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Thailand is
a free country with regards to religious beliefs and the opportunities
we have to share the Gospel freely. However, because of the unique
nature of our ministry here in Thailand, we need to exercise caution
in how we obtain visas. There are situations and "wordings"
that MUST be avoided in order for us to protect many of our long
term ministries and workers.
We would ask
that you PLEASE
CONTACT OUR ADMINISTRATOR prior to making inquiries about visas
prior to your coming.
With regards
to general information on visas in Thailand, here are some guidelines
and information that you should know.
The visa situation
in Thailand, as in many other countries, is constantly changing.
If you are coming to join YWAM Thailand for long term ministry,
we suggest that you apply for a one-year non-immigrant –o-
visa. However, the Consulate may only issue you a 90-day visa. We
have found that this has been happening more often and although
it is inconvenient for our staff, it is one of the challenges we
must accept as volunteers in a foreign land. If you do receive a
year-long visa, you will still be required to leave the country
every 90 days. However, you do not have to re-apply for a visa each
time but you simply have to cross over the border into any other
country.
If you receive
a 90-day visa, you will be required to leave Thailand and re-apply
for another 90-day visa. The closest country to re-apply for a visa
is Malaysia which is about a 21-hour train ride (one-way) from Bangkok.
Usually they will issue you another 90-day visa. Therefore, it is
important that you prepare yourself financially and emotionally
for a “visa-run” trip every 90-days. Many of our long-term
staff still do not have missionary visas and they are required to
do these “visa-run” trips as well. Once you are in Thailand,
at your location, those working there will be able to give you the
exact costs of such a trip as well as advice on the best way for
you to get there.
Please be aware
that receipt of a visa is never guaranteed. You may want to consider
creative ways to obtain a long-term visa, such as getting a job
teaching English, etc.
If you are an
Outreach Team coming to do outreach in Thailand, please see the
related information on the Outreach
Teams page.
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