International tourists can now stay in Thailand for up to 9 months without traveling abroad to have their visa extended. Tourists can stay three months on the initial visa and are entitled to two more three-month extensions.

Thailand’s interior ministry said the new long-stay visa rules came into effect on October 1 and are valid until September 30, 2022. The long-stay visa was created in an attempt to boost l Thai tourism industry.

International tourists will need to meet certain conditions in order to qualify for the long-stay visa.

Long-stay visa holders must agree to a 7-day quarantine period and have pre-booking receipts from the hotels in which they will be quarantined.

Applicants must show proof of payments for their subsistence during their stay in Thailand. International tourists must provide proof of a rented house, condo room, or condo title deed for their extended stay.

Applicants will also need to have health insurance, with a minimum coverage of $ 100,000 for COVID-19 treatment for the duration of their stay in the Kingdom. In addition, they must also have health and accident insurance coverage of 40,000 baht for outpatient care and 400,000 baht for hospital care.

After fulfilling the conditions, tourists will be granted a Special Tourist Visa (STV), which is for one-time use and will allow them to stay in Thailand for 90 days, which can be extended twice by 90 days by extension.

The visa extension fee is also 2,000 baht.

Long stay visa application

The applicant who does not have a valid visa or re-entry permit must apply for a visa by:
A. Complete the electronic visa application online at https://thaievisa.go.th/ and
B. Download the following documents in PDF format:

1. A passport size photo (2 ″ x2 ″ – JPEG format) taken within 6 months.
The photograph must have a light colored background with a front view of the person
without wearing a hat or dark glasses and covering the shoulders

2. A copy of the passport (must not expire within 6 months)

3. A copy of the plane ticket / itinerary, indicating the departure from your country to Thailand.
(The name of the applicant must be clearly indicated)

4. Also a copy of the recent bank statement (20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family)
(Applicant’s name should be clearly stated), If submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship. (ie birth certificate, marriage certificate) must be provided.