Thailand Visa News
Updates focused on Thai visa news, policies, fees, and life in Thailand.
MFA Briefing Signals End of 60-Day Visa Exemption
At an MFA press briefing on May 19, 2026, officials said Thailand plans to remove the current 60-day visa exemption framework. However, travellers should treat this as an announced policy change, not a live rule yet, because it still needs to be published in the Royal Gazette before it takes legal effect.
Long-Stay Visas for Condo Buyers in Phuket Clarified
Bangkok Post reported that Phuket immigration officials and real estate executives clarified how the long-stay visa programme works for eligible property buyers and renters. The update focused on current thresholds, screening, and how applications are handled in practice.
Review Seeks 'Quality' Tourists
Bangkok Post reported that Thailand is reviewing its visa-free entry scheme for foreign visitors, with officials looking at how the policy could better target higher-quality tourism. This is a policy review, not a confirmed rule change.
Some 1,000 Flights to Thailand Cancelled Amid Mideast War
Bangkok Post reported major flight disruption affecting Thailand as the Middle East conflict disrupted regional airspace. Travellers using Middle East routes or transit hubs should check directly with airlines and airports for cancellations, rerouting, and rebooking updates.
MRTA Fast-Tracks Major Metro Projects
Bangkok Post reported that the Mass Rapid Transit Authority is accelerating major metro projects. This is a transport infrastructure update rather than an immigration rule change, but it may be useful for people planning longer stays and daily travel in Bangkok.
Thailand Announces Special Accommodation Rates for Tourists Affected by Middle East Flight Cancellations
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports shared an official notice saying affected tourists can present evidence of a cancelled flight, contact participating accommodation providers, and access discounted rates. The notice also highlights Tourist Assistance Centre contacts and a QR code for the accommodation list.
Immigration Measures for Middle East Airspace Disruptions (from Feb 28, 2026)
Thai Immigration announced temporary relief for foreigners unable to depart due to Middle East airspace closures. Overstay fines are waived for affected departures; temporary stay extensions may be considered (up to 30 days per permission) with supporting documents including TM.7, passport copy, and related forms.
MFA Press Release on the Thailand-Cambodia Situation (25 Feb 2026)
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an official press release on the Thailand-Cambodia situation. Travellers should monitor official updates if regional border conditions could affect routes or entry plans.
Bangkok Post Opinion Questions AOT Passenger Charge Increase
A Bangkok Post opinion piece argues Airports of Thailand should better justify the planned passenger service charge increase by clearly showing what travellers will receive in return and how the added revenue will be used.
Thailand to Raise International Passenger Fee in June
Authorities plan to increase the international passenger service charge from June 20, 2026, which may affect total outbound travel costs.
Thailand Reviewing 60-Day Visa-Free Stays
Thai authorities are reviewing the 60-day visa-free stay framework after complaints about misuse, with possible policy adjustments under consideration.
DLT Plans Online Driving Licence Renewals
Thailand's Land Transport Department says eligible motorists will be able to renew licences online under a phased rollout, with implementation tied to digital medical-certificate verification and related system checks.
Overstay Fines Waived for Flood-Stranded Tourists in 8 Southern Provinces
Immigration approved a temporary overstay fine waiver for foreigners unable to depart due to severe flooding in Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat (applies 20 Nov to 31 Dec 2025).
Immigration Tightens Screening of Repeat Visa-Run Patterns
Immigration announced stricter checks on repeated visa-run behaviour, with possible entry refusal after repeated unjustified runs and closer review of extensions and overstays.
Thailand Declares 5-Day New Year Holiday to Support Tourism
Thailand approved an extended five-day New Year break (Dec 31, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026), including a special holiday on Jan 2, to encourage domestic travel and consumer spending.
TDAC Became Mandatory from May 1, 2025
All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must submit TDAC online within 3 days before arrival.
Thai e-Visa Rolled Out Globally from January 1, 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the global launch of the Thai e-Visa system across Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates, available via thaievisa.go.th from January 1, 2025.