As per the Visa Exemption Rule, the Kingdom of Thailand allows foreigners from various nations to enter as well as stay here for a limited period of time. In other words, foreigners from countries that are covered in the exemption rule are allowed to stay in Thailand for a period of up to 30 days, for which there is no need for a visa application. Al though not a single visa can exceed a period of 30 days, the exemption rule permits foreign nationals to stay in the country for a period of maximum 90 days within a period of six months.

However, this rule is applicable only to foreigners coming here for tourism purposes. No matter you are a foreigner from a country not included in the exemption law or from one included in the exemption law, it is essential to apply for a visa if you want to stay in the country for a period exceeding 30 days.

Depending upon the changing requirements and purposes of people, there are different types of visas. A visa is simply a permit or consent issued by the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulate General to a foreigner who wishes to stay here for a particular period of time. The visa duration varies based on a number of factors, which may be up to three months, six months, or sometimes up to one year.

However, a visa is never issued for a period less than three months. Most popular among the visa issued by the Thai embassy is tourist visa, which is alternatively known as travel visa or visit visa. A tourist visa is usually granted for a period of up to 30 days or up to 60 days. Thailand issues a 60-day visa to nationals of almost 40 countries, and for nationals of about 19 countries, visa with a scheme, namely, visa on arrival, is issued. Even though the travel visa for Thailand is quite complex, its requirements are same for everyone. Among the requirements for applying for tourist visa is a valid passport from the home country, two passport size photos, and completed as well as signed application forms.

Business work visa is another popular type of visa issued in Thailand. It falls under the category of non immigrant visa group, and is also known as non-immigrant visa work or Business ‘B’ Visa. A business work visa is regarded as a first step to apply for a work permit in Thailand. When business work visa is issued for the first time, it is given for a period up to three months. But, you may get either double entry or sometimes even one year multiple entry visa when you apply it for second time.

However, you are required to leave the country every three months. But there is an exception and you may get a valid one year business visa, if you acquire work permit through an approved program of Board of Investment (BOI.) Likewise, in this case, you needn’t have to leave Thailand every three months. But, you have to comply with a lot of paper works provided you leave the country for holiday purposes. Nevertheless, this is not applicable for normal entry visa. Some of the requirements for obtaining a work visa are sponsorship of Thai company, VAT certificate, withholding tax, and letter of employment.

Different types of visas in Thailand also include Ed Visa (Education Visa), which is usually issued to students who are interested in studying in the country. An Ed Visa must be applied at least a month prior to the trip to Thailand. Of the requirements in order to get this visa are a valid passport and a letter from the admission department of college or university you are going to study. Transit visa, diplomatic visa, and courtesy visa are the other popular types of visas issued by the embassies.

Nowadays, a plethora of law firms, immigration agencies, and other service providers are in the scenario to render to a host of services in dealing with visa laws as well as requirements. With an expert team consisting of professional migration consultants, these service providers undertake a myriad of activities in connection with obtaining work permits as well as visas and visas for a number of destinations located worldwide.

Some of them even provide the services of expert immigration attorneys for scrutinizing the authenticity of documents. There are also certain service providers who assist you in securing an Australia visa, the US visa, and the UK visa, apart from visas for other countries such as New Zealand and South Africa.

It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected.

For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It’s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.

Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, “Hey, where’d everybody go?” I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

Donald Wood – UK
“My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I’ll be out for ninety days by then.”

Kelly Laidlaw – USA
“I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months ‘volunteer’ teacher training on Samui next year. That’s three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what I’m left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport.”

Claude DeVosjoli – France
“I had many plans for my six months- sure to travel, but more. I’m always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, there’s trekking, Muay Thai courses… There’s so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It’s so hard to choose.”

Barry Anderson – Australia
“Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Can’t now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Don’t wanna torch thirteen days I figure.”

Kathy Taylor – Canada
“I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months.”

Alan McLawrie – UK
“I’m currently taking classes to learn to speak Thai. I’ll miss the third level now. Of course, I’ll be off in Vietnam not able to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and will miss the pups. I’m financially independent, yet too young to meet the 50 year old requirement for a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will stop bad people and not hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture are bad guys, send me to the front of the line.”

Anita Kroll – USA
“This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. I’ll need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I’m out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance.”

As you see there are dozens of ways Thailand’s new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That’s easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.