Thailand’s visa-free stay period is set to be shortened from 60 to 30 days, as relevant authorities have tentatively approved this change to prevent the misuse of the visa exemption by illegal businesses, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that the Foreign Ministry is aware of the issue, which has been extensively discussed among all relevant parties over the past few weeks.
He mentioned that all parties agreed in principle to reduce the visa-free stay period to 30 days for nationals of countries that benefit from the exemption program, though more details need to be ironed out before the change is officially announced.
Since July 2024, Thailand has allowed tourists from 93 countries to visit without a visa for up to 60 days, a privilege previously extended to travelers from 57 countries.
However, tourism stakeholders have raised concerns that the 60-day allowance exceeds the typical stays of long-haul tourists, who usually visit for 14-21 days, and short-haul travelers, who average about a week per visit.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has voiced concerns to the ministry about the increasing number of foreigners engaging in illegal work or business activities, while the Thai Hotels Association has linked the extended visa period to a rise in the illegal daily rental of condos.
Following a suggestion from a former Phuket parliament member to address foreign businesses operating through local nominees and to shorten the visa-free period, Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, stated that the Tourism Department has been directed to enforce the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act more rigorously.
She also noted that a special task force, including the Tourism Department and Tourist Police among its six member agencies, has been actively investigating illegal activities in tourism hotspots such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Bangkok.
In 2024, the department canceled the licenses of 40 companies found to have illicitly altered their directorship and ownership structures, disqualifying them from operating in the tourism industry.
In Phuket alone, licenses were revoked for 15 tour operators, and there was a case involving a Thai tour company committee member who was also registered under five different company names.
