Thailand Visa
A visa is the primary legal mechanism for foreign nationals to enter and remain in Thailand, as regulated under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and related ministerial regulations. Thailand’s visa framework accommodates a wide range of purposes — from short-term tourism to long-term residence, employment, and investment — each with its own eligibility criteria, duration, and obligations. 1. Legal Framework Primary Law: Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Implementing Authorities: Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates (visa issuance abroad). Immigration Bureau of Thailand (extensions, status changes, in-country enforcement). Key Policy Basis: Cabinet Resolutions and Ministry of Interior Regulations determine visa types, entry requirements, and privileges. 2. Visa vs. Permission to Stay In Thai law, a visa is authorization to enter the country; the permission to stay is granted upon entry and stamped in the passport. For example, a 90-day Non-Immigrant Vis...