Video: Here’s how Thailand’s new e-Visa on Arrival works

[Derek B 225]

Something like the USA's ESTA visa waiver system is what is really required = $14 fee and valid for 2 years & up to 90 days stay.

[mdmayes 232]

What do they want as proof of finances?

[hugocnx 690]

2 hours ago, Somtamnication said:

Nothing scares me more than an angry blue elephant chasing things around the screen!

Mmmm, guess what...GOP??

[Vintageamerican 1]

I would welcome simplification of visas. I just obtained my retirement visa for the forth time in many years. This was the first time I got it while in America. (I spend six months here in Thailand and six in USA) I read the rules online which require:

application form

statement from Thai bank

police record from USA 

passport

200 dollars

sent to either LA or DC consulate with return envelope prepaid postage.

i have a fixed account in Bangkok Bank with 800000 baht. Immigration wants a letter from the bank stating the current balance. I called the bank who told me I would need to come to the bank with my passport and bank book. I told them I was in America and could they email it to me. They said no they cannot email the statement. (Catch 22) I tried to call the LA consulate but had difficulty getting thru to a person. The phone system said punch 4 to talk to a person but then replied that 4 was an invalid selection. (Catch 23?)

i finally discovered punching 0 got me to a very nice woman who told me to just send a copy of my bank book in liew of the bank statement. Since my account is a fixed account I cannot get access to remove money without physically going to the bank with my bank book. This shows immigration that no money has been removed. A fixed account does not support an atm card. I have another account for that. It goes up and down where the fixed account keeps 800000 baht.

Since I have no police record the online police site showed no record.

i sent everything to LA and waited about 2weeks and then called again to ask if all was well with my application. They wanted a better statement from the police, but let that pass. I got my visa and here I am.

i hope this might help someone. I welcome this new online system.

[shady86 2,855]

System by SAMART people. Hope it works well [emoji14]

[Sumarianson 649]

Turkey is streets ahead with e- visa available online and no hastles.

[PerkinsCuthbert 2,338]

The cynic in me is whispering that, while this looks good on paper, there are not nearly enough hoops and hurdles added by Thai immigration yet.

Give it time....

[chama 864]

Thai cyber security was sketchy to start, opening a new access point for cyber thieves comforts me. I will surely be happy to provide all of my personal information into the trust of Thailand"s ironclad security systems. 

[Redline 4,751]

The government has shied away from using tech because it has a large effect on corruption.  It wipes out a lot of the middleman, and much information is recorded to be verified later.

I see them trying to make built in loopholes, but I hope the keep moving with the tech in all areas.

 

If they would only pay some experts to do it

[0815 430]

Good step.
Just how long will the queue be at the new counter if all Chinese arrive on an e-visa ?
How long will the IO scan every single passport ?
How long to find a page convenient for the new large stamp ?

[Jimdandy 257]

10 hours ago, bluesofa said:

From the narration: "As you can apply for a visa on arrival before you travel"

It's therefore de-facto, not a visa on arrival.

You saw right through the gobbledygook, good for you. It is NOT a visa is correct, only an electronic application. My last TR Visa I had to take a copy of my bank statement to the consulate showing at least $700 in the bank. Did they waive that requirement? 

[ronrat 411]

Cambodia has had this for at least 5 years. Like all these things a heap of fact finding missions to Europe and the USA etc for some high ranking officials and well paid consultants when they could have spent 2 days in Phnom Pehn for very little cost

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[THE REVERAND 113]

These jokes are getting more and more (there must be election coming soon) but there are never any details when these you bute ideas will begin. Photos , photos and more photos each time we need substance not puff pastry. 

[Janner1 356]

On 12/6/2018 at 10:30 AM, Happyfarangguy said:

Visas are easy enough. They might focus more on deporting the trash who have been there for years on overstay. 

Hey come on, not everyone is TRASH as you refer to them, some have been here a long time and doing everything legally but now they are to sick or infirm to make the trip over borders etc and are spending the remaining years of their lives in abject fear of being caught and having nowhere to go to after deportation.

 

So slow it down a little bit buddy and have a care for those who have given their monetary value to the Thai government in the time they have been living here, most of them have lifted a Thai woman or even a ladyboy out of the poverty inflicted upon them by the rich, but they get no recognition or respect for this.