Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs has restructured its nonimmigrant visa system by consolidating the existing 17 categories into seven broader “groups.”1 This took effect on 31 August 2025. The changes are intended to reduce redundancy and simplify the classification process.
The new categories are F (Official), B (Business), ED (Education), M (Mass Media), O (Others), L-A (Labour), and O L-A (Combined Others and Labour). Applicants are required to submit applications under these updated categories. The eligibility criteria and rights associated with each visa type remain unchanged.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The changes affect individuals and organisations involved in travel, employment, or business activities in Thailand. The revised visa categories are intended to help reduce overlap and simplify classification, which may help lower administrative workload and reduce errors. The process is expected to become clearer and less redundant for both applicants and authorities. Internal documentation and guidance may need to be updated to reflect the new structure.
Although eligibility and applicant rights remain unchanged, procedures and systems currently used for submitting applications may need to be adjusted/redesigned to align with the revised categories.
Key Highlights
Category Consolidation
- Seventeen previous Non-Immigrant visa categories merged into seven: F (Official), B (Business), ED (Education), M (Mass Media), O (Others), L-A (Labour), O L-A.
- Business (B) now encompasses B, B-A (Business Approved), IM (Investment through Ministry), IB (Investment through BOI) , and EX (Expert).
- Education (ED) now includes ED, ED-A (AFS)*, R (Religion), R-A (Religion Approved)+, and RS (Research and Science).
* American Field Services
- Others (O) merges O, O-A (Long-stay one (1) year), and O-X (Long-stay 5ive + five years).
Process Application
- As noted above, the restructuring does not change who can apply or the rights associated with each visa.
KPMG INSIGHTS
Organisations should communicate these changes to staff and stakeholders who regularly engage with Thai immigration processes.
Furthermore, authorities may monitor the impact and consider further refinements, if necessary, based on feedback and operational outcomes.
If individuals planning to travel to Thailand – or employees, for that matter, and/or their mobility programme managers responsible for their travel and travel document needs – have any questions or concerns about the changes to the nonimmigrant visa rules and require advice on appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Thailand (see the Contacts section). Our immigration specialists can assist in reviewing your current visa practices, updating internal documentation, and advising on best practices under the new structure.
FOOTNOTE:
1 Department of Consular Affairs (in Thai and English). “Reduce the number of Non-Immigrant visa codes from 17 to 7,” ("ปรับลดรหัสการตรวจลงตราประเภทคนอยู่ชั่วคราว (Non-Immigrant) จาก 17 รหัส เหลือ 7 รหัส") published on 16 August 2025.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Thailand.
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