Thailand is excited to announce that it will now grant visa exemptions to nationals from 93 countries and territories, a significant increase from the previous 57. Under this new policy, visitors can enjoy stays for tourism or short-term business purposes for up to 60 days. This allows travelers to immerse themselves in Thailand’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities without the hassle of obtaining a visa. For those wishing to extend their adventures, an additional 30-day extension is available at the Immigration Office, making travel planning even more flexible and convenient.
Thailand is extending the stay for foreign students of higher education to stay for one more year after graduation. They can also find work during the extended period and, if employed locally, could change the type of VISA to Non-Immigration B without having to leave Thailand.
For more information, please contact the Thai Embassy or consulate in your area of residence.
Thailand is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its Visa on Arrival (VOA) program, now permitting nationals from 31 countries and territories to apply for their visa directly at immigration checkpoints upon arrival. This change marks a substantial increase from the previous 19 countries eligible for this convenience. Visitors under this new scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days, offering ample opportunity to explore the diverse attractions that Thailand has to offer, from breathtaking beaches to vibrant markets and rich cultural experiences. The visa fee is set at 2,000 Baht, making this an accessible and cost-effective option for travelers eager to experience the beauty and hospitality of Thailand.
Thailand is introducing a new VISA measure, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers as well as participants in activities – Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible.
Foreigners who wish to apply for this VISA must have proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 Baht for the duration of their stay. The visa fee is 10,000 Baht.
DTV holders, together with spouses and dependent children, will be entitled to a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.
Thailand is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its Visa on Arrival (VOA) program, now permitting nationals from 31 countries and territories to apply for their visa directly at immigration checkpoints upon arrival. This change marks a substantial increase from the previous 19 countries eligible for this convenience. Visitors under this new scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days, offering ample opportunity to explore the diverse attractions that Thailand has to offer, from breathtaking beaches to vibrant markets and rich cultural experiences. The visa fee is set at 2,000 Baht, making this an accessible and cost-effective option for travelers eager to experience the beauty and hospitality of Thailand.
You can bring personal items worth up to 80,000 Baht into Thailand without paying import fees, as long as they are for personal or professional use, in reasonable quantities, and not restricted or prohibited. You can also bring in the following duty-free:
– Up to 250 grams of tobacco or 200 cigarettes.
– Up to 1 liter of alcohol (wine or liquor).
Thailand enforces strict regulations regarding illegal drugs, and customs officials may request to search your bags upon arrival. If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the “Green Channel” for a quicker passage. However, if you possess items that require declaration, you should use the “Red Channel” and submit the necessary customs form. It’s crucial to comply with these regulations to ensure a smooth entry into the country and avoid any complications. Following these guidelines will help you enjoy your stay in Thailand without issues related to customs.
To bring in plants or animals, check the latest regulations by contacting the Plant or Animal Quarantine Offices.
International departure taxes are included in your airline ticket price. Some airports may charge small domestic departure taxes.
Prepaid Data SIM Card in Thailand
The following are the five simple steps you can take to get your Thai SIM card and mobile data plan ready.
Step 1: Unlock your phone
The first step is to have your phone unlocked from the service provider before boarding, where in some cases you may be charged a small fee for the service. Once it is unlocked, your device will be enabled for a Thai SIM card, which is available in different sizes depending on the phone.
Step 2: Get a SIM card at the airport or service provider stores
If you are staying in Thailand for a week or less, getting a mobile data plan at the airport is probably the best and most convenient option. Long-stay tourists, on the other hand, are advised to sign up for a mobile data plan at one of the service providers’ stores which can be found at local malls. At these stores, you will be introduced to a more flexible range of plans that better suit your needs at a lower price. Your passport will be required for a SIM card purchase in Thailand as the carriers need to register the SIM with the user’s name and passport number.
Step 3: Choose the carrier and mobile data plan
There are three major cell service providers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC and TrueMove H. These carriers offer a range of ‘pay as you go’ deals with 3G/4G support for both short and long-term availability, ranging from daily, weekly to monthly.
Step 4: Top up
Adding or “topping up” your mobile credit is a very easy task that can be achieved quickly at 7 Eleven, service providers’ stores and via Boonterm machines nationwide.
Step 5: Activate
SIM card activation may vary depending on which deviceand carrier you are using. Prepaid SIM cards for tourists usually offer a 30-day validity after each top-up. You can check your mobile balance and validity via these USSD codes:
AIS: *121#
DTAC: *101*9#
TrueMove H: #123#
Hotels, restaurants and cafés in Thailand provide free Wi-Fi internet access to their guests and customers.
Airport Wi-Fi and Internet:
Free Wi-Fi is available at Suvarnabhumi Airport for up to 2 hours per day via the “.@AirportTrueFreeWiFi” network.
There are 126 free internet kiosks located around the airport. Each user can access a 15-minute internet connection at a time. Once the period ends, those who want to continue the service may then log in again. Internet access is also available 24 hours at CAT Telecom Internet Cafés behind the check-in counters (Row W) and at G Aerobridge on the 2nd floor.
For tourists traveling from India to Thailand, understanding the currency exchange rate is crucial. As of the latest update, 1 Thai Baht (THB) is approximately 2.57 Indian Rupees (INR) This means that for every Thai Baht, you will get around 2.57 INR in return
When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check the current exchange rates as they can fluctuate. You can exchange your INR for THB at banks, currency exchange counters, or ATMs in Thailand. Keep in mind that exchange rates at airports might be less favorable compared to those in the city.
Additionally, it’s advisable to carry some cash in Thai Baht for small purchases and tips, while using cards for larger expenses. Enjoy your trip to Thailand and make the most of your travel budget!
Travel & Getting Around
Thailand is not an easy place to visit for people with reduced mobility or other physical challenges. The larger resorts and tourist attractions provide facilities for disabled people, but in rural areas, public transport is limited and often inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Moving around the city can be extremely difficult for disabled people. The streets and pavements are uneven, and few buildings provide ramps and handrails to aid disabled access. Guide dogs are rare, and there are few audio signals for the blind at traffic crossings.
Nonetheless, a project has been announced by the Bangkok governor along with the Disabled People International Asia-Pacific Region to ensure that Bangkok pavements are easily navigable for those with reduced mobility. A commitment has also been made to make public transport more accessible.
Public Transport
Public transport is not usually equipped to facilitate disabled access. Public buses are inaccessible to wheelchair users. Disabled people are usually forced to travel through the cities by taxi. However, few taxi drivers are experienced or trained in helping a wheelchair-bound customer into and out of their cars.
Sky Train (BTS) stations in Bangkok are on multiple levels, with ticketing on a level above the street and trains on upper levels, making access difficult for wheelchair users. At the moment, only five of the stations provide disabled access. However, there are plans for elevators to be built at other stations.
The national rail network has no special facilities for disabled passengers, but assistance will be given to those who ask.
The Bangkok MRT underground (Metro) has better disabled access, and all of the stations have elevators. Assistance will be given to disabled passengers if requested. On the trains, there are locks for wheelchairs.
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, a lack of elevators and disabled toilet facilities makes it difficult for wheelchair users, though assistance is easy to procure.
