Thailand: Complaints over new visa rule for land arrivals May 26

Event

A new regulation concerning travelers arriving by land (road and rail) is affecting visitors who are nationals from countries that do not border Thailand. The regulation requires travelers to obtain a visa in advance if it is their third or more visit to the country within one calendar year. The requirement does not apply to visitors arriving by plane or boat. Local tour companies complain that the new visa system is slashing the number of Singaporean visitors.

Context

The new regulation was announced in December 2016. At least ten companies operate buses between Hat Yai and Singapore. About ten buses leave Hat Yai while the same number arrive from Singapore daily. The fare is about 900 baht. The cost of a tourist visa for Thailand is about 60 Singaporean dollars, equivalent to 1500 baht.

Foreign citizens (including Europeans) arriving by air or land can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa, through a visa exemption system. For longer stays, travelers can seek a visa extension, from the expiry date of the original visa, for another 30 days. Travelers using the 30-day visa exemption system can only enter Thailand by land twice per calendar year. For more frequent land travel, a visa is required in advance; these rules do not apply for air travel.

Advice

Travelers are advised to contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for more information. If you plan to stay in Thailand beyond 30 days, or intend to work or regularly cross the country by land, secure a visa prior to departure.