Holidaymakers planning long getaways to Thailand could soon face stricter entry requirements after the Thai government announced plans to shorten visa-free stays for many foreign visitors.
Citizens from 93 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, China and several European nations, previously enjoyed visa-free entry for up to 60 days under a policy introduced in July 2024 to revive tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Thai authorities have now decided to scale back the exemption period, with many travellers expected to require a visa if they wish to remain in the country for more than 30 days.
The government said the move was aimed at improving national security and streamlining what officials described as a confusing visa arrangement involving overlapping exemptions between countries.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reportedly said the policy needed to be revised to better suit the country’s current economic and security situation.
Under the new system, the permitted length of stay will vary depending on reciprocal agreements between Thailand and individual countries, meaning some nationalities may receive shorter or longer exemption periods.
The revised rules are expected to take effect 15 days after being officially published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette.
Thailand remains one of Asia’s most popular tourist hotspots, attracting millions of visitors annually with its beaches, nightlife and food culture. Tourism continues to play a major role in driving the country’s economy.
The country welcomed nearly 40 million tourists in 2019 before visitor numbers plunged during the pandemic. Recovery has picked up strongly over the past two years, with almost 12 million arrivals already recorded so far this year.
At the same time, Thai authorities have been dealing with several high-profile cases involving foreign nationals, including arrests linked to drug smuggling, illegal employment and sex trafficking activities.
Earlier this year, police in Bangkok reportedly raided an unlicensed international school and detained 10 foreigners accused of working without valid permits, adding to growing concerns over immigration loopholes and illegal activities involving overseas visitors.
