Thailand allows 30-day extension of stay for visitors from 48 countries

In another positive move to boost the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Immigration Bureau has allowed citizens of 48 countries and Hong Kong SAR to get a 30-day extension of their stay in Thailand after the expiry of their normal period of stay.

The move is effective as of 29 August, 2014. It will apply to visitors holding travel documents of Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Poland, Qatar, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vietnam.

Citizens of these countries and territory who normally get Visa Exemption as tourist for 30-day  stay permit, will get extension of stay for one time no longer than 30 days from the expired date.

The application process will cost 1,900 Baht per person. No further extensions will be allowed. If the application is denied, visitors will have to leave the kingdom within seven days after the expiry of the normal period.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Allowing visitors to stay on beyond their normal period will be a boost for the increasing number of global travellers who have already covered much of the world and now want to focus on specific destinations. It will also be boost for those coming for niche-market activities; such as, voluntourism, health and wellness, or sports.”

The 48 countries and one territory generate about half of Thailand’s total visitor arrivals.

The full text of the official announcement is available here: http://www.bangkok.immigration.go.th/popup_anounce.html