The government is reviewing its visa-free entry scheme for foreign visitors, with plans to refine the policy to attract higher-value tourism, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said.
Addressing a joint parliamentary session on Saturday during the cabinet’s policy statement, Mr Surasak said the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in coordination with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has begun a preliminary assessment of the visa exemption programme, which currently covers travellers from more than 90 countries.
Under the existing arrangement, eligible tourists are permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days.
However, data gathered by the government’s visa policy committee indicates the current duration may be longer than necessary. Around 90% of visitors remain in the country for between one and 30 days, while fewer than 10% stay beyond that period.
“As such, there is a clear direction to review the 60 days and potentially reduce it to better align with real tourism patterns,” Mr Surasak said.
Travellers seeking longer stays would still be able to apply for alternative visas, such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows visits of up to 180 days.
The minister said extended visa-free stays have contributed to unintended issues, including cases of foreigners working illegally, competing with local labour, or engaging in inappropriate activities.
He added that tightening the policy would help ensure that only “genuine, quality tourists” enter the country, in line with the government’s strategy of prioritising value over volume in tourism revenue.
Mr Surasak also confirmed that the government will move ahead with plans to introduce a tourism fee, commonly referred to as a “land entry fee”. He noted that similar charges are already in place in many countries.
Funds generated from the fee would be directed into a tourism fund to enhance visitor safety, including life and accident insurance coverage.
The revenue would also support upgrades to infrastructure, such as tourist attractions, public facilities and safety systems, as well as benefit local communities that host large numbers of visitors.
Separately, Mr Surasak outlined plans to restructure the ministry by merging tourism with cultural management, while establishing sports as a standalone ministry.
He said the proposed restructuring would enable more focused athlete development while ensuring that sports-related investments deliver measurable economic returns.
