Immigration

"Immigration in Thailand is an opportunity and obstacle — a system with shifting visa categories, policy adjustments, and enforcement practices. From long-term visas for retirees, investors to short-term options for nomads and professionals, rules evolve with political and economic priorities. Compliance remains critical, with penalties for missteps. Here, The Thailand Advisor analyzes Thailand’s immigration, offering clarity to expats, investors, and global citizens navigating the rules."

Thailand’s Refugee Work-Permit Experiment: One-Year Fix or New Social Contract?

Thailand is opening its labour market to long-stay Myanmar refugees in border camps — a landmark move sold as a fix for worker shortages. This briefing dissects the economic logic, legal fine print, and real risks behind Thailand’s one-year refugee work-permit experiment.

By Nicha Vora

/ 17 Nov 2025

At a Thai–Myanmar border camp, refugees queue for newly issued work permits — swapping decades of aid dependency for a fragile promise of legal wages.

Retiring in Thailand for Foreigners Over 50: The Comprehensive 2026 Guide

The Thailand Advisor connects you with vetted local experts across Thailand. Get credible, spam-free guidance on visas, company setup, property, and insurance — all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

By Nicha Vora

/ 10 Nov 2025

Western couple in their sixties enjoying sunrise coffee on a Chiang Mai mountain terrace, symbolizing peaceful retirement in Thailand.

The $500K Shortcut: How Thailand’s LTR Visa Beats Dubai, Singapore, and KL for Global Residency

Dreaming of long-term freedom in Asia without spending millions? Thailand’s new LTR visa lets you lock in a 10-year stay by investing just $500,000 in real estate. Compare this to Singapore, Dubai, and Malaysia—and see why Thailand is the new frontier for global citizens.

By Jonathan Reid

/ 9 Nov 2025

Wealthy expat couple in Bangkok condo reviewing property documents.

Moving to Thailand with Your Dog: Expat Guide

Follow a British expat and her dog to Thailand in this story-driven guide. It blends personal narrative with practical tips on pet import permits, visas, housing & life in Thailand.

By Nicha Vora

/ 1 Nov 2025

Expat Lucy greets the morning light with her dog Max after arriving in Thailand.

Thailand Weighs Cutting 60-Day Visa-Free Tourist Stays Amid Misuse

Thailand’s 60-day visa-free stay—once hailed as a tourism revival—now faces review after evidence of misuse by long-stay visitors and remote workers. Officials are weighing a return to 30-day limits, citing the need to balance openness with immigration control.

By Nicha Vora

/ 29 Oct 2025

Travelers silhouetted under amber light at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as officials reassess the 60-day visa-free policy.

Becoming Thai: An Expat’s Guide to Citizenship

How long-term residents can turn their life in Thailand into a true home, navigating the path from visa-weary expat to naturalized Thai citizen.

By Nicha Vora

/ 21 Oct 2025

Aproud expat holding a wearing a Thai ribon at a citizenship oath ceremony in Bangkok

Thailand’s Visa Overhaul 2025: 17 Categories Down to 7 — What Really Changes for Expats

Thailand has simplified its Non-Immigrant visas into seven categories. Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and how to pick the right path without tripping KYC or renewal risks.

By David Chen

/ 18 Oct 2025

An immigration counter at Suvarnabhumi_ crisp light, reflective floor, motion blur of travelers; officer’s stamp mid-air

Locked Out in Paradise: Thailand’s Visa Crackdown Freezes Expat Bank Accounts

Thailand’s bid to stamp out financial fraud is turning visa stamps into financial lifelines. In a sweeping crackdown, banks are freezing and denying accounts for foreigners without long-term visas – upending the daily lives of expats and long-stay tourists alike.

By Nicha Vora

/ 15 Oct 2025

Foreign customers waiting inside a Thai bank, looking concerned as a bank officer checks documents.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) 101: A 5-Year Ticket for Digital Nomads

Thailand’s 5-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers digital nomads unmatched freedom to live and work remotely in the Kingdom. But growing rumors of its potential cancellation raise one pressing question — what happens to current DTV holders if the program is scrapped?

By Nicha Vora

/ 15 Oct 2025

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) 101: A 5-Year Ticket for Digital Nomads

No More Blue Book: Inside Thailand’s Digital Work Permit Revolution

Thailand’s new e-Work Permit replaces the old navy-blue book with a fully digital system. Applications, renewals, and updates can now be done online through a biometric ID card—no more dawn queues or paper trails. Faster, safer, and fully linked to labour and immigration databases.

By Nicha Vora

/ 9 Oct 2025

No More Blue Book: Inside Thailand’s Digital Work Permit Revolution

Thailand’s Visa Crossroads: What the DTV, LTR, and Smart Visas Say About the Country’s New Strategy

Thailand is overhauling its visa playbook to attract digital nomads, retirees, and investors — from a $300 five-year DTV to a decade-long LTR residency. We investigate what these new paths say about Thailand’s future strategy — and what still doesn’t quite work.

By Jonathan Reid

/ 9 Oct 2025

Young digital nomad working on a laptop beside in a sunny Bangkok café, with city skyline visible through the window.

Why the Expat Exodus from Thailand Is Overblown

Are expats really fleeing Thailand? Rising costs and visa frustrations make headlines, but the data tells another story. Thailand remains one of the world’s top expat havens — with more foreigners arriving than leaving. The exodus? Overblown.

By David Chen

/ 3 Oct 2025

Why the Expat Exodus from Thailand Is Overblown