Thailand visa requirements  |  Pakistan

تھائی لینڈ ویزا کی ضروریات برائے پاکستانی شہریوں.

Updated 4 months ago at Sat, Jun 01, 2024
Visas  |  Requirements  |  Demographics  |  Crime  |  Food  |  Culture  |  Fundamentals  |  Relationships  |  Visa Extension

VISAS FOR PAKISTANI CITIZENS

  Visa Duration

60 Day Visa Exemption is NOT available for Pakistani citizens

60
30 days Extension

15 Day Visa on Arrival is NOT available for Pakistani citizens

15 days
no Extension

Tourist Visa is Available for Pakistan

60 days
30 days Extension

Destination Thailand Visa is Available for Pakistan

6 months
6 months Extension

Retirement Visa is Available for Pakistan

1 year
1 year Extension

Retirement Visa 10 Year is Available for Pakistan

5 year
5 year Extension

Education Visa is Available for Pakistan

varied
varied Extension

Business/Work Visa is Available for Pakistan

1 year
1 year Extension

Marriage Visa is Available for Pakistan

1 year
1 year Extension

Family Visa is Available for Pakistan

3 Months - 1 Year
varied Extension

Privilege/Elite Visa is Available for Pakistan

5/10/20 years
varied Extension

LTR Visa is Available for Pakistan

5 years
5 years Extension

VISAS REQUIREMENTS FOR PAKISTANI CITIZENS

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND THAILAND

Population and Size of Country

  • Thailand: Thailand has a population of approximately 70 million people and covers an area of about 513,120 square kilometers.
  • Pakistan: Pakistan has a significantly larger population of around 240 million people and spans an area of about 881,913 square kilometers.

Ethnicity

  • Thailand: The majority ethnic group in Thailand is the Thai people, making up about 95% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Chinese, Malay, and various hill tribes.
  • Pakistan: Pakistan is ethnically diverse with major groups including Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, and Muhajirs. Punjabis form the largest ethnic group.

Religion

  • Thailand: The predominant religion is Buddhism, practiced by around 93% of the population. Other religions include Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.
  • Pakistan: Islam is the dominant religion, with about 96% of the population being Muslim. There are also small communities of Hindus, Christians, and other religions.

GDP

  • Thailand: Thailand has a GDP of approximately $543 billion USD with a per capita GDP of around $7,800 USD.
  • Pakistan: Pakistan’s GDP is roughly $376 billion USD with a per capita GDP of about $1,500 USD.

Population Age Brackets

  • Thailand: The population is aging with about 11% over the age of 65, 70% between 15-64 years, and 19% under 15 years.
  • Pakistan: Pakistan has a younger population with around 35% under the age of 15, 60% between 15-64 years, and only 5% over the age of 65.

Men vs Women

  • Thailand: The gender ratio is fairly balanced with a slight skew towards women, approximately 0.97 males for every female.
  • Pakistan: Pakistan has a slightly higher number of males compared to females, with a ratio of about 1.05 males for every female.

Source of Popular Types of Income

  • Thailand: The economy is diverse with major income sources including tourism, manufacturing (especially automotive and electronics), agriculture (rice, rubber), and services.
  • Pakistan: The primary sources of income include agriculture (wheat, rice, cotton), textiles and garments manufacturing, remittances from overseas workers, and increasingly, the services sector.

SAFETY IN THAILAND FOR PAKISTANI CITIZENS

Violent Crime

Thailand generally has a lower rate of violent crime compared to Pakistan. While incidents do occur, they are relatively rare and typically do not affect tourists. It’s advisable to avoid confrontations and stay away from areas known for nightlife excesses to minimize risk.

Casual Crime

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are more common in tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Travelers should remain vigilant, especially in crowded places and public transportation. Using hotel safes for valuables and being cautious with personal belongings can help mitigate these risks.

Crimes of Passion

Crimes of passion, often driven by personal relationships, are not typically directed at tourists. However, it’s important to exercise discretion in social interactions and avoid potentially volatile situations, especially in nightlife settings.

Safety for Solo Women Travelers

Thailand is generally considered safe for solo women travelers. However, it’s wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not accepting drinks from strangers, and informing someone about your whereabouts. Many solo female travelers report positive experiences but staying cautious is always a good practice.

Walking Around at Night

Walking around at night in Thailand is relatively safe in most urban areas and tourist spots. However, it’s best to stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone in secluded places. Using reputable transportation services like Grab or metered taxis can add an extra layer of safety.

Scamming

Scams targeting tourists are quite common in Thailand. Common scams include tuk-tuk drivers offering overly cheap rides that include unsolicited stops at gem shops or travel agencies, and fake tour operators. Always use official channels for bookings and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. Researching reputable service providers and reading reviews can help avoid these pitfalls.

FOOD CHOICES IN THAILAND FOR PAKISTANI CITIZENS

Pakistani travelers will find several delightful similarities between Thai and Pakistani cuisines, particularly in the use of spices and herbs that create rich, aromatic flavors. Both cuisines make extensive use of ingredients like garlic, ginger, coriander, and chili, which can provide a familiar taste profile to Pakistani palates.

Similarities in Food

  • Spices and Herbs: Both Thai and Pakistani cuisines use a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom. Herbs like cilantro and mint are also common in both culinary traditions.
  • Rice and Noodles: Just as rice is a staple in Pakistani cuisine, it is also central to Thai meals. Thai jasmine rice is particularly popular. Noodle dishes, similar to Pakistani “chow mein,” are also prevalent.
  • Curries: Both cultures enjoy a variety of curries. Thai curries such as Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) and Red Curry (Gaeng Daeng) share a similar complexity to Pakistani curries but often incorporate coconut milk for a distinct twist.

Types of Food to Try

  • Pad Thai: A celebrated Thai dish featuring stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime. The sweet-savory flavor profile might remind you of Pakistani “Chow Mein.”
  • Tom Yum Goong: A hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili. The spiciness and aromatic herbs are akin to the flavors found in Pakistani soups.
  • Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad): This refreshing salad features shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a spicy dressing. The tangy and spicy notes can be compared to Pakistani salads with a zesty kick.
  • Massaman Curry: A rich and mildly spicy curry made with beef or chicken, potatoes, peanuts, and coconut milk. Its use of spices like cinnamon and star anise gives it a flavor profile that might remind you of Pakistani korma.
  • Satay: Skewered and grilled meat served with a peanut sauce. This dish is somewhat similar to Pakistani kebabs but offers a unique Thai twist with its sweet and spicy peanut sauce.

Exploring these dishes will provide Pakistani travelers with both familiar tastes and exciting new flavors, making their culinary journey in Thailand both comforting and adventurous.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THAILAND AND PAKISTAN

Cultural Differences and Etiquette for Pakistani Travelers in Thailand

Making Friends: In Thailand, building friendships often involves a gentle and respectful approach. Thais appreciate politeness and humility. Smiling is a common way to show friendliness and respect. When meeting someone for the first time, a traditional greeting called the “wai” is often used, where you place your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and slightly bow your head. This is especially important when greeting elders or those in positions of authority.

What to Do:

  1. Respect the Monarchy: The Thai monarchy is highly revered. Always show respect towards images of the King and the royal family.
  2. Dress Modestly: When visiting temples or religious sites, dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  3. Remove Shoes: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
  4. Public Transport Etiquette: On public transport, offer your seat to monks, the elderly, and pregnant women. Keep conversations quiet and avoid causing disturbances.

What Not to Do:

  1. Avoid Touching Heads: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. Avoid touching anyone’s head, even children.
  2. Don’t Point Feet: Feet are considered the lowest part of the body and pointing them at people or religious objects is seen as disrespectful.
  3. Public Displays of Affection: Thais are generally conservative regarding public displays of affection. Holding hands is usually acceptable, but anything more intimate should be avoided in public.
  4. Avoid Loud Behavior: Loudness is often seen as rude and disruptive. Maintain a calm and composed demeanor.

Habits Not to Bring from Pakistan:

  1. Direct Confrontation: Thais prefer to avoid confrontation and value maintaining harmony. Direct criticism or arguing in public can be seen as losing face.
  2. Aggressive Bargaining: While bargaining is common in markets, it should be done politely without being overly aggressive.
  3. Overt Displays of Wealth: Flashy displays of wealth can be considered boastful and are generally frowned upon.

Deportment and Respect:

  1. General Politeness: Always be polite and use formal language when addressing others, especially elders.
  2. Respect for Elders: Show respect to elders by using polite language and offering them seats or space.

Touching: As mentioned, avoid touching others’ heads and do not point your feet at people or religious symbols. When handing objects to others, use your right hand or both hands.

Religious Places: When visiting temples, dress modestly and behave respectfully. Remove your shoes before entering, do not touch religious artifacts, and avoid taking photos unless permitted.

Public Presentation of Oneself: Maintain a neat and clean appearance. Casual dress is acceptable in most places, but always dress conservatively when visiting religious sites or formal events.

Behavior on Public Transport: Be considerate of others by keeping noise to a minimum, offering seats to those in need, and avoiding eating or drinking on public transport.

Losing and Gaining Face: In Thai culture, “face” refers to one’s reputation and social standing. Losing face can occur through public embarrassment, criticism, or failure, while gaining face involves receiving praise or showing competence. To maintain face, avoid confrontations and show respect in all interactions. Complimenting others and showing gratitude can help you gain face.

By understanding and respecting these cultural nuances, Pakistani travelers can enjoy a more harmonious and enriching experience in Thailand.

TECH, TRANSPORT AND MONEY FOR PAKISTANI PEOPLE IN THAILAND

Bringing Phone from Pakistan: Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use. Thai SIM cards are widely available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops. Popular providers include AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove.

Internet Availability: Thailand offers excellent internet coverage. 4G is widespread, and 5G is available in major cities. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and public spaces.

Dominant Messaging Apps: Line is the most popular messaging app in Thailand, followed by WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Download Line for better communication with locals.

Must-Download Apps Before Arrival: Grab (for taxis and food delivery), Line (messaging), Google Maps (navigation), XE Currency (currency conversion), and AirVisual (air quality monitoring).

Currency: The Thai currency is Baht (THB). It’s advisable to exchange some money before arriving or at the airport. Currency exchange kiosks and banks are plentiful.

ATM Use: ATMs are widely available, but they often charge a withdrawal fee of around 200-250 THB. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Taxi Apps: Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. Bolt is another option, though less widespread. Both offer car and motorcycle taxi services.

Food Delivery: GrabFood and Foodpanda are the leading food delivery apps. They offer a wide range of restaurant options and are user-friendly.

Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls. However, smaller establishments and street vendors may prefer cash.

Shopping: Major shopping areas include Bangkok’s Siam Paragon, MBK Center, and Chatuchak Weekend Market. Night markets like Asiatique and Rot Fai Market are also popular for unique finds.

Trains: The BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are efficient ways to navigate Bangkok. For intercity travel, the State Railway of Thailand offers various classes of service.

Local Buses: Local buses are an economical way to travel but can be confusing for non-Thai speakers. Use Google Maps or the Moovit app for route planning.

DATING, LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS FOR PAKISTANI MEN IN THAILAND

Acceptance of Men from Pakistan

Thai society is generally welcoming and accepting of foreigners, including men from Pakistan. However, there may be some preconceived notions or stereotypes. Being respectful, kind, and open can help break down any initial barriers.

Funny Ways to Tell Women You Are from Pakistan

Humor can be a great icebreaker. You might say, “I’m from the land of spicy food and cricket—Pakistan!” or “I’m from Pakistan, where we have 100 ways to cook chicken!”

Which Dating Apps to Use

Popular dating apps in Thailand include Tinder, Bumble, and ThaiFriendly. These platforms have a large user base and are generally safe to use.

Good Opening Lines to Use with Thai Women on the Apps

  • “Hi! I’m new here and would love some local tips. What’s your favorite place in Thailand?”
  • “Hello! Your smile caught my eye. How’s your day going?”
  • “Hey! I’m from Pakistan and excited to learn more about Thai culture. Any suggestions?”

Teaching Thai Women About Pakistani Culture

Share interesting facts about Pakistan like its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. You can also talk about cultural festivals such as Eid and Basant.

Dressing and Personal Hygiene

Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion. Casual wear is fine for most situations, but avoid overly flashy clothing. Personal hygiene is crucial; make sure to shower regularly, use deodorant, and maintain a neat appearance.

Examples of Red Flags You Should Watch For

  • If she asks for money early on.
  • Reluctance to meet in public places.
  • Inconsistent stories or evasive answers.
  • Overly flirtatious behavior too soon.

Examples of Scams on Dating Apps

  • Requests for financial help or gifts.
  • Fake profiles with stolen photos.
  • Too-good-to-be-true stories or offers.
  • Quick declarations of love or affection.

Major Difference in Dating Between Pakistan and Thailand

In Pakistan, dating is often more conservative and may involve family approval. In Thailand, dating tends to be more casual and less formal, with individuals having more freedom in their choices.

Major Differences Between Thai Women and Pakistani Women

Thai women may be more independent and open-minded compared to Pakistani women, who might adhere to more traditional roles. Communication styles can also differ, with Thai women being generally more direct.

Popular First Date Activities

  • Visiting a local market or night bazaar.
  • Enjoying street food together.
  • Taking a walk along the beach.
  • Visiting a temple or cultural site.
  • Attending a cooking class.

Red Light Districts

Prominent red light districts in Thailand include Patpong in Bangkok, Walking Street in Pattaya, and Bangla Road in Phuket. These areas are known for nightlife and adult entertainment.

Prostitution on Dating Apps

Be cautious as some profiles may be linked to prostitution. Signs include overly suggestive photos, quick moves to discuss sexual topics, or requests for money.

10 Places to Meet Thai Women Outside of Dating Apps

  1. Coffee Shops - Places like Starbucks or local cafes.
  2. Universities - Attending public lectures or events.
  3. Shopping Malls - CentralWorld or Siam Paragon in Bangkok.
  4. Gyms - Fitness centers are great places to meet health-conscious individuals.
  5. Parks - Lumphini Park in Bangkok is a popular spot.
  6. Cultural Events - Festivals or exhibitions.
  7. Language Exchange Meetups - Great for practicing Thai and meeting locals.
  8. Volunteer Organizations - Join local NGOs or community service groups.
  9. Cooking Classes - Learn Thai cuisine while meeting new people.
  10. Beach Resorts - Places like Phuket or Krabi attract both locals and tourists.

By following these guidelines, Pakistani men can navigate the dating scene in Thailand respectfully and enjoyably.

EXTENDING VISA INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAKISTANI CITIZENS IN THAILAND

Practical Guide: Extending a Thai Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption for Pakistani Passport Holders

Extending your stay in Thailand beyond your initial tourist visa or visa exemption period involves a few steps. Here’s a concise guide to help Pakistani passport holders navigate the process:

1. Understand Eligibility

  • Ensure that you are eligible for an extension. Typically, extensions are granted for tourist purposes and not for employment or other activities.

2. Prepare Required Documents

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
  • TM.7 Form: This is the application form for visa extension, available at Thai Immigration Offices or online.
  • Passport-sized Photos: Usually, two recent photos (4x6 cm).
  • Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or a letter from your host.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or cash showing sufficient funds (usually around 20,000 THB per person).
  • Visa Fee: The extension fee is typically 1,900 THB, payable in cash.

3. Visit the Immigration Office

  • Locate your nearest Thai Immigration Office. Major offices are found in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues. Offices generally operate from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

4. Submit Your Application

  • Fill out the TM.7 form accurately.
  • Attach your passport-sized photos to the form.
  • Submit all required documents along with the visa extension fee.
  • An immigration officer will review your application and may ask additional questions or request further documents.

5. Wait for Processing

  • Processing times can vary, but it usually takes about one day. Some offices might provide same-day processing, while others might ask you to return the next day.

6. Receive Your Extension

  • Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the new visa extension date.
  • Double-check the new stamp to ensure all details are correct.

7. Keep Track of Your New Exit Date

  • Make sure to leave Thailand by the new exit date to avoid overstay fines and potential blacklisting.

Additional Tips:

  • Dress Appropriately: Wear respectful attire when visiting immigration offices.
  • Be Polite and Patient: Courteous behavior can go a long way in easing the process.
  • Photocopies: Bring photocopies of all your documents, as some offices may require them.

By following these steps, Pakistani passport holders can efficiently extend their Thai tourist visa or visa exemption and continue enjoying their stay in Thailand.

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