Thailand has approved a major overhaul of its visa-free entry system, cutting permitted stays for foreign tourists as the government moves to tighten immigration controls while still protecting its vital tourism industry.
The cabinet decision marks a reversal of a 60-day visa-free scheme introduced in July 2024 to boost post-pandemic travel and attract visitors from more than 90 countries, including the United States, Israel, European nations within the Schengen area, and several countries in South America.
Under the new policy, visa-free stays will generally be reduced to 30 days, with some nationalities limited to just 15 days, depending on bilateral arrangements and security assessments.
Officials say the changes are aimed at closing loopholes that emerged under the extended visa system. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said the previous 60-day allowance had been “exploited” in some cases, allowing foreign nationals to engage in illegal work, operate unlicensed businesses, or become involved in online scam networks.
Authorities also pointed to a rise in arrests linked to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and unauthorised commercial activities such as illegal hotels and language schools, arguing that tighter controls are necessary to strengthen enforcement.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that the policy is not directed at any specific nationality, but rather at preventing misuse of Thailand’s visa framework. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the aim is to ensure that legitimate tourists are not affected while preventing abuse by repeat offenders and criminal networks.
To further tighten oversight, the government will also limit visa-free land border entries to two per year for eligible travellers under the standard 30-day category. Officials say the measure is designed to prevent frequent border runs that previously allowed long-term stays without proper visas.
The policy shift comes at a sensitive moment for Thailand’s economy, where tourism accounts for more than 10 percent of GDP. The country recorded a 3.4 percent drop in foreign arrivals in the first quarter of the year, with a sharp decline in visitors from some regions, including the Middle East.
Despite these challenges, Thailand has maintained its target of attracting 33.5 million international tourists this year, banking on tighter regulation to improve safety and restore confidence in the tourism sector.
