Asked by someone planning a recce trip

“How long can I stay without a visa while I look around?”

My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in Pattaya

Since 15 September 2026, most Western passports get 30 days on arrival, with one 30-day extension at Jomtien immigration.

It used to be 60 days. The extension costs ฿1,900. Fill in the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you fly.

Thirty days is fine for viewing property, meeting schools and walking a few areas, but not for living here.

This changed recently, so check the current rules for your passport before you book.

Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.

Next stepRead the visa exemption guide

The full story

Article

Visas in Pattaya: What 20 Years Here Has Taught Me

A Pattaya business owner's experience of Thai visas: the business visa, retirement visas, the DTV for remote workers, and the costly mistake of choosing the wrong one.

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More questions: VisasAll 43 questions →
Visas · Asked by a remote worker“I work online for a UK company. Which visa should I get?”Most remote workers use the DTV, the Destination Thailand Visa: five years, up to 180 days per entry, with around ฿500,000 in savings.My full answer Visas · Asked by someone in their forties“Is the Thailand Privilege (Elite) visa worth the money?”Only if you're sure you'll never want to work here. It isn't a work visa, and it can't be converted into one.My full answer Visas · Asked by someone buying a guesthouse“Which visa do I need to work in my own business?”A Non-Immigrant B, the business visa, alongside a work permit. It's what I'm on.My full answer