Thailand is considering revising its visa-free entry scheme by reducing the permitted stay period from 60 days to 30 days for nationals of 93 countries. The proposal is currently being reviewed by a committee established by the Prime Minister and chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with input from relevant agencies including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Immigration Bureau.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the proposed change is intended to address potential loopholes in the existing visa-free framework, which may be exploited by individuals engaging in unlawful activities in Thailand. Authorities have indicated that, although the visa-free scheme was originally expanded in 2024 to stimulate tourism, the average stay of foreign tourists in Thailand is approximately 21 days, suggesting that a 30-day visa-free period would remain sufficient for most visitors. Tourists wishing to remain longer may still apply for an extension under existing immigration procedures.
From a regulatory perspective, the proposed revision reflects increasing government scrutiny of the misuse of visa-free entry, including cases involving nominee businesses, unlicensed tour operators and foreign individuals working without proper permits. The Immigration Bureau has already intensified monitoring of visitors making repeated short-term entries into Thailand, particularly those engaging in “visa runs” to extend their stay without appropriate visas.
If implemented, the revised policy may signal a shift toward balancing tourism promotion with stronger immigration enforcement. Businesses in the tourism, hospitality and service sectors that rely on long-stay foreign visitors may wish to monitor further regulatory developments, particularly as the government continues to refine visa policies aimed at both supporting tourism recovery and preventing unlawful economic activities.
Thailand Considers Reducing Visa-Free Stay Period to 30 Days_Bangkok Global Law