Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing, well we are discussing something we have been discussing for a couple of weeks now which is there is ongoing talk of a reduction in the Visa Exemption scheme. So currently, it is possible for folks with 93 types of passports to travel into Thailand and upon arrival gain 60 days lawful status, albeit visa exempt status. It's not a visa per se, it's an exemption from a Visa, but currently it is possible to get 60 days on arrival. We have been talking about the Government, especially the incoming Government, seems intent on dropping that back down to 30 days which is what it was about a year and a half, two years ago. 

That being said, I thought of making this video after reading a recent article from the Thai Examiner, that is thaiexaminer.com, the article is titled: Visa change from 60 to 30 days given green light by Foreign Affairs on Friday. Still must go to Cabinet. Quoting directly: "Thailand moves to cut Visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days as Foreign Ministry targets loopholes tied to scammers and security risks. Tourists could still extend for 30 days with a B1,900 fee, but the plan must go to Cabinet before any change takes effect." Quoting further: "The Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a high-level meeting approved reducing the Tourist Visa waiver" - so it's not a tourist visa, it's a Visa exemption, so a visa waiver I guess would be something different. That would be, well in the US Immigration context we would be talking about waivers of inadmissibility but strictly speaking, it's not a waiver of a Visa, it's an exemption. You are granted lawful status basically in a non-visa status, but you have lawful status by Thai - I shouldn't say non-Visa status - but your passport is visad in the same way that an envelope is stamped for mailing, but the actual status is just exemption, so it's not a visa per se. I don't mean to be pedantic, but when you get into this little stuff it does matter and a waiver isn't quite the right word. But that said, quoting further: "from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries, with a possible 30-day extension. The proposal requires Cabinet approval. Authorities insisted, however, there will be adequate notice for travellers." Yeah, that has actually been a concern amongst some is this issue of when is this going to happen. Well again, that's one of the reasons we are trying to keep people updated on this so that people are aware. It is in the process of changing, but it has got to go through the Cabinet and that is going to take a minute. There is some due process here; it's not going to happen overnight. Quoting further: "According to the Foreign Minister, some individuals may enter Thailand for purposes that threaten national security. Others may attempt to remain without appropriate visas. As a result, the Ministry believes the exemption period requires reassessment. Furthermore, the Visa Committee examined the situation before recommending changes. Afterwards, the Ministry prepared the proposal for government consideration. Currently the 60-day Visa exemption remains in place. Tourists continue to enter under the existing arrangement. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to submit its proposal to the Government. Therefore, a decision will depend on Government review and approval. Meanwhile, officials say further updates will follow once the process advances. Certainly, there will be adequate notice before the new dispensation comes into force." 

Well let's hope. I mean again one of the reasons for doing these videos is to have sort of the idea in the back of people's mind that hey this 60-day exemption may not exist forever. It looks like it's imminent that we are going to go back down to 30 days. Exactly when remains to be seen. Presumptively the Cabinet has to approve it and then after that there will likely be some sort of I guess grace period of notice period in between the time that they approve the proposal and the time that it comes into effect. However this plays out, we will certainly be keeping you updated on this channel as the situation evolves.