Thailand to Shorten Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days to Prevent Misuse

   

Thai authorities have tentatively agreed to reduce the visa-free stay duration from 60 days to 30 days in an effort to curb illegal business activities exploiting the visa exemption program, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that the Foreign Ministry has acknowledged concerns raised by stakeholders in recent weeks. 

 He confirmed that there is a consensus on shortening the stay period for passport holders from countries eligible for visa exemptions. However, further discussions are needed before an official announcement is made regarding the regulatory changes. 

 Since July 2024, Thailand has allowed passport holders from 93 countries to enter for tourism purposes for up to 60 days, an expansion from the previous list of 57 nations. However, tourism industry representatives have voiced concerns over this extended duration, noting that most long-haul visitors typically stay between 14 to 21 days, while short-haul travelers usually spend around seven days.  

The Association of Thai Travel Agents raised concerns with the ministry about a rise in foreigners engaging in unauthorized business activities. Additionally, the Thai Hotels Association attributed the increase in illegal daily condo rentals to the extended visa-free period. A former Phuket MP recently urged the government to take stricter action against foreign businesses operating through local nominees and advocated for reducing the visa-free period to 30 days. 

In response, Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, stated that the Tourism Department has been instructed to enforce the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act more strictly. A special joint operational center, comprising six agencies, including the Tourism Department and Tourist Police, has been monitoring illegal activities in key tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Bangkok. 

In 2024, the department revoked 40 tourism business licenses due to unauthorized changes in company ownership structures. In Phuket alone, licenses of 15 tour companies were revoked, with one case revealing a Thai national listed as a director under five different company names.

 

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