Thailand's New One Year Visa Rule Now In Effect

Referring to a new regulation implemented by Thailand's Immigration Department, BSA Law says expats and visitors applying for a one year visa should make sure their passport is still valid for at least one year. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) September 28, 2013 - Bangkok - According to the new regulation that came into effect on 13 August 2013, if the visa applicant's passport expires within a year, the validity of the visa granted will coincide with the passport's expiry date.

In the past a one year visa could be applied for and it was unrelated to a passport expiry date. If the passport did expire within the validity of the visa, once a new passport was obtained the visa could be transferred to that new passport and remain valid for the period it was granted. No additional fee was required.

This scenario has changed with the new regulation in place. Now, if the passport expires within the validity period of the visa, the visa must be re-applied for and the visa fee of Bt1,900 paid anew. In the case of overstay, the fine is Bt500 per day.

"The passport holder is well advised to make sure his/her passport is valid for more than a year when applying for a one year visa", said Apisakdi's Kongkangwanchoke, spokesman for BSA Law, an international law firm in Thailand.

"This would save on the visa fee having to be paid again and avoid the necessity of having to redo the application process", Mr. Apisakdi added. He noted that while such things were easy to overlook, it was indeed beneficial not to overlook them and could save time and money on the part of the passport holder.

BSA Law is well versed in providing foreign and Thai clients with advice and assistance in a range of matters to do with the immigration service in Thailand, Thai labour law, business law, tax consulting and other areas including starting a business in Thailand.

About BSA Law:
For nearly 30 years, Bamrung Suvicha Apisakdi Law Associates (BSA Law) has focused on providing reliable legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign business community in Thailand. BSA Law seeks to provide international standards of legal services while retaining the customs of the Thai business culture.

For more information please contact:

Jim Byrne
Business Advisor, BSA Law.
Email: jim ( @ ) bsalaw dot co dot th

http://www.bsalaw.co.th

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