Pattaya Daily News Brief
Thailand’s VAT Refund
Thailand offers a VAT refund scheme for tourists, allowing you to easily claim back your tax.
Thailand Floats a 1,000 Baht Departure Tax. Deep Breath
Your social media feeds are about to catch fire. Every expat group, every YouTube talking head and every guy at the end of the bar will be telling you Thailand is about to charge you 1,000 baht to leave. Some will tell you it starts next month. Some will tell you it's only for farang. Neither is true.
Thailand Cuts the 60-Day Stamp in Half: September 15
The 60-day free stamp is over. Thailand published the new visa-exemption rules in the Royal Gazette on August 31. They take effect September 15, 2026.
From that date, passport holders from 60 countries and territories including the United States, the United Kingdom, most of the EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, India, and Taiwan — get 30 days visa-free for tourism. Not 60. The special 60-day scheme that started July 15, 2024 is repealed.