Tightening of the VOA

There is a pressing issue that roams around Thailand and scares a lot of Filipinos. I am sure that by now you have already heard or read about the tightening of the Visa on Arrival. For quite some time, people were allowed to stay for as long as they wanted, regarding that they can do the monthly exits. But this is about to change soon.

 

Effective October 1, 2006 the new laws will be implemented and the maximum stay of a person on a VOA should not be over 90 days. After which, this person has to go back to his home country and wait for another 90 days before coming back to Thailand.

 

Some say that it is not really that big a deal as what many people paint it to be. Others say that people on VOA will be able to stay in Thailand after they have maxed out their VOA’s, all they have to do is to get a proper Tourist Visa that would allow them to stay in Thailand for another 60 days. When this runs out, do the VOA for a couple of months before getting another Tourist Visa from a Thai Consulate outside Thailand.

 

As for people planning to visit Thailand, I heard that they would have to get a Tourist Visa from the place they are coming from.

 

This ignites a lot of debates and has filled a lot of forums. A lot of arguments are being presented and many believe that this might be something that will die soon.

 

But for whatever it is, we should be ready. Think of what your plans are. If you are working without a Non-Immigrant B Visa or a Work Permit, talk to your boss and find out if there is a way for you to obtain one.

 

If not, the be ready to go outside Thailand every couple of months.

 

I will keep you guys posted.