Thailand has approved the termination of its 60-day visa-free stay program for foreign visitors. Authorities aim to address growing concerns surrounding foreign-run grey businesses and criminal activities linked to extended stays.
According to reports from the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s cabinet approved the rollback on Tuesday. This will return immigration policies for affected countries to the framework that existed before the temporary 60-day exemption was introduced.
Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the revised policy is intended to strengthen oversight while balancing tourism and security considerations. The changes will officially take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. However, authorities have not yet confirmed a final implementation date.
Authorities Respond to Rise in Grey-Market Activity
Thai officials have increasingly voiced concerns that the visa exemption program was originally introduced to support post-pandemic tourism recovery. However, it unintentionally enabled foreign nationals to remain in the country for longer periods while operating unlicensed businesses or engaging in criminal activities.
The issue has drawn additional attention amid broader regional crackdowns. These efforts target grey-market enterprises, scam compounds, illegal online operations, and unlicensed gaming-related activities across Southeast Asia.
Under the updated system, the 60-day visa exemption will be removed for all 93 countries previously eligible for the scheme. Meanwhile, the number of countries qualifying for 30-day visa-free entry will be reduced from 57 to 54.
Mungkorn Pratoomkaew confirmed that a new 15-day visa exemption category will apply to Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius. In addition, Thailand will significantly reduce its visa-on-arrival program from 31 countries to just four: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia, and India.
Bilateral Agreements and Tourism Outlook Remain Important
Despite the tighter restrictions, several bilateral visa agreements will remain unchanged. These include 30-day exemptions for travelers from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Russia, and Vietnam. There are also 90-day exemptions for visitors from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea.
Thailand’s Visa Policy Committee, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will continue evaluating future visa exemptions based on economic and security considerations.
Sihasak Phuangketkaeow stated that authorities are also reviewing the country’s broader visa structure. They want to determine whether the current number of visa categories remains appropriate.
The policy changes come as Thailand’s tourism sector faces slowing momentum. Official figures showed foreign tourist arrivals reached 12.9 million as of May 17, down 3.3 percent year-on-year. Total arrivals declined 7 percent in 2025 to 33 million. Moreover, the National Economic and Social Development Council forecasts a further drop to 32 million this year.
Authorities clarified that travelers already in Thailand, or arriving before the new rules take effect, will still be allowed to remain under their current visa conditions until their approved stay expires.
