Tourists get extended visas

The Immigration Bureau has approved a new regulation that allows tourists to extend their stay in the kingdom by a further 30 days, effective from Aug 29. 

Foreign tourists can lay back at Patong Beach, Phuket for another 30 days. (Photo by Tawatchai Khemgumnerd)

That will mean holidaymakers from 49 countries who enter Thailand under a 30-day visa exemption can stay for 60 days, while those who hold a 60-day tourist visa are eligible for the “extra temporary stay” to 90 days.

The move is designed to boost tourism, said Pol Col Voravat Amornvivat, deputy commander of the bureau’s Investigation Division.

The measure will appeal to foreign travellers who want to prolong their stay in Thailand and visit other Southeast Asian countries, Pol Col Vorarat said.

The bureau, however, tightened up visa extension regulations for foreigners who enroll to study Thai in private language schools outside of the official school system, as well as those working in a public charity/non-profit organisation or a foreign chamber of commerce. Those affected will be granted visa extensions of 90 days but for no more than one year. 

Source: Bangkok Post