As of 2022, there are more than 60 Royal Thai Embassies and 40 Consulates around the world, each with their own procedure for processing Thai visa applications. 

Some Thai embassies require applicants to reserve a visa application appointment using an online system, while most allow you to simply show up without a prior appointment. Several embassies use a special visa application form, slightly different from other locations, while others have mystifying requirements for supporting documents such as legal notarization by your home country’s embassy.

For the seasoned expat, the procedure at your preferred Thai embassy or consulate might already be well known. But if you have never applied for a Thai visa or done a “visa run” before, you are likely unfamiliar with the potential sensitivities, procedures, and requirements at certain Thai embassies and consulates in Southeast Asia.

That’s why, in this article, we compiled the essential information you will want to consider when embarking on your Thai visa run in Southeast Asia.

Royal Thai Embassy—Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Application Process

The Consular Section at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur really have their stuff together. For me it was a seamless experience, I was in and out rather quickly, and spent most of the time in the cool air conditioning.

To apply for a visa in KL, first schedule an appointment at this website: lny.io/RTEKL

On the day of your appointment, enter through the small security checkpoint next to the Royal Thai Embassy sign and continue to the building directly ahead to wait in the queue inside.

For inquiries, chat with the Thai Consulate via ChatBox on Facebook.

Important Links & Info

• Embassy Website
• Google Maps
• Visa application form (PDF)
• Visa Requirements I
• Visa Requirements II
• Can non-residents apply: Yes
• Application process: Book an appointment online, then show up in person
• Processing time: Minimum 1 day
• Distance from airport: 59 km
• Costs: Cheapish

Visa Application and Collection Hours

For visa application

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 9:30 am – 11:30 am only.   

For visa collection

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 1 days after the filing date (e.g., submit on Monday,
receive Tuesday; submit on Friday, receive Monday).

Visa Fees

Google Maps Location

Street View

Royal Thai Embassy—Singapore

Application Process

In Singapore, Thai visa applicants are requested to submit the application in person at the consular section of the Royal Thai Embassy, located at 557 Orchard RD. To allow sufficient processing time, you are advised by the embassy to submit the visa application at least 2 weeks in advance of your intended travel date. Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, so visa processing time can vary due to individual circumstances.

Once you submits all required documents, along with the visa payment, you will be informed of the visa collection time. Minimum visa processing time is 2 working days after the date of submission, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.

Important Links & Info

• Embassy Website
• Google Maps
• Visa application form (PDF)
• Requited Documents
• Can non-residents apply: Yes
• Application process: Show up in person
• Special Requirements: For Non O dependent visas, the marriage certificate must be notarized by the embassy of your home country
• Processing time: Minimum 2 days
• Distance from airport: 20 km
• City Costs: Expensive

Visa Application and Collection Hours

For visa application

Tuesday to Thursday (except Embassy’s holidays): 09.30am-11.30am only.

For visa collection

Tuesday to Thursday (except Embassy’s holidays): 02.00pm-03.00 pm only.

Visa Fees

The Royal Thai Embassy only accepts cash in Singapore dollars in the exact amount, so be sure to bring exact change!

Special Requirements

For Non O dependent visas, the marriage certificate must be notarized by the embassy of your home country.

Google Maps Location

Street View

Royal Thai Consulate—Vientiane, Laos

Application Process

At the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Vientiane, you need to book an appointment in advance using their online queue system for visa applications: thaivisavientiane.com.

Also, note that the main Royal Thai Embassy branch is not where you want to go. To submit a visa application, go to the nearby Consulate-General building, about 10 minutes outside downtown Vientiane. Whether you walk or hail a ride, you can’t miss it there on the corner—usually with tuk tuks all around, and a long line of visa applicants stretching down the sidewalk.

The experience at the Consulate-General is 100% outdoors and the sun and heat can get harsh, so prepare water and/or shade accordingly.

Once you arrive (preferably early), find a place in line and wait for the main gate to open. You will be directed to sit in a waiting area, where they will call your queue number to submit your documents and pay at the collection window. You will also receive a ticket with the visa collection time. The website says the processing time is 2 business days, but in the author’s experience it has only taken 1 business day.

Important Links & Info

• Embassy Website
• Google Maps
• Visa application form (PDF)
• Can non-residents apply: Yes
• Application process: Book an appointment online, then show up in person
• Processing time: Minimum 2 days
• Distance from airport: 8 km
• Costs: Cheap

Visa Application and Collection Hours

For visa application

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 9:00 am – 12:00 am only.   

For visa collection

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 1:30 pm – 16.00 pm, 2 days after the filing date (e.g., submit on Monday,
receive Wednesday; submit on Friday, receive Tuesday).

Visa Fees

The consular section of the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane requires payment in Thai baht, so remember to bring cash from Thailand or use a currency exchange in Vientiane beforehand.

Special Requirements

No special requirements

Google Maps Location

Street View

Royal Thai Consulate General—Penang, Malaysia

Application Process

The visa application process at the Royal Thai Consulate General is fairly standard and straightforward. You don’t need to schedule an appointment beforehand; simply show up during the visa application hours, the earlier the better, and join the queue.

When the gate opens at 9:30 am, you will form a line leading up to the visa application counter inside the embassy.

For more information, contact the Thai Consulate-General directly at thaiconsular.penang@gmail.com.

Important Links & Info

• Embassy Website
• Google Maps
• Visa application form (PDF)
• Can non-residents apply: Yes
• Application process: Book an appointment online, then show up in person
• Processing time: Minimum 1 day
• Distance from airport: 18 km
• Costs: Cheap

Visa Application and Collection Hours

For visa application

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 9:00 am – 11:00 am only.   

For visa collection

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 1 day after the filing date (e.g., submit on Monday,
receive Tuesday; submit on Friday, receive Monday; etc.).

Visa Fees

Google Maps Location

Street View

Royal Thai Embassy—Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Application Process

The visa application process at the Royal Thai Embassy is fairly typical. Application forms are available online or at the embassy and you’ll need to supply a passport photo, but they can be obtained easily for $2 or less in Cambodia.

With your application, you’ll be asked to give your proposed address in Thailand, date and means of arrival, and proof of onward travel. You may also be asked to show evidence of financial savings of 20,000 baht per person, or 40,000 baht per family, but a printed bank statement will suffice.

The visa takes three business days and costs $40. They are quite strict at the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, so if you do not have the right information and documents, particularly proof of onward travel, they will not issue you a visa.

Important Links & Info

• Embassy Website
• Google Maps
• Visa application form (PDF)
• Can non-residents apply: Yes
• Application process: Apply in person during visa application hours
• Processing time: Minimum 3 days
• Distance from airport: 12 km
• Costs: Cheap

Visa Application and Collection Hours

For visa application

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 9:30 am – 11:00 am only.

For visa collection

Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 3 days after the filing date (e.g., submit on Monday,
receive Thursday; submit on Friday, receive Wednesday; etc.).

Visa Fees

Visa application fees in Cambodia must be paid in USD, so be sure to get some at an ATM or currently exchange beforehand.

Google Maps Location

Street View

To learn more about relocating to Thailand as a digital professional, download the free Shelter ebook!