Thailand is reducing the visa-free stay period for citizens of a number of countries, including the Republic of Kazakhstan, from 60 to 30 days.
The relevant decision of the Cabinet of Thailand will enter into force on 15 September 2026.
Once this provision takes effect, citizens of Kazakhstan will be subject to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on Visa Exemption for Holders of National Passports.
Under the Agreement, citizens of Kazakhstan may stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 calendar days from the date of entry, provided that the total period of stay does not exceed 90 calendar days within any 180-day period.
In this regard, citizens of Kazakhstan planning to travel to Thailand are advised to take these changes to the immigration regime into account.
If a stay of more than 30 days is required, the appropriate visa should be obtained in advance.
Songkhla, 28 August 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand Margulan Baimukhan paid an official visit to the southern Thai provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun and Songkhla, aimed at strengthening interregional ties and expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation.
During the visit, the Ambassador held meetings with the Governors of the three provinces, exchanging views on the prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Thailand’s southern regions. Particular attention was paid to trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, industrial cooperation and logistics. The Kazakh diplomat also highlighted the constitutional reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan and the results of the parliamentary elections to the Kurultai.
During the meetings, the economic potential of Thailand’s southern provinces and Kazakhstan’s interest in developing more active ties with regional authorities and business communities were highlighted. Thai partners, in turn, expressed interest in expanding contacts with Kazakhstan and exploring opportunities to use the Kazakh market as a promising gateway to the broader Central Asian region.
An important part of the programme was a series of meetings with the heads of the Chambers of Commerce of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun and Songkhla. The discussions focused on practical ways to strengthen business ties, increase bilateral trade and identify new areas of cooperation between entrepreneurs from the two countries.
Particular attention was also given to industrial cooperation. During a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Thai Industries, the participants discussed opportunities to establish direct links between industrial enterprises in Kazakhstan and Thailand, develop joint projects, exchange expertise and introduce modern technologies.
Ambassador M. Baimukhan presented Kazakhstan’s investment and economic opportunities, including promising projects in the agro-industrial sector, agricultural processing, manufacturing, logistics and energy. Thai companies were presented with opportunities to participate in investment projects and establish joint production facilities in Kazakhstan.
“Kazakhstan is interested not only in increasing trade volumes with Thailand, but also in moving towards a deeper level of economic engagement – establishing joint ventures, developing industrial cooperation, localizing production and facilitating technology transfer,” the Ambassador noted.
The practical part of the visit included visits to PFP (Pacific Fish Processing), one of Thailand’s leading seafood production and processing companies, and Mercator Medical, specializing in the production of disposable medical and protective nitrile rubber gloves for the medical, industrial, food and automotive sectors.
During the meetings with the companies’ management, the parties discussed opportunities to enter new markets, establish business contacts with Kazakh companies and implement joint projects. The Kazakh diplomat also toured the companies’ production facilities and learned about their manufacturing processes and technologies.
Following the meetings, concrete agreements were reached to continue engagement and explore promising areas of cooperation between Kazakh and Thai companies. The parties agreed to facilitate direct contacts between business communities and continue exchanging information on potential investment and trade projects.
The official visit marked an important step in strengthening the interregional dimension of Kazakhstan-Thailand relations. The meetings confirmed significant potential for expanding economic cooperation and developing new business ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand’s southern provinces.
Background: 1) Nakhon Si Thammarat – one of the major provinces in southern Thailand, with a GDP of approximately USD 5.5 billion. Its economy is based on agriculture, processing industries, trade and tourism.
Satun – a border province on the Andaman coast, with a GDP of approximately USD 0.9 billion, offering significant potential in agriculture, fisheries, trade and tourism.
Songkhla – an economic and industrial hub of southern Thailand, with a GDP of approximately USD 7.1 billion, featuring well-developed industries, agriculture, logistics and cross-border trade.
2) PFP (Pacific Fish Processing Co., Ltd.) – a major Thai food processing company specializing in seafood processing and the production of frozen food products. The company was established in 1984, with its main production facility located in Songkhla Province.
3) Mercator Medical (Thailand) Ltd. – a major Thai-Polish company specializing in the production of disposable medical and protective nitrile rubber gloves for the medical, industrial, food and automotive sectors.
Phuket, 26 June 2026 – An event dedicated to promoting Kazakhstan’s tourism potential and presenting the first tourism guidebook about Kazakhstan published in the Thai language was held in Phuket.
The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Phuket Provincial Administration, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourism associations, leading travel companies, and members of the media.
During the presentation, guests were introduced to Kazakhstan’s main tourist destinations, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and year-round tourism opportunities.
The presentation attracted strong interest from tourism industry stakeholders, who noted the growing appeal of Kazakhstan among Thai travelers as a new and promising destination.
The Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand emphasized that the launch of the Thai-language guidebook marks an important step in strengthening humanitarian and tourism ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand, while also helping to raise awareness of Kazakhstan among Thai audiences.
Tourism cooperation between Kazakhstan and Thailand continues to demonstrate steady growth and strong mutual interest. Both sides intend to further expand cooperation in tourism, enhance investment ties, and develop joint projects in the hospitality sector, including hotel infrastructure development and the expansion of direct air connectivity between the two countries.
Background: In 2025-2026, more than 175,000 Kazakh citizens visited Thailand, while approximately 10,000-15,000 Thai citizens visited Kazakhstan during the same period.
Currently, there are 23 direct flights per week between Kazakhstan and Thailand, connecting Bangkok with Almaty and Shymkent, as well as Phuket with Astana and Almaty. Air services are operated by Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and AirAsia X.
«QazETA» digital platform for foreign nationals
QazETA is a state digital platform designed to provide foreign nationals with convenient, transparent, and secure access to key migration and related services under the “one-stop shop” principle (a unified digital window for foreigners).
The project aimed to create a modern, user-friendly platform for foreigners interacting with the government authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery.
The QazETA platform is focused on:
- simplifying procedures for entry into and stay of foreign nationals in the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- creating a single digital entry point that ensures consistent interaction of foreign nationals with government services, from entry into the country to everyday services;
- increasing transparency of processes, reducing application processing times, and improving service quality;
- the digitalization of core migration procedures and their integration into mobile service;
The platform is currently operating in pilot mode and the implementation of the platform will be carried out in phases. Currently, the following services are available:
- issuance of electronic visas (e-Visa);
- issuance of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA);
- obtaining the status of an electronic resident of the Republic of Kazakhstan (e-Residency);
- issuance of certificates confirming the crossing of the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan by foreign nationals (including for the purpose of IMEI verification of mobile devices).
Key services of the platform:
1. Electronic visa (e-Visa)
An electronic visa is a digital form of a state service for issuing visas to foreign nationals and stateless persons.
Citizens of 104 countries may apply for a single-entry electronic visa under the following categories: "А3" (service), "А5" (investor), "В1","В2","В3", (business trip), "В9-1" (Digital Nomad Visa), "В10" (private travel), "В12" (tourist), "С12" (medical treatment).
An electronic visa is issued on the basis of an electronically issued invitation (the invitation is issued by the territorial police authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and is valid only for the visa holder and does not apply to accompanying persons. In case of passport replacement, a new electronic visa must be obtained.
Foreign nationals and stateless persons are permitted to enter and exit the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan using a valid electronic visa only through border crossing points of the international airports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The ETA is intended for citizens of countries that are exempt from visa requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authorization is issued in electronic form.
Foreign nationals planning to travel to Kazakhstan must submit an ETA application through the mobile application no later than 72 hours prior to travel.
The validity period of the ETA is 180 days.
The actual duration of stay of foreign nationals in Kazakhstan is regulated in accordance with the applicable migration legislation.
At the same time, the issuance of an ETA does not guarantee entry into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The final decision on admission is made by the authorized state body of the Republic of Kazakhstan during border control procedures.
The following categories are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA:
- holders of diplomatic and service (official) passports;
- members of official delegations;
- representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the pilot period, obtaining an ETA is recommended but not mandatory for citizens of countries exempt from the Republic of Kazakhstan’s visa requirements. After the pilot period, the ETA will be gradually introduced as a mandatory requirement for these categories of citizens.
3. Electronic Residency (e-Residency)
e-Residency is an innovative instrument that provides foreign nationals and stateless persons located outside the Republic of Kazakhstan with access to digital government and commercial services within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
The e-Residency program is implemented within jurisdiction of the AIFC and provides for:
- remote issuance of an Individual Identification Number (IIN);
- opening of bank accounts and payment cards;
- issuance of eSIMs;
- remote company registration and business operations
within jurisdiction of the AIFC.
Further expansion of the platform’s functionality is planned, including the issuance of health insurance, the possibility of expedited border control for ETA holders (Fast Track), payment of service fees, and other digital services.
The QazETA mobile application is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
As part of the project, a technical support service is in operation. Inquiries and suggestions are accepted via email at support@qazeta.kz.
Phuket, 22 January 2026 – A solemn ceremony marking the official opening of the Consulate of Kazakhstan was held on the island of Phuket. The event became a landmark moment in the development of Kazakh-Thai relations and an important step toward strengthening diplomatic, economic, cultural, and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
The opening of the Consulate of Kazakhstan in Phuket is of particular significance, as it is the third official diplomatic mission established on the island, underscoring the high level of mutual trust and the intensity of bilateral relations. Kazakhstan is consistently expanding its official diplomatic presence, with a strong focus on providing practical assistance to its citizens.
The consular district of the newly established mission covers 14 southern provinces of Thailand, making it an important center of engagement in the southern part of the country. This territorial scope will enable the systematic protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of Kazakhstan, ensure prompt response in emergency situations, and contribute to the development of tourism, business, and cultural ties in the region.
The official opening ceremony was attended by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, the Governor of Phuket Province, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, senior officials from Thailand’s southern provinces, representatives of Phuket’s local authorities, the diplomatic corps, the Kazakh diaspora, business circles, tourism associations, and the media.
In his address at the ceremony, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr. Margulan Baimukhan emphasized that the opening of the Consulate in Phuket is a practical confirmation of the trusting and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Thailand:
“Phuket has long become an important hub for citizens of Kazakhstan. The opening of the Consulate will allow us to be closer to our citizens, protect their rights and interests, provide prompt assistance, and at the same time expand comprehensive cooperation with the southern regions of Thailand”.
In his address, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, emphasized the steady and progressive development of Thai-Kazakh relations and noted the significance of the opening of the Consulate as a practical step reflecting the dynamic nature of bilateral cooperation:
“Kazakhstan is an important partner of Thailand in Central Asia. The opening of the Consulate in Phuket will contribute to the further development of cooperation in the areas of tourism, trade, investment, and humanitarian exchanges”.
In his remarks, the Governor of Phuket Province, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, highlighted the importance of Kazakhstan as a reliable partner of Thailand and expressed confidence that the opening of the Consulate would give new impetus to the development of tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges:
“We are pleased to welcome the opening of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket. This event will strengthen ties between our peoples and open new opportunities for cooperation”.
The ceremonial program of the event was accompanied by performances on the dombra, whose distinctive sound drew the attention of guests and created an atmosphere of cultural dialogue and exchange. Guests were also offered traditional Kazakh dishes, allowing them to become more closely acquainted with Kazakhstan’s rich historical and culinary heritage.
The opening of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket became yet another confirmation of the two countries’ commitment to deepening their partnership and developing multifaceted cooperation that serves the interests of their citizens and contributes to strengthening friendship between Kazakhstan and Thailand.
For reference:
Phuket, 22 January 2026 — As part of a working visit to Phuket Province, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand, Margulan Baimukhan, held a meeting with the Governor of Phuket Province, Mr. Nirat Phongsitthaworn.
During the meeting, the parties noted the high level and steady development of Kazakh–Thai relations, based on mutual respect and trust. It was emphasized that bilateral cooperation is actively developing in such areas as tourism, trade and economic relations, investment, and humanitarian contacts. The Kazakh side expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation at both the national and regional levels.
The Kazakh diplomat highlighted the special importance of Phuket Province for citizens of Kazakhstan as one of the most popular tourist destinations. According to him, in 2025 around 200,000 tourists from Kazakhstan visited Thailand, a significant number of whom chose Phuket.
In this context, information was provided on the opening of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket, which is intended to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of Kazakh citizens and to promote the development of bilateral cooperation.
The Governor of the province was invited to take part in the official opening ceremony of the consular office.
In turn, Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn noted that the opening of the Kazakh Consulate in Phuket Province would contribute not only to the further development of tourist exchanges and an increased level of consular support for citizens, but also to the creation of favorable conditions for expanding investment cooperation and business contacts.
The parties discussed prospects for the development of practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and Phuket Province, including the implementation of joint projects in the fields of tourism, cultural exchange, business, investment, and digitalization.
The readiness of the Embassy and the Consulate of Kazakhstan to facilitate the establishment of direct contacts and to support mutually beneficial initiatives was emphasized.
Special attention was given to issues of transport connectivity. It was noted that there are currently 34 direct flights per week between Kazakhstan and Thailand, including 21 flights to Phuket, which contributes to the growth of tourist flows, the development of business ties, and the expansion of humanitarian contacts.
The Kazakh side expressed gratitude to the authorities of Phuket Province for their efforts to ensure safety and favorable conditions for the stay of foreign tourists, including citizens of Kazakhstan.
The importance of maintaining close cooperation and prompt communication with local authorities, including in emergency situations, was underscored.
Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence that the opening of the Kazakh Consulate in Phuket would provide an additional impetus for strengthening friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between Kazakhstan and Thailand, as well as for expanding ties with Phuket Province.
For reference:
Phuket is one of the key tourist centers of Southeast Asia and one of the most popular international tourism destinations.
Approximately 35 million foreign tourists visit Thailand annually, about 12 million of whom travel to the island of Phuket. In 2025, around 200,000 citizens of Kazakhstan visited Thailand.
The permanent population of the province is about 450,000 people; however, taking into account temporary visitors, the total number of people present in the region can reach up to 2 million. The gross regional product of the province is estimated at approximately 7.5 billion US dollars. The backbone of Phuket’s economy is the tourism industry, which provides a significant share of the region’s income. Additional key sectors include transport and logistics, trade and services, as well as real estate and construction.
The Republic of Kazakhstan is taking another step toward fostering international business. At the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan new regulations have been approved for obtaining an investor visa, aimed at enhancing the country’s investment appeal and supporting long-term business partnerships.
Under the new framework, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of 300,000 US dollars in the charter capital of Kazakh companies or in local publicly traded securities may submit an electronic application for an investor visa. This so-called “golden visa” also provides an opportunity to obtain a residence permit in Kazakhstan for up to 10 years.
Such visa programs, widely implemented in countries across Europe, the United States, the UAE, and Singapore, have proven to be effective tools for attracting capital, technology, and business activity. Kazakhstan now joins this global trend by offering its own model of investment residency.
The issuance of “golden visas” creates a favorable and predictable environment for foreign investors by providing legal safeguards and strengthening trust in Kazakhstan’s investment climate. This initiative reflects the country’s strategic focus on openness, capital protection, and the development of sustainable international economic ties.
Dear citizens!
Starting from May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea are required to complete the electronic Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) no later than 3 days prior to arrival.
This requirement applies to all holders of foreign passports, including:
– Tourists,
– Business travelers,
– Long-term residents.
📌 Exceptions:
– Passengers in transit who do not go through immigration control,
– Individuals crossing the border with local border passes.
👉 To complete the TDAC, please visit the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th.
Welcome to the official website of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket!
We are pleased to announce the opening of the Consulate of Kazakhstan in Phuket – the first diplomatic representation of our country on this beautiful island.
Our main mission is to protect the rights and interests of Kazakh citizens residing in or traveling to Thailand, as well as to promote friendly and business relations between the two countries.
On our website, you will find up-to-date information on consular services, visa issues, legal assistance, as well as news and events related to the activities of the Consulate.
We are open to cooperation and always ready to assist you!
📞 Contact us – +66 76 608 829
📧 Email – phuket@mfa.kz, kazconsul.phuket@gmail.com
Best regards,
Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket