Thailand is planning to revise its visa-free entry policy by reducing the permitted stay for travellers from select countries from 60 days to 30 days, as part of efforts to strengthen oversight while maintaining steady tourism inflows.
Under the proposed change, visitors will still have the option to apply for a 30-day extension, allowing flexibility for longer stays while shortening the initial entry duration. The move is currently under consideration by the government.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the visa-exemption policy, introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was originally aimed at boosting tourism by allowing eligible foreign nationals to visit without a prior visa for tourism or short-term business.
However, officials now believe that the 60-day stay may be longer than necessary for most travellers. According to the ministry’s visa committee, extended stays could increase the risk of misuse, with some individuals attempting to remain in the country without appropriate visas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand is preparing to formally propose the reduction to 30 days while retaining the extension option. Authorities have also linked the move to concerns over illegal activities, including online scam networks, where individuals allegedly misuse longer visa-free periods to operate across borders.
Officials clarified that the proposal is not targeted at any specific nationality but is intended to address systemic gaps. Emphasizing the country’s tourism-friendly stance, Sihasak noted that Thailand remains committed to welcoming international visitors while ensuring stronger security measures.
The proposal has received support from tourism operators and the Immigration Bureau, who believe a 30-day stay is sufficient for most travel needs. The revision also follows rising concerns, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Phuket, where residents have called for stricter entry regulations amid reports of crimes involving some foreign visitors.
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