Thailand has announced plans to reduce its number of non-immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, effective August 31, 2025, to eliminate bureaucratic overlap and create a simpler process for applicants and officials.
Previous Categories
For years, Thai non-immigrant visas had many categories that often confused applicants and some embassy staff. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to simplify this by combining multiple categories into broader, clearer groups to help travellers, workers, students, and businesses understand which visa they need.
New Visa Categories
1. F (Official)
This visa is for diplomats, government officials, and those working with international organisations. It allows official duties and related activities, usually based on government-to-government agreements.
2. B (Business)
Covers a wide range of work and business purposes, including employment, investment, company visits, and conducting trade. It merges older categories like B, B-A, IM, IB, and EX.
3. ED (Education)
Designed for students, teachers, researchers, and those joining educational programs. It now combines ED, ED-A, R, R-A, and RS visas into a single education-focused category.
4. M (Mass Media)
For foreign journalists, reporters, film crews, and other media professionals working in Thailand. It ensures proper accreditation for those producing news or media-related content in the country.
5. O (Others)
A broad category covering family reunions, dependents, retirees, and long-stay visas. It now includes O, O-A (retirement), and O-X (10-year stay) under one grouping.
6. L-A (Labour)
Issued to foreign workers who have secured employment in Thailand. It focuses on labour-related activities and often requires additional permits alongside the visa itself.
7. O L-A
A special combined category for cases overlapping family/dependent purposes and labour. It applies when applicants’ situations don’t fit neatly into either “O” or “L-A” alone.
