FAQs

Due to an unforeseen circumstance, I applied for a media visa less than 1 week before my date of departure to Thailand. Will I be able to get a media visa in time?

It is highly likely that the Ministry will not be able to process your visa application within that given time frame. Please allow 1 to 2 months for the consideration of new media visa application.

How do I check the status of my media visa application?

You can check the current status of your media visa application through your account in the MMOS System.

I have received my visa from the Thai embassy and have arrived in Thailand. However, I have not applied for a visa extension yet, but need to travel out of the country to work on an urgent event in another country, what should I do?

The media visa issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General will be a Single-entry visa with 3-month duration. If you leave Thailand before a visa extension is granted, you will not be able to return to Thailand with said visa.

Before leaving Thailand, you have to apply for a “Re-entry permit” at the Immigration Bureau. With the Re-entry permit, you can return to Thailand before your visa expires (3 months from your date of arrival).

Due to an unforeseen circumstance, I submitted the application for my visa renewal one week before it expires. Will I be able to get accredited on time? What should I do?

It is highly likely that the Ministry will not be able to process your visa renewal within that given time frame. It is advisable that you submit your application at least 1 month, but no more than 2 months before your visa expires.

For regulations on overstaying your visa, please refer to www.overstay.immigration.go.th/advice.html

I was based in Thailand before and had to return to my country for a health related issue. Now I have fully recovered, and wish to renew my visa to continue working in Thailand. What should I do?

If you cannot apply for renewal before your visa expires, you can still submit your “renew application” via the MMOS (MFA Media Online Service) website. However, once your application is approved you will have to obtain the media visa from a Royal Thai Embassy/ Royal Thai Consulate General. Upon entry into Thailand using the media visa, you will have to log in to your MMOS account and upload a clearly scanned copy of your media visa and entry stamp from the Immigration Bureau. Three accreditation letters will then be issued so you can obtain necessary documents required for working in Thailand, i.e. an extension of visa and period of stay, a work permit, and a press card (if needed) from relevant governmental agencies.

I have been working as a foreign media member in Thailand for some time now and I would like to change my work organization. What should I do?

You will have to apply for a new visa, work permit, and press card, please refer to Change Organization Application. Applicants will have to submit a letter of cancellation from the previous organization and an assignment letter from the new organization.

I am a foreign reporter who is going to be based in Thailand, but I have entered Thailand with a Tourist visa, what should I do?

Thai Immigration Law does not allow tourist visa holders to work in Thailand. We advise you to submit an application for the media visa via the MMOS (MFA Media Online Service) website.

However, as changing category of visa in Thailand is not possible, after your application is approved, you will have to obtain the media visa at a designated Royal Thai Embassy/ Royal Thai Consulate-General. Upon entry into Thailand using the media visa, you will have to log in to your MMOS account and upload a clearly scanned copy of your media visa and entry stamp from the Immigration Bureau. Three accreditation letters will then be issued so you can obtain necessary documents required for working in Thailand, i.e. an extension of visa and period of stay, a work permit, and a press card (if needed) from relevant governmental agencies.

I have submitted an application for my media visa, but my company assigns me to travel to Thailand immediately, can I apply for a tourist visa or Non-Immigrant visa category “B” for the time being?

Thai Immigration Law does not allow tourist visa holders to work in Thailand. We advise you to apply for a “Non-Immigrant” visa category “B” on the same basis as foreign correspondents who are assigned to work in Thailand for less than 3 months.

However, as changing category of visa in Thailand is not possible, after your application is approved, you will have to obtain the media visa at a designated Royal Thai Embassy/ Royal Thai Consulate-General. Upon entry into Thailand using the media visa, you will have to log in to your MMOS account and upload a clearly scanned copy of your media visa and entry stamp from the Immigration Bureau. Three accreditation letters will then be issued so you can obtain necessary documents required for working in Thailand, i.e. an extension of visa and period of stay, a work permit, and a press card (if needed) from relevant governmental agencies.

I have stayed in Thailand for a while, but my family members are planning to move to Thailand to live with me, what should I do?

Please contact a Royal Thai Embassy/ Royal Thai Consulate-General nearest you for a Non-Immigrant Visa “O” (Accompanying Spouse or Family Members).

I have been granted the status of a “resident” in Thailand and I want to work as a correspondent, do I need to register?

You will have to submit a request for a work permit and press card, but a visa application is not necessary. You can do so by submitting an application via the MMOS (MFA Media Online Service) website.