The Thai government has decided to reduce the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days. This step has been taken with the aim of curbing the increasing illegal business activities in the country.
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Visa-free period reduced: Thai government has decided to reduce the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days. This step has been taken with the aim of curbing the increasing illegal business activities in the country. Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced this decision. This new rule will apply to passport holders of 93 countries, who could previously stay without a visa for 60 days.
Step taken to control illegal business
This decision has been taken in view of the increasing incidents of foreign nationals doing illegal work and business in Thailand. According to the Bangkok Post report, the Thai Hotel Association expressed concern that due to the long visa-free period, many condominium units are being rented out illegally to foreign guests. This is having a negative impact on the tourism business and local employment.
Major change in tourism policy
This change is in contrast to the tourism-friendly policy implemented in July 2024, which allowed foreign guests to stay longer. However, the government is now making it clear that long-term stays will not be possible in Thailand without the appropriate visa. The new rules will be officially announced soon, along with which travelers can be exempted.
Tourists will have to apply for visa
People who could previously stay without a visa for up to 60 days—such as digital nomads, retirees or tourists on long vacations—will now have to change their plans. If they want to stay more than 30 days, they must apply for a tourist visa in advance, allowing them to stay for 60 days and get a 30-day extension. Otherwise, they will have to leave the country and re-enter after the 30 days are over.
Impact on tourism economy
Tourism is a vital pillar of Thailand’s economy, making it Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. The government’s target is to attract more than 40 million foreign tourists in 2025, which would exceed the 2019 record.
Thailand had received 7.66 million foreign tourists as of March 9 this year, up 4.4% from the same period last year. The government is trying to strike a balance between tighter visa regulations and tourism revenue, so as to curb illegal activities and maintain the attraction of foreign travelers.
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