration.go.th ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
7. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Thereford, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.
Information on location and contact number of Thai Embassies an Consulates-General is available at /web/10.php

2. TOURIST VISA

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes .
2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months - Visa application form completely filled out - Recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant - Evidence of travel from Thailand (air ticket paid in full) - Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) - Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary.
3. VISA FEE
1,000 Baht per entry. (Visa fee may be changed without prior notice)
4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months.
5. PERIOD OF STAY
Upon arrival, travellers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days.
6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their type of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel 02 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.immigration.go.th ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
7. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefor, travellers are adivised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.
Information on lacation and contact number of all Thai Embassies and Consulates-General is available at /web/10.php

3. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes: - to perform official duties (Category "F") - to conduct business / to work (Category "B") - to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned (Category "IM") - to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws on investment promotion (Category "IB") - to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour , to participate in projects or seminars , to attend a conference or training course , to study as a foreign Buddhist monk (Category "ED") - to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter (Category "M") - to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R") - to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute (Category "RS") - to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist (Category "EX") - other activities (Category "O") as follows:
to stay with the family, to perfrom duties for the state enterprise or social welfare organizations, to stay after retirement for the elderly, to receive medical treatment, to be a sport coach as required by Thai Government, to be a contestant or witness for the judicial process.

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
2.1 The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit. - Visa application form completely filled out - Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months. The validity of 18 months is required for one year visa application.
- (4 x 6 cm) protograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months - Evidence of adequate finance ( 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family )
- Birth Certificate ("O")
- Certifcate of Marriage or its equivalents ("O") - Transcript / Letter of acceptance from the concerned schools/universities or institutes ("ED") - Letter from Thailand's Board of Investment. ("IB") - Official Note certifying the purpose of travel from the Government Agencies /Embassies and Consulates / International Organizations / State Enterprises inThailand. ("F" / "B" / "ED" / "M" / "R")
- Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour (To obtain this letter, the prospective employer in Thailand is required to submit Form WP3 at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Tel 02-2452745, 02-2453209 or at a Provincial Employment Office in the respective province. Further information is available at www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html) ("B")
- Letter from a company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand ("B") - Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand. ("B") - Letter of invitation from companies qualified to employ foreigners. ("B") - Employment contract indicating rationale for employing the applicant as well as his/her salary, position and qualifications (document must be signed by authorized managing director and affixed the seal of the company) ("B") - Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom ) ("B") - Copy of corporate documents; namely
1) list of shareholders
2) business registration and business license
3) company profile
4) details of business operation
5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions
6) map indicating the location of the company
7) Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year
8) Alien income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91)
9) Value-added tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20)
("B") - Copy of educational records of the applicant and letters of recommendation from the prior employers, identifying job description and length of service time. ("B") - Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only) ,or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)("B")
2.2 The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingent upon necessities and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form.
2.3 Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary.
2.4 Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company. 2.5 In the absence of a required document, a letter explaining the unavailability of such document must be provided.
2.6 The applicant must sign on each page of the copy.
2.7 Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Thai. If translated into English, it should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/ consular mission.
3. VISA FEE 2,000 Baht for single entry and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries.
4. VALIDITY OF A VISA Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are valid for three months. Multiple-entry visas could also be valid for one year.
5. PERIOD OF STAY The holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the Kingdom not exceeding 90 days unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration Bureau.
6. EXTENSION OF STAY Those qualified persons can obtain an additional one year stay permit counting from the date of entry in the Kingdom pertaining to the Office of the Immigration Bureau's regulations on extension of stay. The extension of stay is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

N.B. Applicants wishing to stay in the Kingdom longer than 90 days have to file their application either at the Thai consular mission abroad or at the Office of Immigration Bureau in Bangkok located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road,Bangkok 10120 , Tel 02 287-3101-10 (or website at (http://www.immgration.go.th ) . The consular officer must refer the case to the Office of Immigration Bureau for approval. Upon receiving approval, the consular officer may issue the visa as instructed by the Bureau
7. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.
Information on lacation and contact number of Thai Embassies and Consulates-General is available at /web/10.php
4. DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL VISA
Upon official request, Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may grant visas to diplomatic or official passport-holders who wish to assume duties at a foreign Diplomatic Mission or Consulate or International Organization in the Kingdom and to their family members. - Supporting documents are Note Verbal and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes while residing in the Kingdom.
5. COURTESY VISA
Upon official request, Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may grant courtesy visas to diplomatic/official/ordinary passport-holders who wish to enter the Kingdom on official duty and/or other purposes. - Supporting documents are documents issued by the governmental agency, foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes while visiting the Kingdom.
TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002) ,18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005) , passport holders from 40 countries and Hong Kong SAR do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for 30 days. - Please note that Tourist Visa Exemption does not apply to foreigners holding Travel Document for Aliens issued by these 40 countries.
- Foreigners entering Thailand under Tourist Visa Exemption must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.
1. Australia : Commonwealth of Australia
2. Austria : Republic of Austria
3. Belgium : Kingdom of Belgium
4. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil (****)
5. Bahrain : State of Bahrain
6. Brunei Darussalam : Negara Brunei Darussalam
7. Canada
8. Denmark : Kingdom of Denmark
9. Finland : Republic of Finland
10. France : French Republic
11. Germany : Federal Republic of Germany
12. Greece : Hellenic Republic
13. Hong Kong : Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14. Iceland : Republic of Iceland
15. Indonesia : Republic of Indonesia
16. Ireland : Republic of Ireland
17. Israel : State of Israel
18. Italy : Republic of Italy
19. Japan
20. Korea : Republic of Korea (****)
21. Kuwait : State of Kuwait
22. Luxembourg : Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
23. Malaysia
24. Netherlands : Kingdom of the Netherlands
25. New Zealand
26. Norway : Kingdom of Norway
27. Oman : Sultanate of Oman
28. Peru : Republic of Peru (****)
29. Philippines : Republic of the Philippines
30. Portugal : Republic of Portugal
31. Qatar : State of Qatar
32. Singapore : Republic of Singapore
33. Spain : Kingdom of Spain
34. South Africa : Republic of South Africa
35. Sweden : Kingdom of Sweden
36. Switzerland : Swiss Confederation
37. Turkey : Republic of Turkey
38. United Arab Emirates
39. United Kingdom : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
40. United States of America
41. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam
(****) Since Thailand has bilateral agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports for a visit of not exceeding 90 days with Brazil, the Republic of Korea and Peru , nationals of these 3 countries will be permitted to enter and stay in Thailand for 90 days without a visa.

For more information on countries that have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand, please see List of countries which have concluded agreements on the exemption of visa requirements with Thailand.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements, passport holders from 20 countries may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days. - The applicant must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly. - The applicant must present full paid ticket which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry - Visa on arrival is provided at 23 designated international checkpoints and applicants should submit the application form duly filled out and to which his/her recent photograph (2 ½ inches) is attached. The application fee is 1,000 Baht. - Visitors who enter the Kingdom with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of stay except in special cases such as illness which prevents them from travelling, etc. They can submit an application at the Office of Immigration Bureau , Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel. 02 287-3127 or 02 287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5 or at website http://www.immigration.go.th

List of 20 countries is as follows :

1. Bhutan : Kingdom of Bhutan
2. China : People’s Republic of China (including Taiwan)
3. Cyprus : Republic of Cyprus
4. Czech : Czech Republic
5. Estonia : Republic of Estonia
6. Hungary : Republic of Hungary
7. India : Republic of India
8. Kazakhstan : Republic of Kazakhstan
9. Latvia : Republic of Latvia
10. Liechtenstein : Principality of Liechtenstein
11. Lithuania : Republic of Lithuania
12. Maldives : Republic of Maldives
13. Mauritius : Republic of Mauritius
14. Oman : Sultanate of Oman
15. Poland : Republic of Poland
16. Russian Federation
17. Saudi Arabia : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
18. Slovakia : Slovak Republic
19. Slovenia : Republic of Slovenia
20. Ukraine

List of Thailand’s Immigration Checkpoints which provides facilities for issuance of visa on arrival are as follow :

1. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok
2. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai
3. Phuket International Airport , Phuket
4. Hatyai International Airport , Songkla
5. U Tapao Airport , Rayong
6. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
7. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
8. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
9. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala
10. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkla
11. Samui Airport , Surat Thani
12. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
13. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
14. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint , Chonburi
15. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint , Rayong
16. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
17. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani
18. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint , Phuket
19. Satun Immigration Checkpoint , Satun
20. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint , Krabi
21. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint , Songkhla
22. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
23. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA "B" - (business and work)

I. Visa Issuance.

1.1 Foreigners who wish to work/conduct business or undertake investment activities in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates abroad. (Information on location and contact numbers of the Thai Embassies and Consulates-General can be obtained through website http.Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand : : Thailand's Missions Abroad)

Various categories of non-immigrant visa are currently provided to meet the need and qualification of individual business people. These include business visa (category B), business approved visa (category B-A) and investment and business visa (category IB). Visa fee is 2,000 Baht for single entry with three-month validity and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries with one-year validity.

1.2 Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before travelling from their home. Information on location and contact number of all Thai embassies and consulates is available at /web/10.php

II. Categories of Non-Immigrant Visa

2.1 Non-Immigrant Visa (category “B” – Business) is issued to applicants who wish to enter Thailand to work or to do business.

• Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand

- Visa application form completely filled out - Applicant’s passport with validity not less than six months. - (4x6 cm.) photograph of the applicant taken within the past six months - Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) - Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour (To obtain this letter, his/her prospective employer in Thailand is required to submit Form WP3 at the Office of Foreigner Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Tel. 02-2452745 or at the Provincial Employment Office in the respective province. Further information is available at www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html) - Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom )

Remarks

1. An alien who receives a non-immigrant visa can work in Thailand after having received a work permit. Any violation thereof shall make the employee liable for prosecution and imprisonment not exceeding three months, or a fine not exceeding five-thousand Baht, or both penalties.

2. An alien who performs work that is prescribed by the Royal Decree B.E. 2522 (1979) which prohibits alien employment in certain occupations and professions is liable for prosecution and imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine from 2,000 to 10,000 Baht, or both penalties.)

• Foreigners who wish to do business in Thailand

- Visa application form duly filled out - Applicant’s passport with validity not less than 6 months. The validity of 18 months is required for one year visa application. - (4x6 cm.) photograph of the applicant, taken within the past 6 months. - Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) - Letter from the applicant’s company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand, his/her salary,etc. - Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand. - Financial evidence in case that the applicant does his/her own business - Letter of invitation from company in Thailand together with copy of corporate documents comprising;
1) list of shareholders
2) business registration and business license
3) company profile
4) details of business operation
5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions
6) map indicating the location of the company
7) balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year
8) Alien income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) and
9) value-added tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20) , etc.

(Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors or authorized managing director and affixed with the seal of the company.) - Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only), or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)

• Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary.
• In the absence of a required document, a letter explaining the unavailability of such document must be provided.
• The applicant must sign on each page of the copy.
• Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Thai. If translated into English, it should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/ consular mission.
• The holders of this type of visa are entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. Upon completion of such period, an extension of stay for a period of one year counting from the date of arrival in the Kingdom can be applied for at the Office of the Immigration Bureau.

2.2 Business approved visa (category “B-A”) may be applied for at the Embassies or Consulates abroad but approval shall be given by the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok before visa is issued to the qualified applicant. The company in which the applicant will invest or do business with can also apply for this type of visa at the Immigration Bureau. The holder of B-A type visa will be permitted to stay for a period of one year counting from the date of arrival in the Kingdom.

2.3 Investment and business visa (category “IB”) is issued to foreign staff working under investment projects promoted by the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI). The project must benefit the country in the following ways :
- Produce for export - Increase employment - Utilize local raw materials - Locate in provincial areas - Encourage technology transfer to Thai nationals - Not harm existing domestic business.

III. Additional Information 3.1 After entering the Kingdom, applicants or their appointed representatives must go to the Ministry of Labour (office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment) to apply for a work permit and shall pay the income tax accordingly. If the company’s applicant is located in another province, the applicant must apply at Employment Office in that province.

3.2 Applicant’s family members, namely; spouse, parents and children who are unmarried and under 20 years old, are eligible to apply for Non-Immigrant Visa (category “O”) and will allow to stay from the period of 90 days but not longer than 1 year.

3.3 Foreigners entering the Kingdom under a Transit Visa (“TS”) or Tourist Visa (“TR”) wishing to engage in business activities may apply for a change to Non-Immigrant Visa at the Immigration Bureau Office located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel 02 2873101-10 or at website http://www.immigration.go.th The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

IV. One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits

4.1 One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits was established by the Regulations of the Office of Prime Minister which were promulgated on 30 June 1997 with objective to strengthen the procedure to promote good investment circumstances by providing for the one stop service to avoid delay and inconvenience to the foreigners in applying for stay permission in the Kingdom, re-entry permit and work permit. The Center has been opened since 1 July 1997 and located on 207 Rachadapisek Road, Krisda Plaza, 3-5th Floors, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10310, Tel 02-693-9333-9 and Fax. 02-693-9340.



4.2 Qualification of applicants for work permit at the One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits are as follows :

The aliens who are executives or experts obtaining priviledges according to other laws as follows :
- Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977) - Petroleum Act B.E. 2514 (1971) - Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
(Remarks : The aliens who work for the enterprises outside Bangkok can submit
the application to One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permit)




The aliens who are investors in general; - If investing not less than 2 million Baht, they will be granted with a 1- year permit. - If investing not less than 10 million Baht, they will be granted with a two-year permit. -The applicant must have the location of work or place in Bangkok only.

The aliens who are executives and experts ; - To work at a company with the registered capital or total assets of not less than 30 million Baht. - The alien, who comes to work as the foreign press, shall submit a letter from the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and a copy of ID Press Card issued by Department of Public Relations. - The aliens who are researchers and developers on science and technology. - The aliens who are the officials of branch office of overseas bank, foreign banking office of overseas bank, provincial foreign banking office of overseas bank and the representative office of foreign bank which were certified by the Bank of Thailand. - The aliens who work for the branch of the overseas enterprises. - The aliens who work on the necessary and urgent basis for a period of not longer than 15 days (Tor.Thor. 11)

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA "O-A" (LONG STAY) - visa for retired persons;

This type of visa will be issued to applicants aged 50 years or above. Holders of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for one year and may not work while staying in Thailand.

I. QUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT

• A foreign national whose age is 50 years or above (on the date of submitting the application).
• Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (A.D.1979).
• Having no criminal record against the security of Thailand and the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence.
• Having the nationality of or the residence in the country where his/her application is submitted.
• Not having prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Elephantiasis and Third step of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535).
• Not allowed to work in Thailand.

II. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION

• A passport with validity not less than 18 months.
• Three copies of visa application form duty filled out.
• Three passport-sized photos of the applicant taken within the past six months.
• A personal data form.
• A copy of bank statement showing a deposit at the amount equal to not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthy income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht.
• In case of the bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is to be shown as well.
• Verification stating that the applicant has no criminal record issued from the country of his/her nationality or residence (the verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/consular mission).
• A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (the certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/consular mission).
• In case that the applicant wishes to have his/her spouse stay together in the Kingdom but the spouse is not qualified for the “O-A” visa, their marriage certificate shall also be produced as evidence and should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/consular mission. (The spouse will be considered for temporary stay under category “O”).

III. CHANNELS TO SUBMIT VISA APPLICATION

• Applicants can submit their applications both at the Thai embassy / consular missions where they have their permanent residence or at the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Thailand. (Address : Section 1, Sub-Division 1, Immigration 1, Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120. Telephone 287-4948 (direct line) or 287-3101-10 ext. 2236)
• Please be advised that the following applicants are eligible to apply for this type of visa in the country :
  - Applicants undergoing Health Rehabilitation Program in hospitals or Health Centers. These organizations will apply on behalf of the individual applicant.
  - Applicants who are spouses / parents / children of applicants above.
  - Applicants the agencies or organizations approved by the Office of the Immigration Bureau have applied for visa on their behalf. The above mentioned applicants must have qualifications stated in I and II.
  - The consular mission will be notified to issue visa to the individual applicant when the Office of Immigration Bureau has given approval.

IV. Recommendations for the aliens while staying in the Kingdom

• When completing the stay of 90 days in the Kingdom, the alien shall report to the competent authority and repart again every 90 days with the immigration officer in the alien’s residence area, or report to the police station in the alien’s residence area if there is no immigration control there.
  
  In order to report to the competent authority by mail, the alien shall do as follows : - The report form (Tor Mor 47) together with a copy of the passport pages
  showing the alien’s photo, personal details, and the latest arrival visa stamp as well as a self addressed envelop with postage affixed, shall be forwarded, by 7 days before the due date, by acknowledgement of receipt mail to the Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120.- In case of making any following reports, the reply form for the
  previous report shall be enclosed as well.
• At the end of the one-year stay, the alien who wishes to extend his/her stay shall submit a request for the extended period at the Immigration Bureau with documented evidence of money transfer,
  or a deposit account in the Kingdom, or an income certificate, at the
  amount of not less than 800,000 Baht, or an income certificate plus
  a deposit account at the total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht a
  year. Extension for one year at a time will be granted to this group of
  people as long as they meet the requirements as earlier stated and is
  at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
• If the alien’s spouse wishes to extend his/her stay as well, the
  marriage certificate is required.

LIST OF COUNTRIES WHICH ARE DECLARED YELLOW FEVER-INFECTED AREAS - The Ministry of Public Health has issued regulations that applicants who have travelled from or through the countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas must provide an International Health Certificate proving that they have received a Yellow Fever vaccination. - The International Health Certificate must be submitted together with the visa application form. The traveller will also have to present the said certificate to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the port of entry in the Kingdom. As for those nationals of the countries listed below but who have not travelled from/through those countries, such a certificate is not required. However, they should possess concrete evidence showing that their domicile is not in an infected area so as to prevent unnecessary inconvenience.

Following are the countries which are declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.

1. Angola : People’s Republic of Angola 2. Benin : People’s Republic of Benin 3. Bolivia : Republic of Bolivia 4. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil 5. Burkina Faso : Republic of Burkina Faso 6. Burundi : Republic of Burundi 7. Cameroon : Federal Republic of Cameroon 8. Central African Republic 9. Chad : Republic of Chad 10. Colombia : Republic of Colombia 11. Congo : Republic of the Congo 12. Cote d’ Ivore : Republic of Cote d’ Ivoire 13. Ecuador : Republic of Ecuador 14. Equatorial Guinea : Republic of Equatorial Guinea 15. Ethiopia : The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 16. French-Guiana 17. Gabon : Gabonese Republic 18. Gambia : Republic of the Gambia 19. Ghana : Republic of Ghana 20. Guinea-Bissau : Republic of Guinea Bissau 21. Guinea : Republic of Guinea 22. Guyana : Cooperative Republic of Guyana 23. Kenya : Republic of Kenya 24. Liberia : Republic of Liberia 25. Mali : Republic of Mali 26. Mauritania : Islamic Republic of Mauritania 27. Niger : Republic of Niger 28. Nigeria : Federal Republic of Nigeria 29. Panama : Republic of Panama 30. Peru : Republic of Peru 31. Rwanda : Republic of Rwanda 32. Sao Tome & Principe : Democratic Republic of Sao Tome
& Principe 33. Senegal : Republic of Senegal 34. Sierra Leone : Republic of Sierra Leone 35. Somalia : Somali Democratic Republic 36. Sudan : Democratic Republic of the Sudan 37. Suriname : Republic of Suriname 38. Tanzania : United Republic of Tanzania 39. Togo : Republic of Togo 40. Uganda : Republic of Uganda 41. Venezuela : Republic of Venezuela 42. Zaire : Democratic Republic of the Congo





LIST OF COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE CONCLUDED AGREEMENTS ON THE EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENTS WITH THAILAND and permitted to stay for 30 and 90 days.

• 30 DAYS

1. Cambodia
2. China
3. Laos
4. Mongolia
5. Myanmar
6. Oman
7. Vietnam

• 90 DAYS

1. Argentina
2. Luxembourg
3. Austria
4. Malaysia
5. Belgium
6. Mexico
7. Bhutan
8. The Netherlands
9. Brazil
10. Nepal
11. Chile
12. Peru
13. Croatia
14. The Philippines
15. Czech Republic
16. Poland
17. Germany
18. Romania
19. Hungary
20. Russian Federation
21. India
22. Singapore
23. Israel
24. Slovak Republic
25. Italy
26. South Africa
27. Japan
28. Switzerland (including Liechtenstein)
29. Korea : Republic of Korea
30. Tunisia
31. Turkey

II. List of countries which have concluded agreements on the exemption of visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports with Thailand and permitted to stay for 30 and 90 days

• 30 DAYS

1. Laos
2. Vietnam
3. Hong Kong SAR
4. Macau SAR

• 90 DAYS

1. Brazil
2. Chile
3. Republic of Korea
4. Peru

THAILAND’S TRAVEL DOCUMENTS INFORMATION

- Issuance of Travel Document (T.D.) for Aliens

- Issuance of Emergency Certificate (E.C.)




I. REQUIREMENT



Aliens as listed below are eligible to apply for Travel Document (T.D.) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visa and Travel Documents Division located on Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210 , Tel. 981-7171 ext. 3202-3 direct line 575-1062-4 / Fax.575-1066 /
E-mail : div1303[at]mfa.go.th ;

Aliens who are granted permanent residence in Thailand or those who have been denied by their own government in issuing passport or travel document - Stateless persons - Aliens who are granted permanent residence in Thailand under a special ten-million investment programme.

II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED - A Residence Certificate with its copy - A House Registration with its copy - A Certificate of Alien with its copy - 3 photographs (2 1/2 inches) taken within the past six months - An application form completely filled out.

III. APPLICATION FEE 500 Baht for issuing or renewal IV. VALIDITY OF DOCUMENT T.D. is valid for 1 year.

ISSUANCE OF EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE (EC)





Aliens as listed below are eligible to apply for Travel Document (T.D.) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visa and Travel Documents Division located on Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210 , Tel. 981-7171 ext. 3202-3 direct line 575-1062-4 / Fax. 575-1066 /
E-mail : div1303[at]mfa.go.th ;

Political refugees - Stateless children under the patronage of the Department of Public Welfare - Foreigners whose passport or travel document is lost and no consular missions of that national available in the Kingdom - Alien’s infant whose consular mission of that national is no avail in Thailand.

II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

An application form completely filled out, 3 photographs (2 1/2 inches) taken within the past six months - Daily Report on Lost Documents from Royal Thai Police with its two copies - confirmed ticket identified the departure date with its copy - Letter from the Ministry of Interior (Political refugees) with its two copies - A Certificate of Birth with its its two copies (Alien’s infant) - Letter from Department of Public Welfare with its two copies.

III. APPLICATION FEE

300 Baht

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