In light of the changing global media landscape, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has revised guidelines for issuing non-immigrant visa category “M” (media visa) for foreign journalists and correspondents and official visa category “F” for official media working in Thailand for a minimum of 90 days. The term ‘media entity’ hereinafter shall include both traditional and credible/ reliable online media agencies duly registered with the competent authority in Thailand or abroad with large number of viewers and followers. The criteria for members of the media eligible to apply for accreditation are as follows: 

1. Must be affiliated with or employed by a credible and reliable media The said media entity must be duly registered with the competent authority in Thailand or abroad for a minimum of 6 months at the time of submission of visa application;

2. Employed solely as a media professional without engaging in other occupation during the entire period of stay in the Kingdom of Thailand;

3. Discharge media duties in the Kingdom of Thailand for a minimum of 90 days and produce a minimum of 10 reports per annum pertaining to Thailand or the region;

4. Must not have previously produced any coverage or behaved in such
a way that would constitute a threat to society, public order, and public safety, nor have been a wanted individual per arrest warrant of a foreign government; and

5. Must not have previous record of providing false information on a visa application.

The approval of the visa application shall be at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a case by case basis.                                                                                            

Notice

In case where accredited members of the media are no longer gainfully employed by the same media entity as specified on their visa application, the said accredited members must immediately request the cancellation of their visas, work permits, and correspondent cards.

Should the accredited members fail to renew their visa due to unforeseen circumstances, the said member must redo the entire process of applying for the media visa.

Date of applicability

The guideline shall apply to members of the media whose visa application for non-immigrant visa category “M” or official visa category “F” is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 8 February 2021.

List of required documents for the application for non-immigrant visa category “M” and official visa category “F”

1. A copy of the applicant’s passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity)

2. An official letter issued by the headquarters of the applicant’s media entity addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, containing the following information:

     2.1 position of the applicant;

     2.2 scope of work of the applicant;

     2.3 period of employment of the applicant in Thailand;

     2.4 request for the issuance of the appropriate visa; and

     2.5 request for work permit or press card.

3. Curriculum vitae of the applicant

4. Company profile of the media entity

5. Proof of registration of the media entity with the competent authority
in Thailand or abroad

6. A copy of the employment contract of the applicant (if applicable)

7. Certificate of clearance issued by the competent authority in the country where the applicant is a permanent resident

8. Portfolio of ten most recent media reports produced by the applicant

* * * * *

List of required documents for the extension of non-immigrant visa category “M” and official visa category “F”

1. A copy of the applicant’s passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity)

2. Proof of visa as issued by the Thai Immigration Bureau

3. Work permit

4. Press card (if applicable)

5. An official letter issued by the headquarters of the applicant’s media entity addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, containing the following information:

      5.1 position of the applicant;

      5.2 scope of work of the applicant;

      5.3 period of employment of the applicant in Thailand;

      5.4 request for the issuance of the appropriate visa; and

      5.5 request for work permit or press card.

6. Curriculum vitae of the applicant

7. Company profile of the media entity

8. Proof of registration of the media entity with the competent authority
in Thailand or abroad

9. Certificate of clearance issued by the competent authority in the country where the applicant is a permanent resident

10. Portfolio of ten most recent media reports produced by the applicant

11. Proof of income and tax in Thailand in case the accredited media is eligible to pay income tax

* * * * *

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

3 February 2021