Thailand is simplifying travel for Bangladeshis with the introduction of its e-visa service, making the visa application process more convenient and efficient.

The e-visa service will be launched for Bangladeshis from January 2, The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka said in a statement yesterday.

Bangladeshi official passport holders will be exempt from visa requirements starting December 19, 2024, it also said.

The official passports are issued to Bangladesh government employees, government officials and individuals representing the Bangladeshi government on official business.

Applicants will be able to fill out the application form and upload required documents on the website https://www.thaievisa.go.th without the need to submit their passport.

With this new system, the applicants will receive the approved visa by e-mail which should be printed and presented to the Thai immigration at the port of entry.

Due to certain technical limitations, applicants in Bangladesh are unable to pay the visa fee directly on the e-visa website. After submitting the application, the system will generate a "Payment Info Summary" sheet, which includes the application reference number, QR code, and the visa fee amount. Applicants must transfer the payment to the Thai Embassy's bank account via https://www.combank.net.bd/thaievisa and upload the "Payment Info Summary" sheet for verification. Cash payments at the bank will not be accepted.

The e-visa will typically be processed within 10 working days. Detailed instructions on how to apply for the Thai e-Visa are available on the website.

To prepare for the new e-visa system, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka will stop accepting applications through the four visa application centers from December 24, added the statement.