Visa exemptions, commonly referred to as "visas on arrival", allow tourists from certain countries who arrive at the border without a visa to have permits to stay, typically for a period of 30 days, issued by Immigration officials.

"People who enter Thailand on a 'visa exemption' are permitted to stay only 90 days in a six-month period," he said, adding that the six months was calculated as a 180-day period starting from the first day that the foreigner enters Thailand on a visa exemption.

"From October 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007, we counted all the days from the foreigner's first day regardless whether the foreigner was actually in Thailand or not.

"Also, foreigners were not permitted to stay in Thailand after their 180-day period had expired [counted from the foreigner's first day], regardless of whether the foreigner had stayed a full 90 days in Thailand or not," Krissarat said.

"However, the rule has been changed. From April 1, we now count only the days the foreigner has stayed in Thailand, and foreigners are now allowed to stay past the 180-day period," he said. The number of consecutive visa exemptions allowed is no longer limited to three, he added.

As for foreigners who complain about discrepancies in the counting of days, Krissarat reminded those who chose to enter on multiple visa exemptions that it was at the discretion of the Immigration officer on duty how many days to grant the new arrival, provided it was 30 days or fewer.

He stressed that the 90-day rule did not affect people who had been issued a visa by a Thai embassy or consulate. "If you want to stay longer, then apply for a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy outside Thailand. That way the rule will not apply to you," he said.

Regarding parents bringing children into Thailand to attend school, Krissarat said: "Foreign parents whose children will study in Thailand can apply for non-immigrant ED visas for their children at any Royal Thai Embassy outside Thailand.

"The parents can apply for non-immigrant O visas for themselves so they can enter the country and care for their children here, and then they can apply for permits to stay at the Immigration office after entering the country. "Alternatively, if the parents are not going to be staying in the country long, they can get a tourist visa from an embassy or enter on a visa exemption," he said.

"Many international schools in Thailand help parents prepare applications for permits to stay," Krissarat said, adding that children under 14 years old were not fined for overstay.

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET