New rules limiting stays in Thailand on “visas on arrival” to 90 days over any six month period were confirmed at a meeting of Immigration Department Chiefs in Bangkok. The new policy will go into effect on October 1.   “[Foreigners from countries qualifying for visas on arrival] can come in and out of the country as many times as they like with a visa on arrival, but can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any six month period. If they stay 90 days then they must leave for 90 days before they are entitled to another visa on arrival. They can, however, go and request a tourist visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad and come back into the country,”   “Extensions above the 90-day limit may be granted in exceptional cases, such as if the tourist is suffering from an illness or involved in a lawsuit,”   “No new investment visas will be issued after October 1. However, existing visas in this category may be extended if the holder still has funds of 3 million baht and is still doing business in Thailand,”   Tourist visas are still available, for a fee, at Thai embassies and consulates in neighboring countries. The Royal Thai Consulate in Penang, however, will now issue only single-entry 60-day tourist visas. An official at the consulate said that an order had been sent down from Consul Pramote Pramoonsab to cease issuance of double-entry tourist visas, which allow a total stay of up to 120 days. Hotel and Resort Destinations in Thailand Koh Samui | Koh Phangan | Koh Chang | Koh Tao | Koh Samet | Koh Phi Phi Bangkok | Phuket | Krabi | Pattaya | Hua Hin | Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Kanchanaburi