Published : 13 May 2026, 04:41 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:43 PM
Key Takeaways:
• Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow said on Tuesday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will submit a plan to the Cabinet for approval to reduce the visa-free stay period for foreign tourists in Thailand to 30 days from 60 days. He did not say when
• Thailand has set a visa-free period for tourists from 93 countries since July 2024
• In addition, Thai authorities will check other visa types to ensure that individuals entering the country comply with the purpose of that visa
• The measures are designed to address concerns about the misuse of extended visas and the involvement of some tourists in illegal activities
• From Jan 1 to May 10, 2026, Thailand received 12.4 million foreign tourists, a decrease of 3.43 percent compared to the same period last year
• Tourism is critical driver of the economy, with foreign arrivals peaking at nearly 40 million in 2019
Thailand will halve the visa-free stay period for tourists from 93 countries to 30 days following controversy over tourists’ behaviour, The Independent reports citing officials.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow said on Tuesday they will submit a plan to the cabinet for approval to reduce the existing 60-day visa-free stay.
They will also review the eligibility criteria for investment visas, long-term residency permits, student visas, and digital nomad schemes, marking a broader overhaul of Thailand’s liberal visa policies.
Foreign nationals –- particularly Russians, Chinese and other expatriates -– have been operating businesses illegally, often by registering companies under Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership laws, the report says.
Thailand’s tourism industry has objected to proposals to shorten visa-free stays and introduce an entry fee for all foreign tourists, it added.
Industry leaders fear that stricter rules could drive travellers towards regional rivals including Vietnam and Malaysia.
Heavily dependent on tourism, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. The influx of tourists has surged again in recent years.
Locals, however, are unhappy with the tourism boom as residents in many areas complain that foreigners are taking over businesses, driving up prices, and undercutting Thai workers, The Independent said.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said they will not completely abandon the visa-free policy as tourism is a crucial source of revenue for the country.
“Free visas are not about unconditional entry,” Anutin was quoted as saying on Monday.
“We need to find the best balance,” said Charnvirakul.
