Thailand Visa & Immigration

GENERAL INFORMATION

As a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions.

Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom.

(1) Having no genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without a valid visa from the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries; or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except if a visa is not required for certain types of aliens in special instances. Visa issuing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations.

(2) Having no appropriate means of living following entrance into the Kingdom.

(3) Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a labourer, or to take employment by using physical energy without skills or training , or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.

(4) Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

(5) Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.

(6) Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.

(7) Having behavior which would indicate possible danger to the Public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.

(8) Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trading of women of children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality.

(9) Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 .

(10) Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

(11) Being deported by either the Government of Thailand that of or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister shall consider exemption on an individual special case basis.

The examination and diagnosis of disease of a physical or mental nature, including protective operations as against disease, shall be conducted by the Immigration Doctor.

Information on location and contact number of the Thai Embassy and Consulate-General abroad could be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visas and Travel Documents Division, 123 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210, Tel. (662) 981-7171 ext. 3201-2, 3204-5 or direct line 575-1062-4, Fax. (662) 575-1066 , E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th

VISA ISSUING AUTHORITIES

Official Agencies in charge of issuing visas are

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2. The Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad
3. The Office of Immigration Bureau

TYPES OF VISA

1. Transit Visa
2. Tourist Visa
3. Non-Immigrant Visa
4. Diplomatic Visa
5. Official Visa
6. Immigrant Visa
7. Non-Quota Immigrant Visa
8. Courtesy Visa

ISSUANCE OF VISA

1. Transit Visa
2. Tourist Visa
3. Non-Immigrant Visa
4. Diplomatic Visa
5. Official Visa
6. Immigrant Visa
7. Non Quota Immigrant Visa
8. Courtesy VisaÂ

1. TRANSIT VISA

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes :
- to travel in transit through the Kingdom in order to proceed to the country of destination or to re-enter his/her own country (category "TS")
- to participate in sports activities (sportsmen, sportswomen, etc.)(category "S") ***
- the person in charge or crew of a conveyance coming to a port, station or area in the Kingdom (category "C")

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form completely filled out
- One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
- Instrument of means of transportation (confirmed air ticket paid in full)
- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht (per family)
- Visa of a third country in a passport or travel document
- Letter of invitation stating the application's participation in sports activities in the Kingdom
- Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional document as deemed necessary

3. VISA FEE
800 Baht per entry
(Visa fee may be changed without prior notice)

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months.

5. VALIDITY OF A STAY
Travellers coming to Thailand with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days at any time.

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
*** Those who are scheduled to stay in the Kingdom longer than one month, Non-Immigrant Visa category 'O' can be issued to them

2. TOURIST VISA

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wishing to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes .

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form completely filled out
- One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
- Air ticket paid in full
- Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
- Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary

3. VISA FEE
1,000 Baht per entry
(Visa fee may be changed without prior notice)

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months.

5. VALIDITY OF A STAY
Upon arrival, visitors with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days at any time.

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

7. Applicants who are nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State
Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file for application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence.

3. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa is designed for applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes.
- to perform official duties (Category "F")
- to conduct business / to work (Category "B")
- to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned (Category "IM")
- to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws on investment promotion (Category "IB")
- to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour , to participate in projects or seminars , to attend a conference or training course , to study as a foreign Buddhist monk (Category "ED")
- to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter (Category "M")
- to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R")
- to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute (Category "RS")
- to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist (Category "EX")
- other activities (Category "O")

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED **
2.1 The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit.
- Visa application form completely filled out
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
- Two 4 x 6 cm full-faced , bareheaded photos taken within the past six months
- Birth Certificate ("O")
- Certifcate of Marriage or its equivalents ("O")
- Transcript / Letter of acceptance from the concerned schools/universities or institutes ("ED")
- Letter from Thailand's Board of Investment. ("IB")
- Official Note certifying the purpose of travel from the Government Agencies /Embassies and Consulates / International Organizations / State Enterprises inThailand. ("F" / "B" / "ED" / "M" / "R")
- Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational Control Division, Department of Employment , Tel 662-2452745, 245-3209, 617-6578, 617-6584 Fax. 662-6176576, 245-2593) ***
- Letter from a company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand ("B")
- Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand. ("B")
- Letter of invitation from companies qualified to employ foreigners. ("B")
- Employment contract indicating rationale for hiring the applicant as well as his/her salary, position and qualifications (document must be signed by authorized managing director and affixed the seal of the company) ("B")
- Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom ) ("B")
- Copy of corporate documents; namely 1) list of shareholders 2) business registration and business license 3) company profile 4) details of business operation 5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions 6) map indicating the location of the company 7) Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and BusinessTax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year 8) Alien income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) and 9) Value-added tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20) , etc.("B")
- Copy of educational records of the applicant and letters of recommendation from the prior employers, identifying job description and length of service time. ("B")
- Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only),or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)("B")
- Evidence of adequate finance ( 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family )

2.2 The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingent upon necessities and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form.
2.3 Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary.
2.4 Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company.
2.5 In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided.
2.6 The applicant must sign on each page of the copy
2.7 Documents in foreign languages must be translated in Thai. If translated into English, it should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/ consular mission.

3. VISA FEE
2,000 Baht for single entry and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are valid for three months and multiple- entry visas for one year respectively.

5. VALIDITY OF A STAY
The holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the Kingdom not exceeding 90 days unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration Bureau.

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those qualified persons can obtain an additional one year stay permit counting from the date of entry in the Kingdom pertaining to the Office of the Immigration Bureau's regulations on extension of stay. The extension of stay is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

N.B. Applicants wishing to stay in the Kingdom longer than 90 days, have to file their application either at the Thai consular mission aboard or at the Office ofImmigration Bureau in Bangkok located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road,Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or website at (http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ) . The consular officer must refer the case to the Office of Immigration Bureau for approval. Upon receiving approval, the consular officer may issue the visa as instructed by the Bureau.

7. Applicants who are nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State
Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file an application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence.

** 1. The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingentupon necessities and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form.

2. Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents asdeemed necessary.

3. Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company.

4. In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided.

5. The applicant must sign on each page of the copy

6. Documents in foreign languages must be translated in Thai. If translated intoEnglish , it should be notorized by notary organs.

*** For those foreigners who wish to work in Thailand, their employer in Thailand should submit Form WP3 (Application for applying a work permit on behalf of alien according to Section 3) at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

4. DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL VISA

- Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may upon official request grant visas to diplomatic or official passport-holders who wish to assume duties at a foreign Diplomatic Mission or Consulate or International Organization in the Kingdom and their family members or who desire to enter the Kingdom on official duty.

- Supporting documents are Note Verbal and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes while visiting the Kingdom.

5. IMMIGRANT VISA

- This type of visa is granted for aliens who desire to take up permanent residence in the Kingdom.

- Applicants who fall in each of the following category can file an petition for a residence permit;-
- by yearly quota per nationality
- investment
- working / business
- supporting alien who already had residence permit or being supported by alien who already had residence permit (husband-wife, father-mother, or children who is under 20 years of age and single)

- Applicants who wish to engage in filing a petition must fulfill certain conditionsset forth by the Office of Immigration Bureau is located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://www.police.go.th/frmain5.htm )

- Moreover, foreign investors, experts or technicians, and Thai nationals who changed their citizenship who invest and bring in know-how and expertise for the benefit of the country's economy would also be eligible for permanent residence in the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions set forth by the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI Announcement No.Por. 1/2544 dated 31th January 2001). For more information, please contact the Office of the Board of Investment,555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. (Tel.02-537-8111, 02-5378155 Fax. 02-5378177 E-mail : head@boi.go.th Website : http://www.boi.go.thÂ

6. NON-QUOTA IMMIGRANT VISA

- This type of visa is granted only by the Office of Immigration Bureau in Bangkok to aliens who are domiciled in Thailand having as evidence valid permits to re-enter the Kingdom. Applicants shall submit their applications together with the Certificate of Residence directly to the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
- For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau , Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 or website at http://www.police.go.th/frconten.htm

7. COURTESY VISA

- Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may upon official request grant courtesy visas to diplomatic/official/ordinary passport-holders who wish to enter the Kingdom on official duty and/or other purposes.
- Supporting documents are documents issued by the governmental agency, foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes while visiting the Kingdom.

TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 6 February B.E.2538 (1995), 8 December B.E. 2541 (1998) 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002) and 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002) , passport holders from 39 countries do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days.
- The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.
- Please also be advised that ordinary passport holders of 39 countries who intend to engage in certain activities are eligible to apply for a visa when entering the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions set forth by the Office of Immigration Bureau. For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel. (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://police.go.th

- List of 39 countries are as follow:

1. Australia: Commonwealth of Australia
2. Austria: Republic of Austria
3. Belgium: Kingdom of Belgium
4. Brazil: Federative Republic of Brazil
5. Bahrain: State of Bahrain
6. Brunei Darussalam: Negara Brunei Darussalam
7. Canada
8. Denmark: Kingdom of Denmark
9. Finland: Republic of Finland
10. France: French Republic
11. Germany: Federal Republic of Germany
12. Greece: Hellenic Republic
13. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14. Indonesia: Republic of Indonesia
15. Ireland: Republic of Ireland
16. Israel: State of Israel
17. Italy: Republic of Italy
18. Japan
19. Korea: Republic of Korea
20. Kuwait: State of Kuwait
21. Luxembourg: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
22. Malaysia
23. Netherlands: Kingdom of the Netherlands
24. New Zealand
25. Norway: Kingdom of Norway
26. Peru: Republic of Peru
27. Philippines: Republic of the Philippines
28. Portugal: Republic of Portugal
29. Qatar: State of Qatar
30. Singapore: Republic of Singapore
31. Spain: Kingdom of Spain
32. South Africa: Republic of South Africa
33. Sweden: Kingdom of Sweden
34. Switzerland: Swiss Confederation
35. Turkey: Republic of Turkey
36. United Arab Emirates
37. United Kingdom: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
38. United States of America
39. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam

TEMPORARY TOURIST VISA : VISA ON ARRIVAL

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements, passport holders from 14 countries may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days.
- The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.
- The applicant must produce instrument of means of transport (full paid ticket) which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry.
- Visa on arrival is provided at 23 designated international checkpoints and applicants should produce the application form to which his/her recent photograph (2 ½ inches) is attached. The application fee is 1,000 Baht.
- Visitors who enter the Kingdom with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of stay except in special cases such as illness which prevents them from travelling, etc. They can submit an application at the Office of Immigration Bureau , Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel. (662) 287-3127 or 287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5 or at website http://www.police.go.th/frconten.htm

List of 14 countries are as follow :

1. Bhutan: Kingdom of Bhutan
2. China: People's Republic of China (including Taiwan)
3. Cyprus: Republic of Cyprus
4. Czech: Czech Republic
5. Hungary: Republic of Hungary
6. India: Republic of India
7. Kazakhstan: Republic of Kazakhstan
8. Maldives: Republic of Maldives
9. Mauritius: Republic of Mauritius
10. Oman: Sultanate of Oman
11. Poland: Republic of Poland
12. Russian Federation
13. Saudi Arabia: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
14. Ukraine

List of Thailand's Immigration Checkpoints which provides facilities for issuance of visa on arrival are as follow :

1. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok
2. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai
3. Phuket International Airport , Phuket
4. Hatyai International Airport , Songkla
5. U Tapao Airport , Rayong
6. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
7. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
8. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
9. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala
10. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkla
11. Samui Airport , Surat Thani
12. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
13. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
14. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint , Chonburi
15. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint , Rayong
16. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
17. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani
18. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint , Phuket
19. Satun Immigration Checkpoint , Satun
20. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint , Krabi
21. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint , Songkhla
22. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
23. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUANCE OF NON-IMMIGRANT "B" VISA

I. Visa Issuance
1.1 Foreigners who wish to work/conduct business or undertake investment activities in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates abroad. (Information on location and contact numbers of the Thai Embassies and Consulates-General can be obtained through website http.www.mfa.go.th/Embassy/default.htm.) Various categories of non-immigrant visa are currently provided to meet the need and qualification of individual business people. These include business visa (category B), business approved visa (category B-A) and investment and business visa (category IB). Visa fee is 500 Baht for single entry with three-month validity and 1,000 Baht for multiple entries with one-year validity.

1.2 Passport holders of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Palestinian State, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Egypt have to apply for visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate General where they have their permanent residence.

II. Categories of Visa
2.1 Non-Immigrant visa (category 'B' Business) can be obtained from all Thai Embassies and Consulates provided that the following relevant documents are submitted.

Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand
- Visa application Form completely filled out
- Applicant's passport with validity not less than six months and its copy
- Two 4x6 cm. full-faced, bareheaded photos taken within the past six months
- Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational Control Division, Department of Employment, Mit-Maitree Road, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400 Tel 662-245-2745 / 245-3209 / 617-6578 / 617-6584 Fax. 662-6176576, 245-2593)
[ For those foreigners who wish to work in Thailand, their employer in Thailand should submit Form WP3 (Application for applying a work permit on behalf of alien) together with other related documents such as a certificate issued by the Department of Commercial Registration, documentary evidence of educational qualifications, etc. at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.]
- Official marriage and birth certificate (In case of the applicant's family members)
- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
- Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom )

( Remarks 1. An alien who receive a non-immigrant visa can work in Thailand after having received a work permit. Any violation thereof shall make the employee liable for imprisonment not exceeding three months, to pay a fine not exceeding five-thousand Baht, or both penalties.
2. An alien who performs work that is prescribed by the Royal Decree B.E. 2522 (1979) which prohibits alien employment in certain occupations and professions is liable to be imprisoned not exceeding five years, will be fined from 2,000 to 10,000 Baht, or both penalties.)

Foreigners who wish to conduct business in Thailand
- Visa application Form completely filled out
- Applicant's passport with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
- Two 4x6 cm. full-faced, bareheaded photos taken within the past 6 months
- Letter from the applicant's company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand, his/her salary,etc.
- Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand.
- Financial evidence in case that the applicant is doing his/her own business
- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
- Letter of invitation from company in Thailand together with copy of corporate documents comprising of 1) list of shareholders 2) business registration and business license 3) company profile 4) details of business operation 5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions 6) map indicating the location of the company 7) Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year 8) Alien income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) and 9) Value-added tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20) , etc.
(Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors or authorized managing director and affixed the seal of the company.)
- Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only), or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)
- Official marriage and birth certificates (In case of the applicant's family members)

Consular officers reserve the rights to ask for additional documents as deemed necessary.
In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided.
The applicant must sign on each page of the copy.
Documents in foreign languages must be translated in Thai. If translated into English, it should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/ consular mission.
The holders of this type of visa are entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. Upon completion of such period, an extension of stay for a period of one year counting from the date of arrival in the Kingdom can be applied for at the Office of the Immigration Bureau.

2.2 Business approved visa (category 'B-A') may be applied for at the Embassies or Consulates abroad but approval shall be given by the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok before visa is issued to the qualified applicant. The company in which the applicant will invest or do business with can also apply for this type of visa at the Immigration Bureau. The validity of stay for B-A type visa is valid for a period of one year counting from the date of arrival in the Kingdom.

2.3 Investment and business visa (category 'IB') is issued to foreign staff working under investment projects promoted by the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOT). The project must benefit the country in the following ways :
- Produce for export
- Increase employment
- Utilize indigenous raw materials
- Locate in provincial areas
- Encourage technology transfer to Thai nationals
- Not compete in such a way as to destroy existing domestic business

III. Additional Information
3.1 After entering the Kingdom, applicants or their assignee must go to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational Control Division, Department of Employment) to apply for a work permit and shall pay the income tax accordingly. If the company's applicant is located in other provinces, the applicant must apply at Labour Development Office in that province.
3.2 Applicant's family members, namely; spouse, parents and children who are unmarried and under 20 years old, are eligible to apply for Non-Immigrant Visa (category 'O') and will allow to stay from the period of 90 days up to 1 year.
3.3 Foreigners entering the Kingdom under a Transit Visa ('TS') or Tourist Visa ('TR') wishing to engage in business activities may apply for a change to Non-Immigrant Visa at the Immigration Bureau Office located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel (662) 2873101-10 or at website http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten. htm. The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

IV. One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits
4.1 One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits was established by the Regulations of the Office of Prime Minister which was promulgated on 30 June 1997 with objective to strengthen the procedure to promote good investment circumstances by providing for the one stop service to avoid delay and inconvenience to the foreigners in applying for stay permission in the Kingdom, re-entry permit and work permit. It has been opened since 1 July 1997 onwards and located on 207 Rachadapisek Road, Krisda Plaza, 3-5th Floors, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10310, Tel 662-693-9333-9 and Fax. 662-693-9340.
4.2 Qualification of applicants for work permit at the One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits are as follows :
4.2.1 The aliens who are executives or experts obtaining priviledges according to other laws as follows :
- Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977)
- Petroleum Act B.E. 2514 (1971)
- Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
(Remarks : The aliens who work for theenterprises outside Bangkok can submit the application to One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit)
4.2.2 The aliens who are general investors ;
- If investing not less than 2 million Baht, will be granted with 1 year approval.
- If investing not less than 10 million Baht, will be granted with two-year approval.
-The applicant must have the location of work or office in Bangkok only.
4.2.3 The aliens who are executives and experts ;
- To work at a company with the registered capital or total assets of not less than 30 millions Baht.
- The alien, who comes to work as the foreign press, shall submit a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a copy of ID Press Card issued by Department of Public Relations.
- The aliens who are Researchers and Developers on Science and Technology.
- The aliens who are the officials of Branch Office of Overseas Bank, Foreign Banking Office of Overseas Bank, Provincial Foreign Banking Office of Overseas Bank and the Representative Office of Foreign Bank which were certified by the Bank of Thailand.
- The aliens who work for the Branch of the overseas enterprises.
- The aliens who work on the necessary and urgent basis for a period of not longer than 15 day (Tor.Thor. 11)

VISA ISSUANCE FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE [ NON-IMMIGRANT "O-A" (LONG STAY)]

This type of visa will be issued to applicants aged 50 years or above wishing to take retreat in the Kingdom at least for the period of one year.

I. QUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT
A foreign national whose age is 50 years or above (on the date of submitting the application).
Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (A.D.1979).
Having no criminal record against the security of Thailand and the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence.
Having the nationality of or the residence in the country where his/her application is submitted.
Not having prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Elephantiasis and Third step of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535).
Not being allowed to work in Thailand.

II. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION
- A passport with validity not less than 18 months
- Three copies of visa application form completely filled out.
- Three passport-sized photos of the applicant taken within the past six months.
- A personal Data Form
- A copy of bank statement showing a deposit at the amount equal to not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthy income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht.
- In the case of the bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is to be shown as well.
- Verification stating that the applicant has no criminal record issued from the country of his/her nationality or residence (the verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/consular mission).
- A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (the certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/consular mission).
- In the case that the applicant wishes to have his/her spouse stay together in the Kingdom but the spouse is not qualified for the 'O-A' visa, their marriage certificate shall also be produced as evidence and should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/consular mission. (The spouse will be considered for temporary stay under category 'O').

III. CHANNELS TO SUBMIT VISA APPLICATION
- Applicants can submit their applications both at the Thai embassy / consular missions where they have their permanent residence or at the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Thailand. (Address : Section 1, Sub-Division 1, Immigration 1, Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120. Telephone 287-4948 (direct line) or 287-3101-10 ext. 2236)

- Please be advised that the following applicants are eligible to apply for this type of visa in the country :

- Applicants undergoing Health Rehabilitation Programin hospitals or Health Centers. These organizations will apply on behalf of the individual applicant.
- Applicants who are spouses / parents / children of applicants above.
- Applicants to whom the agencies or organizations approved by the Office of the Immigration Bureau have applied for visa on their behalf. The above mentioned applicants must have qualifications stated in I and II.
- The Consular missions will be notified to issue visa to the individual applicant when the Office of Immigration Bureau has given approval.

IV. Recommendations for the aliens while staying in the Kingdom

When completing the stay of 90 days in the Kingdom, the alien shall report to the competent authority and repeat it every 90 days with the immigration officer in the alien's residence area, or report to the police station in the alien's residence area if there is no immigration control there.

(In order to report to the competent authority by mail, the alien shall do as follows :
- The Report Form (Tor Mor 47) together with a copy of the passport pages showing the alien's photo, personal details, and the latest arrival visa stamp as well as a self addressed envelop with postage affixed, shall be forwarded, by 7 days before the due date, by acknowledgement of receipt mail to the Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120.
- In the case of conducting any following reports, the Reply Form for the previous report shall be enclosed as well.
- At the end of the one-year stay, the alien who wishes to extend his/her stay shall submit a request for the extended period at the Immigration Bureau with documented evidence of money transfer, or a deposit account in the Kingdom, or an income certificate, at the amount of not less than 800,000 Baht, or an income certificate plus a deposit account at the total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht a year. Extension for one year at a time will be granted to this group of people as long as they meet the requirements as earlier stated and is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
- If the alien's spouse wishes to extend his/her stay as well, the marriage certificate shall be produced.

LIST OF COUNTRIES WHICH ARE DECLARED YELLOW FEVER INFECTED AREAS

- The Ministry of Public Health has laid down regulations that applicantswho have travelled from or through the countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas must provide an International Health Certificate providing that they have received a Yellow Fever vaccination.
- The International Health Certificate must be submitted together with the visa application form. The traveller will also have to present the said certificate to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the port of entry in the Kingdom. As for those nationals of the countries listed below but who have not travelled from/through those countries, such a certificate is not required.However, they should possess concrete evidence showing that their domicile is not in an infected area so as to prevent undue inconvenience.

- Following are the countries which are declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.-

1. Angola: People's Republic of Angola
2. Benin: People's Republic of Benin
3. Bolivia: Republic of Bolivia
4. Brazil: Federative Republic of Brazil
5. Burkina Faso: Republic of Burkina Faso
6. Burundi: Republic of Burundi
7. Cameroon: Federal Republic of Cameroon
8. Central African Republic
9. Chad: Republic of Chad
10. Colombia: Republic of Colombia
11. Congo: Republic of the Congo
12. Cote d'Ivore: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire
13. Ecuador: Republic of Ecuador
14. Equatorial Guinea: Republic of Equatorial Guinea
15. Ethiopia: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
16. French-Guiana
17. Gabon: Gabonese Republic
18. Gambia: Republic of the Gambia
19. Ghana: Republic of Ghana
20. Guinea-Bissau: Republic of Guinea Bissau
21. Guinea: Republic of Guinea
22. Guyana: Cooperative Republic of Guyana
23. Kenya: Republic of Kenya
24. Liberia: Republic of Liberia
25. Mali: Republic of Mali
26. Mauritania: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
27. Niger: Republic of Niger
28. Nigeria: Federal Republic of Nigeria
29. Panama: Republic of Panama
30. Peru: Republic of Peru
31. Rwanda: Republic of Rwanda
32. Sao Tome & Principe: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome & Principe
33. Senegal: Republic of Senegal
34. Sierra Leone: Republic of Sierra Leone
35. Somalia: Somali Democratic Republic
36. Sudan: Democratic Republic of the Sudan
37. Suriname: Republic of Suriname
38. Tanzania: United Republic of Tanzania
39. Togo: Republic of Togo
40. Uganda: Republic of Uganda
41. Venezuela: Republic of Venezuela
42. Zaire: Democratic Republic of the Congo

LIST OF COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE CONCLUDED AGREEMENT ON THE EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT WITH THAILAND

I. Country which has concluded agreement on the exemption of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passport with Thailand and permitted to stay for 30 days
- The Kingdom of Cambodia

II. List of Countries which have concluded agreement on the exemption of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic or official passport or service/special passport with Thailand and permitted to stay for 30 and 90 days

90 DAYS
1. Argentina
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Brazil
5. Chile
6. Croatia
7. Czech Republic
8. Germany
9. Hungary
10. India
11. Israel
12. Italy
13. Korea : Republic of Korea
14. Luxembourg
15. Malaysia
16. Mexico
17. The Netherlands
18. Nepal
19. The Philippines
20. Poland
21. Romania
22. Russian Federation
23. Singapore
24. Slovak Republic
25. South Africa
26. Switzerland (including Liechtenstein)
27. Tunisia
28. Turkey

30 DAYS
1. Mongolia
2. Laos: Lao People's Democratic Republic
3. China: People's Republic of China
4. Myanmar : Union of Myanmar
5. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam

III. Country which has concluded agreement on the exemption of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports with Thailand and permitted to stay for 90 days :

1. Republic of Peru

IV. List of Countries which have concluded agreement on the exemption of visa requirement for holders of national passport with Thailand and permitted to stay for 30 and 90 days

90 DAYS
1. Brazil
2. Republic of Korea
3. Chile

30 DAYS
1. Hong Kong SAR
2. Socialist Republic of Vietnam
3. Macao Special Administrative Region

THAILAND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS INFORMATION

ISSUANCE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT (T.D.) FOR ALIENS

I. REQUIREMENT
Aliens as listed below are eligible to apply for Travel Document (T.D.) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visa and Travel Documents Division located on Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210 , Tel. 981-7171 ext. 3202-3 direct line 575-1062-4 / Fax.575-1066 / E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th ; - Aliens who are granted permanent residence in Thailand or those who have been denied by their own government in issuing passport or travel document- Stateless persons- Aliens who are granted permanent residence in Thailand under a special ten-million investment programme

II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- A Residence Certificate with its copy - A House Registration with its copy - A Certificate of Alien with its copy - 3 photographs (2 1/2 inches) taken within the past six months - An application form completely filled out

III. APPLICATION FEE
500 Baht for issuing or renewal

IV. VALIDITY OF DOCUMENT
T.D. is valid for 1 year

ISSUANCE OF EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE (EC)

I. REQUIREMENT
Aliens as listed below are eligible to apply for Travel Document (T.D.) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visa and Travel Documents Division located on Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210 , Tel. 981-7171 ext. 3202-3 direct line 575-1062-4 / Fax. 575-1066 / E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th ;
- Political refugees
- Stateless children under the patronage of the Department of Public Welfare
- Foreigners whose passport or travel document is lost and no consular missions of that national available in the Kingdom
- Alien's infant whose consular mission of that national is not available in Thailand

II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- An application form completely filled out
- 3 photographs (2 1/2 inches) taken within the past six months
- Daily Report on Lost Documents from Royal Thai Police with its two copies
- confirmed ticket identified the departure date with its copy
- Letter from the Ministry of Interior (Political refugees) with its two copies
- A Certificate of Birth with its its two copies (Alien's infant)
- Letter from Department of Public Welfare with its two copies

III. APPLICATION FEE 300 Baht