Legal Services & Resources 

In the past, Thai ED Visas faced a lot of scrutiny but the new ED Plus visa which is being proposed for Bachelor Degree students will permit students to work while they study and also change visa type to work if employed.

The new Government in Thailand is talking about making changes to Immigration which could effect the criteria for long-stay retirement visas but may not effect those already in the system.

Those who are planning to travel to Thailand should be aware that the Government is looking at reducing the visa-free stay to 30 days which could also result in an increase in Border Runs

The new Government of Thailand is planning on streamlining new visas which will include reducing certain visa categories as well as expanding the number of e-visa portals.

Being Blacklisted from Thailand is a serious matter as one will likely not be permitted entry for a long period of time, whereas Refusal of Entry will result in heightened scrutiny when trying to enter.

The Immigration Bureau announced that a one-year visa could be granted to foreigners who met certain housing criteria but this could also change after the new Parliament is formed.

Locals in Phuket are not happy with the long-stay visa for foreigners based purchase or rental cost of condos as it could effect overall prices which is similar to the situation that arose in Mexico last year.

Thai Immigration a few months ago announced that foreigners who purchase or rent a condo at certain costs, can obtain a one-year visa, but other factors could also be considered.

Thai one-year visas are possible for those who buy or rent condos of a certain price whereby Thai Immigration has also stated that derivative visas are possible for family members which is not in fact as easy at it sounds.

Information given out by the Immigration Bureau regarding new visa or certain criteria etc. could be subject to change and should not be considered as set in stone.