The UK Foreign Office has warned that British tourists could face being thrown in detention centres in the popular holiday destination of Thailand if they fail to fully understand the current travel rules.
The FCDO, reflecting the government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a “full British citizen passport from the UK”, told travellers: “The authorities in Thailand set and enforce entry rules.
If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Royal Thai Embassy in the UK.”
It continues: “If you are arriving by air or land you can enter Thailand without a visa (visa exemption) for the purposes of tourism, business engagements, urgent or ad-hoc work for up to 60 days.” It suggested reading the Thai government’s guidance on visas.
“The period of stay can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. If you intend to stay longer (for work, study or other reasons) you need a visa before you travel.”
It warned that if a tourist stayed beyond the period of their visa, they would be fined 500 Thai baht [£10.71] a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht [£428].
“You risk being held in detention, deported at your own expense, and banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years.”
The official website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand added that the new visa measures are now effective.
“On July 15, 2024, Thailand announced new visa measures to enhance Thailand’s tourism and economy, which took effect on July 15, 2024.”
Travellers were advised to consult the country’s guidance on the Non-Ed Plus Visa, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), Visa On Arrival (VOA) and Visa Exemption (60 days).
In May, Thailand introduced sweeping changes to its visa system to attract more foreigners and boost the economy. After suffering minor setbacks in the Thai economy, the country moved to encourage the country’s vital tourism sector. The government is hoping to end the year with 40 million visitors – which would generate an estimated revenue of £75.3 billion.
Since June, the Southeast Asian nation has allowed travellers from 93 countries to stay for periods of up to 60 days in Thailand – a significant increase from the 57 nations that benefited from previous incentives.
Foreign students enrolled at Thai universities are now able to spend an extra year in the country after graduation, and retirees will see insurance requirements to settle in Thailand relaxed.
Self-employed workers can also reap benefits through the so-called “digital nomad” visa, which has been extended to five years. The change will allow remote workers to spend up to 180 days in the country, up from the 60 days under the older system.
