Introduction to Thai Visa Application Process

Applying for a Thai visa requires careful attention to detail when filling out the application form. The Thai immigration authorities have specific requirements for visa applications, and any mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of correctly filling out the Thai visa application form in English, provide you with a detailed template, and highlight common errors to avoid.

The Thai visa application form (Form TM.86) is used for various visa types including tourist visas (TR), non-immigrant visas (ED, B, O, etc.), and retirement visas. While the form itself is straightforward, many applicants make simple but critical mistakes that could be avoided with proper guidance.

Understanding the Thai Visa Application Form Structure

The standard Thai visa application form consists of several sections that require personal information, travel details, and supporting documentation. Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s first understand the form’s structure:

  1. Personal Information Section: Includes full name, date of birth, nationality, passport details, etc.
  2. Travel Information Section: Includes intended date of entry, duration of stay, purpose of visit, etc.
  3. Contact Information: Current address, phone number, email, etc.
  4. Thai Address Information: Local contact details in Thailand
  5. Declaration and Signature: Applicant’s declaration of accuracy and signature

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the Thai Visa Application Form

Section 1: Personal Information

1.1 Full Name (as in Passport)

  • Field: Family Name / Surname, Given Name / First Name, Middle Name
  • Instructions: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. If your passport does not have a middle name, leave this field blank.
  • Example:
    • Correct: Family Name: SMITH, Given Name: JOHN MICHAEL
    • Incorrect: Family Name: Smithy, Given Name: Johnny

1.2 Date of Birth

  • Field: Day, Month, Year
  • Instructions: Use the DD/MM/YYYY format. Ensure the date matches your passport exactly.
  • Example:
    • Correct: 15/05/1990 (for May 15, 1990)
    • Incorrect: 05/15/1990 (MM/DD/YYYY format) or 1990/05/15 (YYYY/MM/DD format)

1.3 Place of Birth

  • Field: City and Country
  • Instructions: Enter the city and country where you were born. If your passport lists a specific place, use that.
  • Example:
    • Correct: London, United Kingdom
    • Thailand, Bangkok (if born in Bangkok, Thailand)

1.4 Nationality

  • 国籍: Enter your current nationality as listed on your passport. Do not enter previous nationalities unless specifically asked.
  • Example
    • 正确: United States, United Kingdom, Australia
    • 错误: American (adjective form) or US (abbreviation)

1.5 Passport Details

  • Field: Passport Number, Type, Issuing Country, Date of Issue, Date of Expiry
  • Instructions: Enter all details exactly as they appear on your passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Thailand.
  • Example:
    • Correct: Passport No: 123456789, Type: Ordinary, Issuing Country: United States, Date of Issue: 01/01/2020, Date of Expiry: 01/01/2030
    • Incorrect: Passport No: 123456789 (with spaces), Type: Regular (not “Ordinary”), Issuing Country: US (abbreviation) or America (incorrect term)

Section 2: Travel Information

2.1 Intended Date of Entry

  • Field: Day, Month, Year
  • Instructions: Use DD/MM/YYYY format. This should be your planned entry date, but it can be an estimate if you’re not sure.
  • Example:
    • Correct: 20/12/2023
    • Incorrect: 12/20/2023 (MM/DD/YYYY format)

2.2 Duration of Stay

  • Field: Number of days or months
  • 1.2 Date of Birth
  • Field: Day, Month, Year
  • Instructions: Use the DD/MM/YYYY format. Ensure the date matches your passport exactly.
  • Example:
    • Correct: 15/05/1990 (for May 15, 1990)
    • Incorrect: 05/15/1990 (MM/DD/YYYY format) or 1990/05/15 (YYYY/MM/DD format)

1.3 Place of Birth

  • Field: City and Country
  • Instructions: Enter the city and country where you were born. If your passport lists a specific place, use that.
  • Example:
    • Correct: London, United Kingdom
    • Correct: Thailand, Bangkok (if born in Bangkok, 1.2 Date of Birth
  • Field: Day, Month, Year
  • Instructions: Use the DD/MM/YYYY format. Ensure the date matches your passport exactly.
  • Example:
    • Correct: 15/05/1990 (for May 15, 1990)
    • Incorrect: 05/15/1990 (MM/DD/YYYY format) or 1990/05/15 (YYYY/MM/DD format)

1.3 Place of Birth

  • Field: City and Country
  • Instructions: Enter the city and country where you were born. If your passport lists a specific place, use that.
  • Example:
    • Correct: London, United Kingdom
    • Correct: Thailand, Bangkok (if born in Bangkok, Thailand)

1.4 Nationality

  • Field: Enter your current nationality as listed on your passport. Do not enter previous nationalities unless specifically asked.
  • Example:
    • Correct: United States, United Kingdom, Australia
    • Incorrect: American (adjective form) or US (abbreviation)

1.5 Passport Details

  • Field: Passport Number, Type, Issuing Country, Date of Issue, Date of Expiry
  • Instructions: Enter all details exactly as they appear on your passport. The passport must be …

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