Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no decision has been made to shorten the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, following reports suggesting such a change was imminent.
Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on 21 March 2025 that no new visa regulation had been issued and current policies remain unchanged. Tourists already in the country are not affected.
His comments come in response to widespread local and international reports that the Thai government was planning to reduce the visa-free stay period amid growing concerns over its misuse.
In July 2024, the government extended visa-free entry to passport holders from 93 countries, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. This period could be extended by an additional 30 days, giving a total stay of up to 90 days.
The policy was introduced to stimulate tourism, which is a critical driver of Thailand’s economy.
However, authorities have raised concerns that some foreign nationals are exploiting the extended visa-free window to work illegally or conduct business without appropriate permits.
According to the Thai Travel Agents Association, most genuine tourists stay in the country for no more than 21 days.
This has led to further suspicion that the longer stay period may be facilitating non-tourism-related activities.
Earlier this month, authorities agreed in principle to consider reducing the visa-free duration, aiming to curb the loopholes being taken advantage of by some foreigners.
Mr Nikorndej explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to strike a balance between promoting tourism and safeguarding national security.
He noted that the review of the visa-free scheme is part of a broader effort to align immigration policies with changing circumstances.
“The ministry regularly reviews visa-related measures to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with national law,” he said. “Recommendations will be submitted to the visa policy committee before any proposal is made to the Cabinet.”
He emphasised that this review is a routine measure and not an indication of an immediate policy change.
Tourists planning to visit Thailand are encouraged to seek up-to-date information from the Immigration Bureau or the foreign affairs ministry.
The Ministry has not provided a specific timeline for when a final decision might be made or whether adjustments to the current policy are likely in the near future.
The visa-free policy introduced in mid-2024 was part of Thailand’s wider push to boost tourism numbers, which had been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years.
Since the reopening, the country has seen a steady rise in international arrivals.
However, as the number of visitors grows, Thai authorities are increasingly aware of the need to monitor how visa schemes are utilised to prevent any compromise of immigration and labour laws.
Despite the concerns, the government has also reiterated its commitment to making Thailand a tourist-friendly destination.
The review process will consider inputs from multiple agencies to ensure any changes serve the interests of both national security and tourism development.
The ministry continues to welcome feedback from the public and encourages any parties concerned about the visa policy to engage with official channels.
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