Thailand has officially restructured its non-immigrant visa system, cutting the number of categories from 17 to 7, effective August 31, 2025. The reform is designed to simplify the application process by merging overlapping categories while keeping eligibility requirements and applicant rights unchanged.
Why the Change?
For years, Thailand’s visa system had multiple overlapping categories, causing confusion for applicants and even embassy officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced this reform to streamline classifications and make the process clearer and more efficient.
The New Categories
Here’s the updated breakdown of Thailand’s seven non-immigrant visa categories:
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F (Official): For diplomats, government officials, and international organisation staff.
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B (Business): Covers employment, investment, company visits, and trade.
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ED (Education): For students, teachers, researchers, and training programs.
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M (Mass Media): For journalists, reporters, and media crews.
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O (Others): For family reunions, dependents, retirees, and long-stay visitors.
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L-A (Labour): For foreign workers employed in Thailand.
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O L-A: A hybrid category for cases combining family and labour purposes.
What This Means for Travelers & Expats
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No new restrictions — eligibility and rights remain unchanged.
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The reform is about classification, not regulation.
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Applicants should confirm which of the seven categories applies to their purpose of stay before applying.
Bottom Line
Thailand’s visa reform is a move toward clarity and efficiency. By cutting down to seven categories, the government hopes to reduce confusion, improve processing times, and make it easier for travelers, students, workers, and expats to navigate the system.