Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to propose reducing the visa-free stay for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, in an effort to curb abuses and address potential security concerns.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the 60-day visa exemption was introduced during the administration of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin to stimulate tourism, a key driver of the country’s economic growth.
However, a committee overseeing visa policy, chaired by the ministry, has determined that the current duration may be excessively long, he said on Friday.
Mr Sihasak recently visited Phuket, where tourism operators raised concerns about unintended consequences of the policy, which was originally designed to boost visitor numbers.
In Phuket and other major tourist destinations, authorities have received numerous reports of foreigners on 60-day visa exemptions operating businesses in sectors reserved for Thai nationals, as well as acquiring property illegally through nominee arrangements.
Additionally, many individuals arrested in crackdowns on online scam operations were found to have entered the country on tourist visas.
Mr Sihasak acknowledged that the 60-day allowance could be exploited by individuals who are not visiting Thailand for legitimate tourism purposes, including those seeking to remain in the country without applying for appropriate long-term visas.
“In practice, a 30-day period should be sufficient for most tourists,” he said.
Under the proposed revision, eligible foreign nationals would be permitted to stay for 30 days without a visa, with the option to apply for a further 30-day extension.
The minister emphasised that the measure is not targeted at any specific nationality, but is intended to address issues linked to online scam networks and other forms of abuse.
Some individuals involved in such activities have reportedly used extended visa-free stays to enter Thailand and travel onward to neighbouring countries.
Mr Sihasak reaffirmed that Thailand remains committed to welcoming foreign visitors, while also safeguarding its right to close loopholes that enable activities posing security risks or falling outside the scope of tourism.
