Thailand in transit: which visa under the new regulations?

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Laos from France with a transit through Thailand involving 2 entries. I might spend up to 7 days max in Thailand (round trip). The flight I’ve spotted: arrival at BKK and return to France 31 days later.

With the new regulations/visa: "Starting September 15, 2026, French nationals holding an ordinary passport will be able to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes only, down from the previous 60 days."

How do you think the counting is done? - Number of days spent in Thai territory? - Entry and exit dates: number of days between the two?

I’m leaning toward the first option, but to avoid any administrative hassles with Thailand (fines, etc.) and before booking my ticket, your input would really help.

Thanks, have a great weekend!

Hi there,

How do you think the counting is done?

The day you arrive in Thailand and the day you leave are both counted, meaning you’re allowed a stay of 29 nights.

avoid any administrative hassles with Thailand

Actually, it’s more likely at departure from France during check-in that you’ll run into trouble if you don’t have proof that you’ll be leaving Thailand within 30 days (in your case, a flight ticket* to Laos).

* or train ticket, according to JF23 here: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=11475788;page=last;#last

Thanks for your reply, the clarifications, and the link to the discussion.

I’m going to take a flight from BKK to Chiang Rai, then a bus and boat on the Laos side (no reservation made from France). Unless I book accommodation in Huay Xai, I’m not sure if that’ll be enough proof. I’ll think it all through. Thanks

How and where will you exit Laos?

Hi,

So you don’t have any proof of leaving the country, then? Some airlines won’t let you depart for BKK. It’s better to play it safe—either reduce the number of days between entering and leaving Thailand or buy a flight ticket out of the country.

Watch out for the trap too—if you stay continuously in Thailand for 31 days between your arrival and return flight, you’ll exceed the 30-day allowed limit, which could lead to penalties: https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/exemp-visa

Hi,

Just to confirm—you need proof that you’ll leave Thailand within 30 days of your visa exemption. The airline might give you trouble when departing from France. I’m in the same boat—I’m heading to Laos in February after Thailand. Last year, I bought a flight ticket valid for 48 hours that wasn’t too expensive, and you can show it to the authorities if they ask. Personally, only some airlines have asked me for it—never the authorities upon arrival.

You get a 30-day visa exemption when you arrive, and a second visa exemption when you return to Thailand.

Hi,

Last year I got a flight ticket valid for 48 hours that you don’t pay much for and that you show to the authorities if they ask for it.

Could you share more details about how it works (names of websites, how far in advance to do it, what info is required when ordering, ticket delivery time, etc.) please?