On 3 October 2023, the Cabinet passed a resolution to decrease visa fees and application charges for temporary stay permits within Thailand. These fee reductions will apply to two categories of foreigners: those visiting Thailand to work under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Labor Employment and individuals who have received special permission to enter the country.
With the approval to reduce visa fees, the Ministry of Interior is tasked with issuing ministerial regulations in accordance with the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. These regulations will specify the rates for visa fees and fees for applications for temporary stay permits under the aforementioned circumstances.
Upon the enforcement of the Ministerial Regulations concerning the reduction of visa fees, the new visa fee rate will be set at THB 500. However, according to the cabinet synopsis, this regulation would be effective for the duration of 4 years.
In conclusion, lowering visa fees for foreigners visiting Thailand under the two aforementioned conditions would serve as a testament to Thailand’s commitment to promote foreign labor cooperation and also has the potential to boost our country’s economic growth, as the resulting increase in income could be substantial.