Key Takeaways
- Thailand introduces daily fines and entry bans for Myanmar nationals overstaying their visas.
- Fines amount to 500 THB per day, capped at 20,000 THB, with subsequent entry restrictions based on the overstay duration.
- Ban durations vary by overstay length: under 90 days incurs no ban, but up to one year results in a one-year ban, one to three years incurs a three-year ban, five to ten years results in a five-year ban, and more than ten years leads to a ten-year ban.
Starting November 8, Thailand has imposed strict penalties on Myanmar nationals who overstay their visas. Overstayers now face a daily fine of 500 Thai Baht (approximately USD 13), up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht. Additionally, entry bans based on overstay duration will be enforced.
Entry bans are imposed as follows: those overstaying up to 90 days are exempt from bans, but overstays beyond this period trigger progressive restrictions. A one-year overstay results in a one-year ban, one to three years incurs a three-year ban, and so forth. Previously, overstaying migrants only paid a 500 Baht fee regardless of the overstay period, but the new system is considerably stricter and more costly.
The Thai authorities affirm that these regulations align with immigration law and will apply uniformly, even to tourists. Consequently, activists urge Myanmar nationals to renew their identification documents at centers in Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan to avoid penalties and bans.
