Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a broad overhaul of the country’s visa-exemption and entry privileges, with the changes aimed at tightening security while ensuring travel benefits remain appropriate for current economic and diplomatic conditions.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said on Tuesday, July 14 that ministers had endorsed a further review of visa-free entry measures and other visa privileges available to foreign nationals.
The revised framework is designed to close security gaps, prevent misuse and remove overlapping benefits under the principle of “one country, one entitlement”, while continuing to facilitate legitimate tourism and short-term travel.
One of the most significant changes is the withdrawal of the existing visa-exemption scheme that allows nationals from 93 countries and territories to remain in Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, work or short-term business purposes.
Authorities said the longer permitted stay could be exploited by individuals entering the country to commit illegal acts or engage in activities unrelated to tourism.
Entry privileges will instead be adjusted on a country-by-country basis, taking into account economic interests, national security, diplomatic relations and reciprocal arrangements.
Under the proposed measures, passport holders from 59 countries and territories will be allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for tourism and remain for no longer than 30 days.
The 30-day entitlement will also be extended to India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives. The inclusion of the five European countries means citizens of all 27 European Union member states will receive the same visa-free privilege.
The government said the move would support Thailand’s international relations, strengthen negotiations for Schengen visa-free access for Thai nationals and contribute to the development of future economic agreements.
Mauritius and Seychelles will meanwhile be granted visa-free entry for tourism for stays of up to 15 days, with the arrangement to be reviewed at a later date.
Officials said the decisions were based on factors including visitor numbers, tourism spending and the wider economic and diplomatic importance of the countries involved. Indian travellers, for example, remain in Thailand for an average of approximately 7.17 days per trip.
Visa on Arrival privileges at designated immigration checkpoints will be granted to travellers from Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
India’s existing Visa on Arrival entitlement will be removed because Indian nationals will instead qualify for a 15-day visa exemption, in line with the government’s policy of avoiding overlapping entry privileges.
Ploytalay said that once the review is implemented, a total of 65 countries and territories will qualify for entry privileges under the various visa measures.
Five related draft announcements from the Ministry of Interior will take effect 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette.
Foreign nationals who enter Thailand and receive privileges under the current rules before the new announcements come into force will be permitted to remain until the end of their originally authorised stay.
Security agencies will also enhance the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system to improve checks on foreign nationals’ records and travel histories.
Authorities will accelerate the integration of databases between relevant agencies, allowing officials to assess potential risks before travellers arrive and monitor whether visa privileges are being used for their stated purposes.
“This review is not intended to reduce tourism opportunities, but to adjust the system to make it more appropriate, clear and verifiable, while maintaining a balance between economic stimulus, facilitating travel for tourists, international relations and national security, and preventing visa measures from being used as a channel for illegal acts,” Ploytalay said.
