Thailand entrance requirements



not taken by me (not sure who to credit)



Thailand here I come, so now what documents do I need to get me into the Kingdom.

Kingdom, yes, Thailand has a king, hence kingdom. However, since the coup of 1932 the country officially has a constitutional monarchy style government, complete with a prime minister but still with a king. Thai’s love king Bhumibol, the world’s longest reigning monarch and democracy but the military is still a powerful force in Thai politics. Probably harking back to the last big lull in democracy in the 1950’s when military dictator General Sarit Thanarat ran things, as proof of this, the bloodless coup, number 18 in Thai history, toppling Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006 was carried out by the Thai military.

Getting a bit of tract but there is a point to this, politics in such a relatively new democracy with such a diverse group of players can get a bit dicey, not really dangerous to foreign visitors but laws and regulations covering entrance documentation and visa requirements can and due change, so be aware.

OK, so here is the basic deal now for my fellow American’s and a bunch of other countries this is what is needed to enter Thailand - passport validity of at least 6 months, proof of return or ongoing ticket out of the country (enforcement is erratic), adequate funds – 10,000 baht for an individual and 20,000 baht for a family (never been asked), the completed emigration form the airline passed out on the plane – name, passport info, why your entering, how you got there and where your staying (never filled the where I’m staying and never got called on it). This is a no charge for this visa, referred to as a “30 day Visa-on-Arrival” for tourism by Thai immigration.



Not mine either



As of this time the "Visa-on-arrival" can’t be extended past the exit date the emigration officer stamped in your passport on your arrival. Tough I once received a 10 day extension so if you want to stay longer check with Thai emigrations and dress nice, it helps. Otherwise you have the option of doing what is called a “visa run” as you step out of the country and re-enter with a new “30 day Visa-on-Arrival” but think there is a limit as to how many times you can do this.

Up a step is the standard Tourist visa which I just applied for through the
Royal Thai Consulate, Los Angeles or it could be any consulate outside of Thailand. To obtain this one you will need to send in, along with a return postage paid envelope your passport, plus a copy of the information page (whoops, I forgot this on mine), two passport size 2X2 photos, completed application form and the processing fee of $ 35.00. Note: the fee has been dropped until March 11, 2011. With this you will be good to go for 60 days in country and it can be extended for 30 days. Though you need to visit emigrations before you original period expires; over stay fine is 500 baht a day.

There is also several other visa’s for longer stays, for example - retirement, marriage, business, education and I’m thinking medical. However, this is all I’ve got for now.



See you in Thailand  - Doug