Thailand is reducing tourists’ visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days, says its Tourism and Sports Ministry. In particular, this affects travelers from 93 visa-exempt countries. The move comes amid rising concerns from tourism suppliers on the potential misuse and abuse of long stays. Although the change is not yet operational, authorities have agreed to it in principle.
Context of the Visa-Free Policy Change
Previously, Thailand allowed travelers from 93 countries to stay visa-free for up to 60 days. Specifically, the government introduced the policy in July 2024 to boost tourism. By extending the stay period, authorities aimed to attract long-term visitors and stimulate the economy.
However, authorities have observed that some foreigners were taking advantage of the longer stays. Moreover, reports indicated that many were engaging in illegal activities, including unauthorized work and nominee businesses.
Many rented condos to tourists, bypassing hotels. As a result, it harmed the local hospitality industry. Hence, tourism officials started reviewing the impact of the extended visa-free period.
Furthermore, police found that some visitors used the extended stay to conduct unauthorized business operations. As these activities increased, industry leaders urged the government to take action. They warned that failing to regulate long-term stays could harm the economy and legal businesses.
Government Action
While the government supports tourism, it must also address regulatory concerns. Authorities are still discussing the exact implementation date of the visa-free policy change, but the decision is expected to move forward soon.
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has investigated illegal activities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket. The Tourist Police has also been investigating suspicious business activities. As a result, they have revoked licenses for several companies involved in illegal operations. Officials have also increased inspections in major tourist areas to prevent further violations.
Concerns from the Hospitality Industry
The Association of Thai Travel Agents supports the visa-free policy change, believing it will reduce illegal employment. They argue that allowing tourists to stay for 60 days without a visa opens the door to unregulated work. Similarly, the Thai Hotels Association has reported a rise in unauthorized condo rentals, impacting the hotel industry.
On the other hand, some tourism businesses fear the change could reduce the number of long-term visitors. They believe the government should implement stricter enforcement instead of cutting the stay period.
Visa-Free Policy Change’s Impact
Most tourists visiting Thailand, both long-haul and short-haul, stay between 7 and 21 days. Because of this, the new visa-free stay rule is unlikely to affect genuine travelers. Fortunately, those who wish to stay longer can still apply for a visa extension. Under current regulations, tourists can extend their stay by another 30 days through immigration offices.
Despite the concerns, authorities believe the new policy will help maintain order while still welcoming international visitors. They will go over any additional details before formally announcing the change. They plan to monitor the impact and make further adjustments, if necessary.
