Thailand Entry requirements
Getting in
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5 March 25: Returning to Cambodia after a short visit to Thailand
Just thought to mention that all was OK in Thailand but using Grab in Bangkok was not useful. However, in Udon Thani, Grab was really helpful, and they use cars instead of tuk-tuks.
I used the services of Giant Ibis Bus, where I boarded the bus in Bangkok for the trip to Phnom Penh via Poipet.
Following long delays at passport control when leaving Thailand, took the short walk to the Cambodian entry point. I was aware that you can use an online facility for entry purposes but because I was unsure of my return date, decided to see what happens, by just turning up. Not sure whether many other travelers had used the online app but there were many completing an entry card, as indeed I had too. No problem with this and the immigration officer at passport control, who stamped me in, asked me where I was heading, to which I answered “home in Phnom Penh”. He smiled, and I thought what a nice welcome to his country, as I made my way back to the Giant Ibis bus, for the last leg of the journey to street 106.
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Summary of my Thai visit, February 25
22 Feb. 25 Just wanted to report that I am visiting Thailand for a 2/3 weeks.
I traveled overland via the crossing at Poi Pet using Giant Ibis bus service for the journey all the way through to Bangkok. I am of course aware that there are some changes being considered to replace the paper TM6 which will be become effective from the 1st May. I entered Thailand without any questions or paperwork and stamped in, visa-free, for 60 days. I did, however, have my fingerprints checked.
I cannot say whether my experience would be reflected at all border crossings or airports.
I will report more upon my return to Phnom Penh.
Tip: Should you need internet use in Thailand, quick and simple answer, Seven/11 have a one month sim card for about 350 Baht
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On-line TM6 for Thailand visitors
28 Jan.25: From the 1st of May, it is planned that all visitors, apart from Thai passport holders, will be required to complete an on-line version of the landing card, TM6, in advance of arrival in Thailand.
There are of course, many who do not have a smartphone. What will happen to them and the mostly elderly, and others, who have not embraced the digital world, remains to be seen.
As a visitor to the Land of Smiles, I shall await with keen interest.
However, and thankfully some may say, the introduction of a visitor’s fee, for the time being, has been returned to the back burner. After all, passport control will have more than enough to grapple with, maneuvering through the on-line TM6 and multifarious variety of visas, and then expect visitors to happily pay a landing fee, may go down like the proverbial lead balloon !
Updates to follow….
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Updated 18th January 25: Every country has its entry requirements, which inevitably are subject to change. It is sensible therefore, before confirming any travel arrangements, to make sure that you will be able to comply with the latest rules and regulations. This applies to all countries you intend to visit and/or transit.
The following information is specifically for UK citizen passport holders. However, most of the information will apply to the majority of nationalities but if unsure, we suggest that you contact your nearest Thai Embassy for advice, well in advance of travel.
According to the UK Foreign Office in London, you can visit Thailand under the Visa Exemption scheme for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. There may be an Immigration fee for this extension.
Note regarding Extensions of Stay
Those who want to stay longer or wish to change their type of visa, must apply for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located at the Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Tel 0-2141-9889 or go to http://www.immigration.go.th You can of course make inquiries at the Immigration Office in the area where you are staying. However, please be aware that an extension of stay as well as changing visa categories, is permitted solely at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Visa Exemption scheme may be required, at the port of entry, to have proof of planned travel (confirmed air, train, bus, or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 60 days of the arrival date. Otherwise, a visa must be obtained before entering Thailand.
You can check this site, https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ to see if you need a visa and if so, process the online application and await approval. Alternatively, for those in Cambodia, you can contact the Thai Embassy at 196 Preah Norodom Blvd (41), Phone: 023 726 306 for advice.
You might like to check Thai Immigrations’ NEW online extension service at this link: https://thaiextension.vfsevisa.com/
Tip: Always check well in advance for visa requirements. It is unwise to leave matters to the last minute and be aware of public holidays when offices may be closed.
Important: Be aware too, should you have recently visited a country on the Yellow Fever list, some countries in Africa and South America for example, but maybe others too, you may need a vaccination certificate for presentation to Thai immigration upon arrival. Check this out well in advance of travel.
For work and any other long-stay, for any purpose, contact your nearest Thai Embassy before travel. Should you already be in Thailand, make inquiries at your nearest Immigration Office.
Public holidays
There is something of a confusing array of holidays, when some places may be closed. For a clearer understanding, please consult the information at the following two links.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_in_Thailand
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Thailand
Newspapers online in English
Bangkok Post at: https://bangkokpost.com/
The Nation at: https://nationthailand.com
Emergency services for you in Thailand
Telephone: 191 (ambulance, fire, police)
Ambulance: 1669
Fire: 199
Tourist police: 1155
The Thai Tourist Police have developed a new application called Thailand Tourist Police, to facilitate communication between tourists and their services online. The application is available to tourists, who do not have a Thai SIM card.
This new app “Thai Tourist Police” can be downloaded, prior to your visit or after your arrival, through Play Store. Not sure how useful it may prove to be, but it provides extra help in your language, for tourists in Thailand, in case of need.
Weather
You can easily check the weather, any destination, by using the panel in the sidebar
Phone/Wifi SIM cards
Although far from being the only internet provider, I would suggest you contact AIS Fibre who have retail outlets throughout Thailand, who will suggest what is best for you whether you are on a short holiday, or staying long term. You may need your passport to register
Tip: Should you need internet use in Thailand, quick and simple answer, Seven/11 have a one month sim card for about 350 Baht
Exchange Rates
Check the latest exchange rates with the currency calculator in the sidebar
Where to stay
You should not have difficulty finding somewhere to stay. I suggest that you log into Booking.com for an overview of availability, wherever you are. There is no shortage of budget hotels and guest houses in Thailand which may not appear on any of the search engines. You may, therefore, find it convenient to book somewhere for your first night and look around the following day for something better suited to your price range. I’m sure that you will already know that a good time to search is mid-morning, as many travelers move on around lunchtime.
Getting around
You will find tuk-tuks just about everywhere in Thailand. However, as many of the drivers do not speak anything other than Thai, I suggest that you use Grab. Download their app and away you go. The fare is as stated on the app screen and whether the driver speaks your language or doesn’t speak at all, no problem. Make sure that you enter the correct tuk-tuk by checking that the registration number tallies with what you have seen on the app. Make sure too, that you have enough in small change to pay the driver the correct amount. Drivers do not always have change.
Thailand has extensive networks of bus and train services to most parts of the country. Overnight sleeper trains to the north and northeast provide transport combining a night’s accommodation. There are also many overnight bus services, particularly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for example.
Like any big city, Bangkok has many local train and bus services. Plenty of information on the internet using Google. Many intercity trains run from the new station at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, not too far from Don Mueang Airport. However, some services still operate out of Hua Lampong including the twice-daily service to Ban Khlong Luk border station for Cambodia. Should you be in a hurry, there is a selection of budget flights operated by Air Asia, check the internet for their routes and prices, etc.
Scams etc.
Be aware that there is no shortage of scams in Thailand. Be vigilant in busy places like markets and of course, at night time. Always keep your phone completely out of sight, and if you see something that’s not yours, like a “discarded” wallet for example, don’t touch it.
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Already in Thailand & getting bored? amazing! Why not visit our used bookshop in Udon Thani. This link has the details: https://fuzzykensblog.com/used-books-thailand