Last Updated 24 August 2026
Thailand is a country in south-east Asia. It is renowned for its sandy beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples depicting Buddha figures. Bangkok, the capital city houses the famous temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Pattaya and the trendy Hua Hin beach resorts are close by.
Thailand is known for fantastic food, martial arts, beaches, and several temples. It also has several well-known islands that have numerous tourist resorts.
| About Thailand |
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Literally meaning “the Land of the Free”, the official name of Thailand is the Kingdom of Thailand. Located in the heart of Mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand is a multi-ethnic nation with a population of over 64 million. Thailand consists of two broad areas geographically, a main part in the north and a comparatively smaller peninsular extension towards the south. The main body of the country is surrounded by Laos (in the north and east), Myanmar (to the west), Cambodia (to the southeast), and the Gulf of Thailand (in the south). Bangkok, also known as Krung Thep (“the City of Angels”), is the capital of Thailand and the main urban center in the country. Other major cities in Thailand include Pattaya, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Chiang Mai. Thai is the national and official language. Other languages spoken in Thailand include English, Chinese, and Malay. Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand. Dating back to the 13th century, it is regarded as one of the strongest currencies in Southeast Asia. Popular Tourist Destinations in Thailand:
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There are many reasons that make Thailand worth visiting. These include:
Thailand is among the most visited countries in the world. From family holidays to full moon parties, and from adventure sports to diving sites, Thailand offers foreign visitors a sense of wonder and anticipation for what comes next.
There are two main visa options for Indians travelling to Thailand. The Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) has a validity of 3 months from the date of issue — this is the window within which you must enter Thailand — and grants a maximum stay of 60 days per entry once you arrive. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) permits a stay of 15 days and can be obtained at the airport. As of May 2026, India is transitioning from visa-free entry to mandatory VoA.
(1) thaievisa.go.th — Thailand's official e-Visa portal, available to Indians since 1 January 2025, with no consulate visit required;
(2) VFS Global (visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/tha) — an authorised visa application centre with locations in major Indian cities;
(3) the Royal Thai Embassy / Consulate-General — New Delhi (primary), Chennai, and Kolkata.
The e-Visa route via thaievisa.go.th is the recommended option to avoid consulate queues. Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 15 business days, depending on consulate workload, documentation completeness, and time of year.
2026 Update: Thailand has ended visa-free entry for Indians (effective from approx. June 2026). A Visa on Arrival (THB 2,000) or advance Tourist Visa is now required. See full details below.
Indians can visit Thailand on a Tourist Visa (₹3,000 single entry, ₹13,500 multiple entry), a Visa on Arrival (THB 2,000, 15 days), or via e-Visa at thaievisa.go.th. As of May 2026, India is transitioning from visa-free to mandatory VoA. Apply through Y-Axis for expert end-to-end assistance.
A Thailand Tourist Visa permits sightseeing, leisure travel, and short-term visits to family or friends. It does not permit any form of employment. Extensions and re-entry are subject to Thai Immigration approval; working without a valid Non-Immigrant B Visa and Work Permit is a criminal offence under Thai law.
You are eligible for a Thailand tourist visa upon meeting the following requirements:
Documents for Thailand Tourist Visa
Note: The International Health Certificate on Yellow Fever Vaccination is only required for travellers arriving from a Yellow Fever–endemic country — it is not a standard requirement for Indian travellers flying directly from India.
Effective 27 April 2026, the Thailand Tourist Visa fee for Indians is ₹3,000 (single entry) and ₹13,500 (multiple entry); Visa on Arrival costs THB 2,000 (~₹4,800) payable in Thai Baht cash at the immigration counter.
| Visa Category | Fee |
| Single Entry Tourist Visa | INR 3,000 |
| Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | INR 13,500 |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | THB 2,000 (~INR 4,800), payable in Thai Baht cash only |
| VoA Extension (7 days) | THB 1,900 |
Note: A separate VFS Global service charge applies in addition to the visa fee where applicable.
Indian passport holders are eligible for Thailand Visa on Arrival at 48 designated immigration checkpoints (airports and land borders); the fee is THB 2,000 and the maximum stay is 15 days, extendable by 7 days for THB 1,900.
| VoA Details | Requirement |
| Fee | THB 2,000 (~INR 4,800), payable in Thai Baht cash only; no card payments accepted at the immigration counter |
| Stay | 15 days |
| Extension | 7 additional days at any Thai Immigration Office for THB 1,900 (total maximum 22 days) |
| Proof of Funds | Minimum THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family, in cash, travellers' cheques, or bank statement |
Note: As of May 2026, India's visa-free entry arrangement is being replaced with mandatory VoA.
The common reasons for Thailand visit visa refusal are as follows:
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Visa on Arrival (VoA) | e-Visa |
| Cost | ₹3,000 (single) / ₹13,500 (multiple) | THB 2,000 (~₹4,800) | Same as visa category applied for |
| Stay Duration | Up to 60 days per entry | 15 days (extendable to 22) | Depends on category |
| Application Method | Consulate / VFS Global | On arrival at 48 checkpoints | Online at thaievisa.go.th |
| Best For | Longer stays, planned trips | Short-notice travel | Convenience, no consulate visit |
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