Educational Information Only
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Immigration Act Section 18 — Visa-exempt entry and visa-on-arrival
Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) (พระราชบัญญัติคนเข้าเมือง พ.ศ. ๒๕๒๒) — Section 18.
Plain-English Summary
An alien entering the Kingdom must have a visa, but nationals of countries specified in a Ministerial Regulation may enter without a visa for a defined period (typically 30 or 60 days), or may obtain a visa on arrival for a shorter period. The visa-exempt and visa-on-arrival lists are revised periodically by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet.
Context
This section sits within Chapter 2 — Entry into and Stay in the Kingdom of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). It should be read together with the surrounding provisions and any applicable Ministerial Regulations, Royal Decrees or Revenue Department / Police orders that elaborate the detail.
Official Text
Official Thai text at the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State. Translation summary only.
Consult official sourceParent Statute
Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
พระราชบัญญัติคนเข้าเมือง พ.ศ. ๒๕๒๒ · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) is the principal statute governing entry, stay, extension and removal of foreign nationals in Thailand. It is administered by the Immigration Bureau under the Royal Thai Police. The detail of categories of visa, fees, and reporting requirements is set out in subordinate Ministerial Regulations and Police Orders, of which Ministerial Regulation No. 27/2546 (on extensions) and Police Order No. 327/2557 (on stay) are the most important.
The summary above is a plain-English educational paraphrase of Section 18 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). It is not an authoritative translation. For the binding Thai text, consult the Royal Gazette or the Office of the Council of State. Educational use only — not a substitute for advice from a Thai-qualified lawyer.
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