On Thu, Sep 13, 2018 at 12:51 PM IAOC Chair <iaoc-chair@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
The IAOC has been closely following the discussion on Thailand visa requirements for IETF103 and has been working to find more information for IETF 103 attendees.
Please note that it remains the responsibility of each attendee to understand the border entry rules and to comply with them. The IETF will not and cannot give visa advice to travelers.
We are able to share the following information:
IETF 103 is a conference which falls under what in Thailand is known as MICE - Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.
The IETF is considered a conference partner of the TCEB (Thailand Conference and Event Bureau) and IETF 103 is now listed on the TCEB MICE calendar:
https://www.businesseventsthailand.com/event-calendar
The TCEB website has a section on visa requirements for MICE events:
https://www.businesseventsthailand.com/article/visa-requirements.
Here I copy the relevant part for most:
Purpose
Foreigners entering Thailand for MICE without the purpose of being employed or working for income, and for the following listed purposes of trading and investment, are not regarded as working, and thus do not require a work permit or the Tor Tor 10 form.
- Participating in meetings, conferences, or seminars.
- Attending at exhibition or trade shows.
- Visiting business or attending business meetings.
- Attending special or academic lectures.
- Attending lectures at technical trainings or seminars.
- Purchasing goods at trade shows.
A visitor visa will be required under the Tourism Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Some nationalities enjoy visa-free or Visa-on-Arrival travel in Thailand. Please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more details.
So if you don't need tourist visa, you enjoy visa-free travel in Thailand.
Other general visa travel information can be found on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand site:
http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908
on behalf of the IAOC
Glenn Deen (IAOC Chair)
