Good news for holders of UK, USA, Japan, Germany, France, Canada and Italy

[TheGhostWithin]

Shame that Australia and New Zealand have been excluded from this list. Would have saved me having to undertake a brief trip to Malaysia by land from Pattani just to get the stamp in 4 weeks time.. do you think if we shout enough they might add the "village drunks with a smile" onto this list of elite farang?

I notice no Scandanavian countries either. Maybe they feel we are already enlightened.

[jaapfries]

I am dutch, damned

I am Dutch too; dammit ! ! !

[Rickster]

If aussies didn't cause so much trouble and weren't in the news so often for all the wrong reasons, they may have been considered.....good call I say keep them restricted and watch the crime rate reduce.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[AlphMichaels]

I am dutch, damned

So am I. Hope the privilege will soon be extended to citizens of the smaller countries.

Does suck...., excluding the Netherlands. Were it not for the Dutch (in part), the US may have never come to be.

[NomadRip]

Excellent! This helps with some itinerary issues we were trying to sort in upcoming months.

[Bagwan]

What about the Commonwealth of Australia? Home to the most civilised and cultured people on the planet!

5555555555 Sir Les certainly made a change.

[TechnikaIII]

I knew the 15 day rule wouldn't last - they are losing too many tourists. More Thai ineptness ...

I doubt they have lost many tourists at all. I have usually gone to Penang to get a 60 day visa for 1200 Baht, a few times when needing no more than the 30. From my place, the alternative was 2 death defying bus or van trips from Nakhon Sawan to Mae Sot for the piddling 15 days. The new rule now halves the risks.

A minor tangent, but may be useful: Anyone considering that Nakhon Sawan border run, if you opt for the bus/coach, take note: They originate from other stations, and are invariably already full. The ticket sellers will still sell you a ticket. You may be lucky or more likely end up squashed several across on the most rear seat, which is more like a park bench with little upholstery, and hideously uncomfortable. The vans will have a seat, but on every single trip I have made to Mae Sot, we have had near misses and seen the aftermath of a serious accident, including the sad fatalities, still in the vehicles, which is very sobering indeed.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Maybe the mods can clarify here...

Is this just another announcement from Immigration on high that may or not be being honored at the border checkpoints?

Or is the change being confirmed by TV members who actually have gotten the new duration stamps already?

[pacman32]

What about the Commonwealth of Australia? Home to the most civilised and cultured people on the planet!

Whos that then, the Aborigines?

I thought the rest were a bunch of crims

Edited November 6, 2013 by pacman32

[TechnikaIII]

What does it mean "to land borders"?

Arriving a land border by road transport or rail.

Edited November 6, 2013 by TechnikaIII

[parmo2]

Good if you live on the Malaysian border

[pbfisher]

What about the Commonwealth of Australia? Home to the most civilised and cultured people on the planet!

What about them ? I could perhaps understand this preferential treatment likewise being afforded to the indigenous tribes in Australia but to open it up to what is in fact a majority of decendants from convicted criminals then perhaps your question is answered

You must be a Brit!

Never let the facts get in the way of a good story

[Cyrille C]

HI,

Can you share a link to official show information?

Thanks

[X pat]

Even though I am an American,and do appericate this jesture of theres,it is a bit discriminating not to include all European countrys,and Australia.

[mafumo]

Fantastic news ........ made my day.

Edited November 6, 2013 by mafumo

[moe666]

Must be the first positive change in the visa law in ages. I hope other countries will follw as I'm not a citizen of any of the mentioned above...

They do not make changes in the immigration laws for our view on them but for what they think is in the best entrest of Thailand. Lets just hope the folks who work and live here on border runs will not abuse this new change but probably wishful thinking on my part. So eventually look for a change back to 15 days down the road.

Edited November 6, 2013 by moe666

[gamini]

So now for some the annual visa cost to remain in Thailand is the cost of 12 visas to Laos or some other exit/entry point?

Depending where you live! But a second class sleeper return ticket to the Malaysian border from Bangkok would cost you under Bt1500. So lets say about Bt16,000 a year works out a lot cheaper than an education visa and a lot less hassle. No visits to immigration, no more 90 day reports and you can pick up a bottle of duty free booze on the way back!

[KRaymond]

YAY, my country is on the list

[Notstupid30]

Was just about to book a 8000THB airline ticket for next month visa via Chiang Mai - Hong Kong but now have just saved 6000THB thank you so much Thaivisa team ...

[NoshowJones]

Any idea when this comes in to effect?

It is already in effect, as confirmed by several reports from members.

Problem is, this being Thailand, some Immigration offices might decide they do not want to implement this new rule. You know the some will, some won't mentality.

[chrisinth]

Without trying to burst bubbles or dampen spirits, when they rewrite the police order you want to hope that they don't include restrictions of how many crossings will be allowed before being refused.

Just thinking ahead.......................

[rawfront]

was surprised yesterday on border crossing ...

1. overstayed 4 days, so paid that fee

2. lady at the counter tells me and my wife , we got 30 days now to stay...

I say wow, maybe 30 days cause its the last border run we are allowed to do (its our fourth).
We think she is joking too, but then we actually get 30 days...

Now reading this makes sense!

[sirchai]

What does it mean "to land borders"?

Arriving a land border by road transport or rail.

Or on feet.-

[khwaibah]

Confirmed 30 day land crossing at Chong Chom Border Crossing.

I have just had it confirmed by Kap Choeng Immigration that the nationals of UK, USA, Japan, Germany, France, Canada and Italy get a visa exempt entry of 30 days at the Chong Chom Border Crossing. BTW Unlimited entries.

[Chicken George]

I wonder how many times you can get 30 days before they say No More! Go Home! The next move would be to stop the 90 day reporting as it serves no useful purpose at all.

[Horton Jones]

Ha, finally a bit of positive change on this old-world game of border crossings as opposed to the more rational (is there a word for that in Thai, I doubt it) idea of simply going to an office and paying a fee. My non-B has just expired and I was about to organise my every-two-weeks trip from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai. Now.... getting 30 days like 5 years ago, GREAT NEWS! However, I recall that the one good thing about the 14-day "walk" rule was that it was unlimited, whereas the old 30 day walk had a limit to it, either 2x or 3x. I would appreciate any news on how many times one can use the 30 day visa... it may be limited again.

[hellodolly]

So what does Thailand get in return for this gracious act.

Is it now easier for me to get a Visa for my wife to the states?

[hellodolly]

Ha, finally a bit of positive change on this old-world game of border crossings as opposed to the more rational (is there a word for that in Thai, I doubt it) idea of simply going to an office and paying a fee. My non-B has just expired and I was about to organise my every-two-weeks trip from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai. Now.... getting 30 days like 5 years ago, GREAT NEWS! However, I recall that the one good thing about the 14-day "walk" rule was that it was unlimited, whereas the old 30 day walk had a limit to it, either 2x or 3x. I would appreciate any news on how many times one can use the 30 day visa... it may be limited again.

According to several posters it is unlimited.

[khwaibah]

Ha, finally a bit of positive change on this old-world game of border crossings as opposed to the more rational (is there a word for that in Thai, I doubt it) idea of simply going to an office and paying a fee. My non-B has just expired and I was about to organise my every-two-weeks trip from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai. Now.... getting 30 days like 5 years ago, GREAT NEWS! However, I recall that the one good thing about the 14-day "walk" rule was that it was unlimited, whereas the old 30 day walk had a limit to it, either 2x or 3x. I would appreciate any news on how many times one can use the 30 day visa... it may be limited again.

Confirmed 30 day land crossing at Chong Chom Border Crossing.

I have just had it confirmed by Kap Choeng Immigration that the nationals of UK, USA, Japan, Germany, France, Canada and Italy get a visa exempt entry of 30 days at the Chong Chom Border Crossing. BTW Unlimited entries.

[drdoom6996]

Any idea when this comes in to effect?

since November 1, 2013 given 30 days at land borders instead of previously only 15 days.

Read the article, it's only one line.