BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai government plans a drastic reversal of tourist entry rules, scrapping the 60-day visa-free program introduced in July 2024 for 93 countries and reducing stays to 30 days.
Return to Stricter Entry Rules
Tourism Minister Surasak Phanjaroenworakul is pushing a proposal to limit the visa-free country list back to 57 nations, returning to the system before the major liberalization in 2024. If the agreement with China is maintained, a total of 58 countries would be allowed visa-free entry. The new regulation would cap visa-free stays at 30 days, though an extension of another 30 days on site would remain possible. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is working on implementation details.
Security and Quality in Focus
Officials justify the move by noting that most tourists stay less than a month anyway. Data from the tourism police show that over 70% of visitors remain shorter than 30 days. The new rule thus better reflects actual travel patterns. Additionally, concerns are growing over misuse of long-term privileges for non-tourist purposes. The government aims to reduce administrative risks and strengthen national security. The decision is also influenced by the ongoing energy crisis and rising oil prices, which burden the tourism sector.
Academic Support for Reforms
Professor Witawat Rungruangphol of Thammasat University explicitly endorses ending the 60-day rule. He warns that overly lenient rules could attract more low-spending tourists and even transnational criminals. He points to pre-registration and screening systems in Japan and South Korea as possible models. According to the expert, the previous policy contradicted the goal of attracting high-spending tourists. Instead, overcrowding of well-known destinations like Pai district strains local infrastructure. He mentioned the concept of a tourist levy, first proposed in 2015, as an effective tool.
Future Plans for the Tourism Sector
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently reviewing details before the cabinet makes a final decision on the new visa list. While the agreement with China remains, Indian travelers may soon face a visa requirement again. The visa-free agreement with China came into effect on March 1, 2024. Additionally, new instruments such as a travel fee for foreign visitors are under consideration. These funds would flow directly into tourism development and medical care for tourists. The tourist levy idea, first proposed in 2015, aims to secure financing for infrastructure and health services.
Shift Toward Luxury Tourism
The planned restructuring signals a clear course change away from sheer volume toward more quality. Thailand wants to protect its image and specifically attract visitors who contribute sustainably to economic growth. A possible cooperation with Thai Airways is being discussed to promote new routes and enable targeted visa-free entry.