Thailand is preparing to reduce the duration of visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries as part of efforts to address criminal activity involving foreign nationals, officials said on May 19.
Tourism remains a major contributor to the Thai economy, although international arrivals have yet to recover fully to pre-pandemic levels. Authorities have recently intensified scrutiny following several high-profile cases involving foreigners linked to drug-related offences, sex trafficking and the operation of businesses without the required permits.
Under the current policy, visitors from more than 90 countries and territories, including the Schengen area, the US, Israel and parts of South America, are permitted to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days.
Thailand’s cabinet has now approved plans to shorten the visa-free period, according to tourism minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. The revised duration will vary depending on nationality, with many travellers expected to receive stays of up to 30 days, while some may be limited to 15 days.
Officials said visitors would still be able to apply for a one-time extension through immigration offices, subject to approval and justification for a longer stay.
The government said the move forms part of broader measures targeting transnational crime and misuse of the visa system, rather than focusing on any particular nationality.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said tourism continued to provide economic benefits, but acknowledged that the existing arrangement had been exploited by some individuals.
Thailand previously capped visa-free stays at 30 days before extending the period to 60 days in July 2024 to support tourism recovery and economic activity.
The Thai government expects approximately 33.5 million international visitors in 2026, compared with nearly 33 million last year.
