New Long-Term Tourist Visa

72POSTS

5 years ago

Hi All,

Hope your doing well and staying safe. Just curios, any thoughts on the new or potentially new Visa? Granted I am from the USA so the chances of getting an offer to come to Thailand anytime soon is very low, but after watching some bloggers and reading a few articles, not sure I understand how the Thai Gov is going to make the numbers work.

Again, I know nothing has been officially approved yet, which I cannot be the only one confused that it’s the 20th of September already and they say it might happen potentially in October? But from what I am reading they estimate the new Visa would generate $1Billion Baht a month and yet they plan to only let 1200 tourist a month come in. Maybe my math is wrong, and please correct me if it is, but $1B Baht divided by 1200 means $833,333.33 baht per person. And if you divide that by an exchange /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\2 (roughly the Dollar/Baht rate today), that means it would cost $26, 041.61 to come to Thailand under the potentially new program? Hmmm, when you consider all the other requirements of the program, kind of sounds like the Thai Gov is just saying we don’t want tourist in a nice kind of way...I mean compared to just being rude and saying NO! (Lol). Hope the Thai people are not getting too excited...smile

Any thoughts? Be nice...Smile. Cheers!

See also

Work visa in Thailand - Guide
Tourist Guide in Thailand - Business
Tourist Visa USA Thai Agent in BK - 1 Reply
Seeking Advice: Long term Visa (Canadian national) - 4 Replies
Is it possible to arrive on a Tourist visa and get work? - 14 Replies
Longer Term Visas - 35 Replies
Non immigrant tourist Visa - 8 Replies

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

P.s., I did not write I am a Spammer in my comments. I guess that because I said Exchange Rate it put those words in its place...which is too funny because it will probably do it again with these comments....lol

petermok Member

17POSTS

5 years ago

It seems that it is a "money for visa" arrangement.

Deposit THB500,000 in a Thai Bank and receive a 5-year visa. It is progressive, for THB2 million one may stay for 20 years.

No details about where the money goes, most likely as fixed deposit in a Thai bank.

Cut-and-pasts from one of those Immigration Consultants web-site:

Thailand Elite Visa is for individuals to enter Thailand through fast-track channel, enjoy multiple visa privileges and long-term stay in Thailand. By making an investment of THB 500,000 - THB 2,000,000, applicants can obtain the Thailand Elite Visa – a multiple entry visa with 5-year, 10-year or 20-year validity. Business activities and long-term stay are allowed for Thailand Elite Visa holders. Moreover, access to world-class luxury services is also granted. Therefore, the visa is somehow regarded as a “business visa” and also known as a VIP visa among worldwide high-net-worth individuals.

Types of "investment" not disclosed.

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

Hi Peter,

My apologies, I did no mean the Elite program but I can see by saying Long Term it was a mistake on my part. I was referring to the recent announcement of the 90 day Tourist Visa, which can be extended 2 additional times up to 270 days. Again my apology.

This is the one they announced to try to kick start the tourist industry in Thailand, but that is a lot of money for those that are out of work Or uncertain about their jobs across the world. Then when you add in quarantine, the payment for 90 days of accommodations upfront, charter flights, etc...again, not trying to beat A dead horse, was just curious to see if others had done the same math and came up with some other conclusions on this recent proposal by the Thai Gov? At least some attempt is being made as there are a lot of businesses, and I mean a lot, from what hear and see on YouTube not doing well in the tourist towns.

And before anyone blasts me that Thailand is not just about the tourist towns(smile), I agree. But tourism is a massive part of Thailand, and a lot of industries are tied to tourism in Thailand. There are a lot of people hurting....and by the numbers just do not see this recent program doing much...

Cheers all...

petermok Member

17POSTS

5 years ago

No need to apologize, this is a platform for exchanging real and good news so that the readers can find their way around.

I agree with you that this outbreak has hurt a lot of people, and across the continents. Thailand is no exception; yet she over-relied herself on the tourism industry - putting all the eggs into one basket so they say.

The 270 days extension may be designed for those who are stranded in Thailand and cannot take the visa run across Thai borders with other countries. I hope I am correct, and I am not sure about the fees.

The VIP visa is not attractive at all, if I am coming over I'd prefer the 10 years visa for a THB800,000 deposit.

Take care and hope that this outbreak is going to be over soon.

Peter

paulthepom Active member

52POSTS

5 years ago

I'm interested in the 90 day visa it sounds a great idea . . I was wondering how can I apply for it any ideas please . . many thanks
Paul

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

Paul, are you talking about the 90 day in Thailand or the 90 day Visa for South Korea? If S Korea I would reach out to Sean directly as he said that is how he got there several months ago. As for Thailand, I have no clue and have a feeling it’s going to change so many times as it already has, and that might be their strategy to sho2 they are trying to do something...smile. But only letting 300 tourists into Thailand a week is just not going to bring much relief to the Thai people, or certainly not very quickly.

Bobby

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

Sorry, Sean is Scon7391 on the S. Korea location on Expat.com

jrhume55 Member

10POSTS

5 years ago

Are you already in Thailand? I was under the visa extension rules which expired 26 September. I went to my local immigration office on 19 September. I paid $1,900 baht for a 30 day visa and in lieu of being quarantined in a hotel in Bangkok for two weeks they just had me stay at home here. I returned last Friday 02 October to their office and was told to return this Friday, (09 October), because they didn't have my information back from Bangkok. I have no idea what that information was but I think it was the head of all immigration having to give their approval for this new type visa.
I will update my progress this Friday.

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

#10

Hi Jr, I am not in Thailand at the time. Been there plenty of times and wanted to move there as as last March after I retired. But I guess I did something in the past to the person upstairs, and now that is not possible...smile.

But in all seriousness, that would be great if you could update us since you have the inside scoop. Good luck with your meeting on the 9th. If we can’t make it maybe can live vicariously thru you...smile

Bobby

jayrozzetti23 Serial expat

843POSTS

5 years ago

#11

NomadBob123 wrote:
Hi All,

Hope your doing well and staying safe. Just curios, any thoughts on the new or potentially new Visa? Granted I am from the USA so the chances of getting an offer to come to Thailand anytime soon is very low, but after watching some bloggers and reading a few articles, not sure I understand how the Thai Gov is going to make the numbers work.

Again, I know nothing has been officially approved yet, which I cannot be the only one confused that it’s the 20th of September already and they say it might happen potentially in October? But from what I am reading they estimate the new Visa would generate $1Billion Baht a month and yet they plan to only let 1200 tourist a month come in. Maybe my math is wrong, and please correct me if it is, but $1B Baht divided by 1200 means $833,333.33 baht per person. And if you divide that by an exchange /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\2 (roughly the Dollar/Baht rate today), that means it would cost $26, 041.61 to come to Thailand under the potentially new program? Hmmm, when you consider all the other requirements of the program, kind of sounds like the Thai Gov is just saying we don’t want tourist in a nice kind of way...I mean compared to just being rude and saying NO! (Lol). Hope the Thai people are not getting too excited...smile

Any thoughts? Be nice...Smile. Cheers!

Howdy Bob -

I'm no longer living in Thailand but am still in Southeast Asia and keep up with the news in LOS.

I believe that you're referring to what's being called the STV (Special Tourist VIsa)

Here are two recent articles:

from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Newsroom:
Thailand officially launches ‘special tourist visa’ for long-staying visitors
https://www.tatnews.org/2020/10/thailan … isitors-3/

and from the Travel Trade Report (TTR) Weekly:
Special tourist visa has a high price tag
https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/09/ … price-tag/

paulthepom Active member

52POSTS

5 years ago

#12

Hi Bob
It was for Thailand I'm in Malaysia with my Thai girlfriend been here since Febuary dus to the lockdown Nice country but I am trying to plan ahead if thats possible with the current state the world in lol But at the moment we have to leave 30th Decenber 2020 . . . it seems the Seychelles are good for a 90 day visa no problem which could be a plan B

Yes I got the impression that the new 90 day visa was a work in progress but it would suit me fine. I qualify for a retirement visa but the health insurance requirement puts things way over budget.
Still fingers crossed as they say lol
Cheers Paul

jrhume55 Member

10POSTS

5 years ago

#13

I looked on the Thai Immagratiion website two days ago and they announced that all extension visas they issue now will start on 01 November.
I went to immigration today and they gave me a 30 day visa that expires on 30 November. I think they are still working on the new Long Term Visa as it appears they don't have all the kinks worked out. Your best bet is to keep checking on the official website as it seems the official ruling keeps changing .
I hope this helps!

paulthepom Active member

52POSTS

5 years ago

#14

Thanks very much Yes waiting seems to be the best option!

Digitarius Serial expat

243POSTS

5 years ago

#15

Please continue to update this forum on Thai visa. I have been trying to get to Thailand for months now. I am an American but traveling around South America now after staying in California for the past 2 months. It's way to expensive there. I want to go to Thailand for at least 90 day period. Any other Southeast or South Asian country open to foreigners yet?

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

#16

Hi Dig, I am looking to go to South Korea under there 90 tourist Visa. Granted you will have to QT for 2 weeks but if you can get thru that and a cost of a couple grand for the QT from what I understand it might be an option. That way you would already be there if something does open up after the new year.

Bobby

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

#17

Sorry for the delay Paul, but thanks for the feedback and hopefully something will open up for us soon.

Safe travels.

Bobby

NomadBob123 Active member

72POSTS

5 years ago

#18

Thank you John and sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Thanks again and stay safe.

jayrozzetti23 Serial expat

843POSTS

5 years ago

#19

NomadBob123 wrote:
Thank you John and sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Thanks again and stay safe.

You're welcome. Apparently, the STV program came to nothing, and the situation is still in shambles.

Hope everyone is keeping up with the latest protest-related news, for example:

Thai government fails to stop growing protests
Calls for military-backed PM to resign echo around Bangkok and throughout the country

https://asiatimes.com/2020/10/thai-gove … -protests/

jayrozzetti23 Serial expat

843POSTS

5 years ago

#20

Actually, the first tourists have been allowed to enter Thailand, but only 39 Chinese tourists:

Thailand’s tourist industry took a modest step toward reviving its coronavirus-battered fortunes Tuesday by welcoming 39 visitors who flew in from Shanghai, the first such arrivals since regular travelers were banned almost seven months ago."

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/cri … -7-months/

Meanwhile, the protests are continuing:

An excerpt from the [protest group's] letter read: “We have marched to Government House today to give the government an ultimatum. General Prayut must resign while the legal prosecution against arrested protest leaders must be stopped. We will give the government three days to comply or we will come back and increase the level of protest.”

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30396572

Anne Marie66 Member

18POSTS

5 years ago

#21

Hi, I'm following this post and also interested in Thailand as a place to live.
Can anyone explain the following to me?
Excerpt from https://www.tatnews.org/2020/10/thailan … isitors-3/
The policy will be granted to long-staying visitors from countries with lower COVID-19 infection rates, as advised by the Ministry of Public Health.
In combination with the latest news of 39 Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand?

Don't get me wrong, I wish Thailand and the Thai all the best but is there a maximum number of Covid cases mentioned somewhere? And which website is leading in this?

jayrozzetti23 Serial expat

843POSTS

5 years ago

#22

Anne Marie66 wrote:
Hi, I'm following this post and also interested in Thailand as a place to live.
Can anyone explain the following to me?
Excerpt from https://www.tatnews.org/2020/10/thailan … isitors-3/
The policy will be granted to long-staying visitors from countries with lower COVID-19 infection rates, as advised by the Ministry of Public Health.
In combination with the latest news of 39 Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand?

Don't get me wrong, I wish Thailand and the Thai all the best but is there a maximum number of Covid cases mentioned somewhere? And which website is leading in this?

You should be aware that a sort of "fuzzy logic" is often used in Thailand, even at the government level, so you shouldn't expect a coherent well-thought-out plan. The various virus-related announcements can be unclear or quickly changed, and sometimes different departments, for example the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health, may contradict each other.

Anyway, all relevant announcements are published in the news, which is available in English at:

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/https://www.nationthailand.com/