Thailand has approved a new policy to reduce visa-free stay durations for foreign tourists. Thailand aims to strengthen security and address rising concerns over foreign-related criminal activities. The decision was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday.
According to officials, Thailand will now adjust visa-free stay rules on a country-by-country basis. Previously, tourists from over 90 countries could stay for up to 60 days without a visa.
Under the revised plan, most visitors to Thailand are expected to receive a 30-day stay limit. Some nationalities may only be allowed to stay for 15 days. The new rules will replace the earlier uniform system.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul confirmed the decision in Bangkok. He said the changes aim to improve monitoring of foreign visitors. He also stated that safety and law enforcement are key priorities.
Thailand had extended its visa-free stay period from 30 days to 60 days in July 2024. That earlier decision was made to support tourism recovery after the pandemic.
However, authorities now believe stricter rules are necessary. The government has linked the decision to rising cases involving foreign nationals. These include drug offences, trafficking-related crimes, and illegal business operations.
Some cases also involve unlicensed hotels and unauthorized schools operating in the country. Officials said better control is needed to prevent such activities.
Tourism remains an important part of the economy in Thailand. It contributes more than 10 percent to the country’s GDP.
Despite this, visitor recovery has remained uneven. Tourism numbers have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Recent data shows foreign arrivals in Thailand dropped by around 3.4 percent in the first quarter compared to last year. The decline was more significant among visitors from the Middle East.
Arrivals from that region fell by nearly one-third during the same period. Officials are monitoring these trends closely.
Even with the decline, Thailand expects about 33.5 million foreign tourists this year. This is slightly higher than last year’s total of around 33 million visitors.
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Authorities in Thailand believe the updated visa policy will help balance tourism growth with security needs. They also expect improved regulation of long-term foreign stays. The government says the new system will support safer and more sustainable tourism in Thailand.
