BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it planned to cut visa-free stays for foreign tourists from 60 to 30 days in response to alleged visa abuse and growing security concerns over online scam networks.
What exactly was set to change
Under the proposal, nationals who had previously been allowed to enter visa-free would in future be permitted to stay only 30 days in the country.
At the same time, visitors would still be able to apply for an extension of stay for a further 30 days, according to the ministry’s outline of the plan.
Why the 60 days were introduced in the first place
The 60-day rule had been introduced under the government of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin to boost tourism as a key engine of economic growth.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said a responsible committee on visa policy had meanwhile concluded that the duration could be “too long”.
“The committee on visa policy has now come to the conclusion that the duration could be too long.”
said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Foreign Minister.
Complaints from Phuket as a trigger
Sihasak Phuangketkeow reported that, during a visit to Phuket, he had heard several complaints from tourism operators about negative side effects of the system.
A measure that had originally been designed to promote tourism was therefore said to be deliberately exploited by certain groups and to be harming the destination.
Allegations: shell companies, banned jobs, property via nominees
In Phuket and other destinations there had been numerous reports, according to the ministry, that foreigners on 60-day stays were starting businesses in sectors reserved for Thai nationals.
In addition, cases had come to light in which real estate was purchased via nominees, apparently using straw men and therefore illegally.
Security agencies point to online scams
Another reason cited was that, during arrests carried out in raids against online scam operations, many suspects had entered on tourist visas, according to information from circles close to the policy commission.
The minister said the long visa-free stay could be used by people who did not come for “real” tourism but wanted to remain in the country without an appropriate long-term category.
“The long visa-free stay can be used by people who are not coming for genuine tourism, but who want to stay in the country without an appropriate long-term category.”
said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Foreign Minister.
30 days are enough – according to the minister
Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that, in practice, 30 days were sufficient for most tourists.
The reduction was intended to draw a clear line between normal holidays and stays that in effect involved work, business activities or circumvention of regular visa rules.
No countries to be singled out
The minister stressed that the planned change was not directed against specific countries or nationalities.
The aim was to close loopholes linked to online fraud and other forms of abuse, especially as some individuals had also used the longer visa-free period for trips to neighbouring countries.
“The change is not aimed at any particular country or nationality, but at closing loopholes associated with online fraud and other forms of abuse.”
said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Foreign Minister.