Visa cancellation in Thailand: causes, legal consequences, and how to appeal

What does visa cancellation mean under Thai law? 

In Thailand, visa cancellation is different from a visa simply expiring. Expiration occurs when your visa expires on its own, but cancellation happens if you violate the visa rules.

According to Sections 81 and 84 of the Immigration Act, the immigration authorities have complete discretion to cancel a visa when an individual fails to comply with Thai laws, provides false information, works without authorization, or no longer qualifies under the original visa category. For example, a Non-Immigrant “B” visa issued for employment becomes invalid as soon as the foreigner’s work permit is terminated. The same applies to student visas when the holder stops attending classes, or retirement visas if the applicant fails to maintain the required financial balance.

When a visa is cancelled, the person’s right to stay in Thailand immediately ends. They must leave the country immediately to avoid fines or other penalties for overstaying their visa.

Main causes of visa cancellation in Thailand 

The main reason visas are cancelled in Thailand is failure to follow the rules of your stay. For individuals with work visas, this can mean working for a company that is not registered or performing tasks that are not permitted. If your job ends, your visa is usually cancelled automatically because you no longer meet the requirements.

Staying in Thailand longer than your visa allows is another common reason for cancellation. Even a short overstay can make it more difficult to obtain a visa in the future. The Immigration Bureau can fine you or ban you from coming back if you stay without permission.

Giving false or incomplete information when applying for a visa is also a reason for cancellation. This includes items such as fake bank statements, fake school certificates, or incorrect employer details. If the authorities discover this, they can cancel your visa, regardless of when it was issued.

If your employer, school, or spouse stops supporting your visa, it can be cancelled automatically. Immigration will see that you no longer meet the requirements to stay in Thailand.

Some crimes or rule violations, like fraud, drug use, or causing trouble in public, can lead to your visa being cancelled right away and being deported from Thailand.

Visa cancellation according to visa type 

The reasons and process of visa cancellation in Thailand depend on the type of visa you have. Each visa has its own rules about when and how it can be cancelled.

Non-Immigrant “B” Visa cancellation

The Non-Immigrant B Visa, also known as the Business Visa, is typically cancelled if your job contract ends or your work permit becomes invalid.

When your job ends and your company notifies the Ministry of Labour, both your work permit and visa are cancelled simultaneously.

After your work permit ends, you usually have seven days to leave Thailand or apply for a new visa. If you do not, you could overstay and risk being banned from re-entering.

Your visa can also be cancelled if you engage in work that your work permit does not permit. Performing jobs outside your permitted scope is considered illegal work and can result in your visa being cancelled.

Education (“ED”) Visa cancellation 

Education Visas are given to foreigners who are studying at approved schools in Thailand.

If you miss classes, change schools without permission, or fail to renew your school paperwork, your Education Visa may be cancelled.

Lately, the Thai government has been scrutinizing language schools more closely, especially those suspected of issuing visas without providing actual classes. As a result, many Education Visa holders have lost their visas because their school’s approval was revoked, even if their visa stamp was still valid.

If your Education Visa is cancelled, you cannot get it back. You must leave Thailand and apply for a new visa from your home country, typically providing proof that you are a genuine student and have sufficient funds.

Long-Term Resident (“LTR”) Visa cancellation 

The Long-Term Resident Visa, or LTR, was introduced in 2022 and allows certain foreigners, such as retirees or skilled workers, to live in Thailand for a period of ten years. However, if you do not meet the requirements, your visa can still be cancelled.

If you fail to maintain the required income, investment, or health insurance, your LTR visa may be cancelled. Working in jobs not approved by the Board of Investment or providing false information can also result in cancellation.

If there is a problem with your LTR visa, the Board of Investment tells Immigration, and you will get a written notice. You typically have about thirty days to resolve the issue or appeal the decision.

Because the LTR visa offers long-term benefits, it is a good idea to get legal help right away if you receive a cancellation notice. This can help protect your right to stay in Thailand.

Destination Thailand Visa (“DTV”) cancellation 

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was introduced in 2024 for remote workers, digital nomads, and individuals participating in cultural or training programs. It is more flexible than other visas but still has strict rules.

With the DTV, you can stay in Thailand for up to 180 days each time, and you can renew it once. You must maintain valid health insurance, provide proof of income, and have sufficient funds during your stay.

If you do not follow these rules, your DTV can be cancelled. Staying too long, failing to renew your insurance, or working without permission can all result in your visa being revoked immediately.

If your DTV is cancelled, you cannot change it to another visa while in Thailand. You must leave the country and reapply from outside, demonstrating that you meet all the DTV requirements.