Thailand is set to reduce the number of days foreign visitors can stay without a visa, cutting the current 60-day allowance in half to 30 days. The move aims to curb misuse of the visa waiver, particularly by those engaging in illegal activities, according to Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Since July 2024, travelers from 93 countries have been allowed to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. However, multiple Thai media sources reported on Monday that various government ministries have agreed in principle to shorten this period to 30 days.
Why Is Thailand Reducing Visa-Free Stays?
Concerns have been raised about the extended stay period contributing to illegal activities. The Thai Hotels Association believes that longer visa-free stays may have led to an increase in condominium units being rented out unlawfully to foreign visitors. Similarly, the Association of Thai Travel Agents has expressed worries over the rising number of foreigners working or conducting business in the country without proper authorization.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
According to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Eric Zhu and George Ferguson, data from ForwardKeys shows that up to 7% of all Thailand-bound bookings between January and February were for stays of 22 nights or more. While the policy change may slightly impact long-term travelers, the overall effect on inbound tourism is expected to be minimal.
Analysts also point out that the change comes at a time when Thailand’s tourism sector is already facing challenges, including safety concerns among Chinese tourists and tighter travel budgets for North American and European visitors.
Thailand’s Tourism Goals for 2024
Despite these concerns, Thailand remains highly dependent on tourism, which continues to be a key driver of its economy. The government aims to attract over 40 million international visitors this year, surpassing its 2019 record. Between January and March 16, Thailand welcomed 8.3 million foreign tourists—a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
While the reduction in visa-free stay duration may impact some long-term travelers, Thailand remains a top global destination. Visitors planning extended stays should check for alternative visa options to ensure a smooth trip.
What are your thoughts on this new visa policy? Let us know in the comments!
