Thailand Visa & Immigration News
Every change to how a foreigner legally stays in Thailand: extension paperwork, 90-day reporting, the DTV, retirement and marriage routes, and what happens on overstay. Immigration policy moves by announcement, and an announcement is usually reported in Thai days before anyone writes it up in English. We cluster the Thai and English reporting into one story per change and refresh this page several times a day.
Latest
Thailand launches THIM app as digital gateway for foreigners
The Immigration Bureau has launched the THIM application, a digital platform offering services such as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), queue booking, visa extensions, and 90-day reporting. The app, available since 1 August 2026, has already been downloaded over 600,000 times. Expats in Thailand are encouraged to use it for faster and more convenient immigration processes.
MP questions visa rules for 3M baht property investment
An MP has submitted a parliamentary question to the Prime Minister seeking details on visas granted to foreigners under the 3 million baht real estate investment scheme, including approval numbers, nationalities, property locations, and measures to prevent illegal work. The question references Immigration Order No. 237/2568, which added the visa condition for condominium investments of at least 3 million baht, certified by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand expands automatic passport control eligibility
Immigration Order No. 196/2569, published 9 September 2026, broadens eligibility for foreigners to use auto passport channels. Eligible categories now include residents, diplomatic visa holders, visa-exempt nationals, non-immigrant F visa holders, re-entry permit holders, special entry visa holders, and any foreigner approved by the Commissioner. The order replaces the previous 2023 rules and is effective from 24 August 2026.
Anutin defends deportation of French national under new rules
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the deportation of a French national under new Interior Ministry regulations, making him the second foreigner expelled after an Israeli national. Anutin stated that anyone whose conduct is deemed inappropriate may face removal from Thailand.
Visa exemption work ban starts Sept 15
From September 15, visa-exempt entry to Thailand covers tourism only; any work-related activity requires a Non-Immigrant B visa or Destination Thailand Visa. Entries before Sept 15 still follow old rules. Remote workers should consider the DTV.
Thailand halves visa-free stay to 30 days from September 15
Thailand will reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for most Western passport holders starting September 15, 2026. New restrictions on the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) also took effect on August 31, requiring applicants to obtain police clearances from their home country, increasing cost and complexity. These changes coincide with a nationwide crackdown on foreign property ownership and nominee structures.
New visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026
Thailand's new visa framework takes effect on 15 September 2026, replacing the 60-day visa exemption with 30-day (for 60 countries/territories) and 15-day (for Seychelles and Mauritius) categories. Visa on Arrival eligibility is also updated for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
Thailand revises visa exemptions and VoA for Thai passport holders
Thailand's visa exemption and visa-on-arrival (VoA) schemes for ordinary Thai passport holders have been revised, effective from 15 September 2026. The changes list countries and territories where Thai nationals can enter without a visa (free of charge) or with a VoA, with varying permitted stay durations of 14, 30, or 90 days.
Thailand launches drone security and deportation crackdown for foreign offenders
Thailand's Tourism Minister Surasak Panjaroenworakul unveiled a high-tech security drive including 128 drones, mobile command vehicles, stun guns, and translation devices for tourist police. Concurrently, new enforcement rules target foreign offenders with visa revocation, immediate deportation, and permanent blacklisting for those who harass, break laws, or disrupt society.
DTV visa now requires criminal record clearance and residence proof
Starting 31 August 2026, DTV applicants must submit a criminal record clearance certificate and proof of permanent residence instead of a current location document. The e-Visa system will be closed on 30 August 2026 for updates. Applications submitted before the effective date will still be processed under the old requirements.
Proof-of-Funds Reminder; Rayong Raid on 18 Illegal Workers
Thailand has reminded foreign travellers that they may need to show proof of funds upon arrival: 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family for visa holders, and 10,000/20,000 baht for Visa on Arrival holders. Separately, police in Rayong arrested 18 Chinese workers without permits at a data centre construction site on August 19, part of a broader crackdown on illegal foreign employment.
Suvarnabhumi expands automated immigration to 31 more nationalities
Suvarnabhumi Airport will let travelers from 31 additional nationalities use automated immigration gates by the end of August, expanding the system to cover an estimated 6.5 million more visitors and 900,000 long-term visa holders. Travelers with existing biometric registration will gain access first; first-time arrivals must still visit a staffed counter to register.
Cabinet backs deportation for 'deviant' conduct
The cabinet approved a draft regulation on July 14 that would allow authorities to deport foreigners whose conduct is deemed incompatible with Thai morals and social norms. The regulation also mandates deportation within 30 days after completion of a sentence for serious crimes, and allows use of state funds for deportation costs. Expats should be aware that vague 'deviant' conduct could trigger deportation.
Thai Cabinet approves new visa categories, pending Royal Gazette
The Thai Cabinet has approved a new visa framework that assigns each country or territory to one of three entry categories: 30-day visa exemption, 15-day visa exemption, or Visa on Arrival, replacing the current 60-day exemption for many. India moves from VoA to 30-day exemption. The changes take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette; existing entry rules remain in force until then.