BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is intensifying its entry regulations for tourists, coinciding with a dip in visitor numbers.
The Thai cabinet decided on May 20, 2026, to halve the visa-free stay duration for travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland from 60 to 30 days. In parallel, Thailand is developing one of Southeast Asia’s most modern digital immigration systems.
From Tourism Magnet to Gatekeeper
In 2024, Thailand was the opposite of restrictive, increasing the visa-free stay for 93 countries to 60 days in July—a clear signal after the COVID-19 slump. This move brought visitors back but also led to side effects. Foreign nationals exploited the regulation for extended stays, illegal business activities, and so-called visa runs, which involve short border crossings to renew stamps and effectively remain in the country permanently.
Now, a reversal is underway. The cabinet’s decision on May 20, 2026, overturns the 60-day rule. For travelers from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), the visa-free period will be reduced to 30 days, taking effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Travelers arriving shortly after this publication should be aware of the date, as the old rule is still in effect but closing soon.
Why Thailand Is Becoming Stricter
The reasons for this policy shift are well-known: problematic tourist behavior such as public intoxication, fights, unpaid bills, and disrespect towards locals. While these issues are not new, Thailand has apparently lost its patience. A structural problem also contributes: foreigners using Thailand as a base for residence without the appropriate visa. Operating restaurants, online shops, or coaching services without a work permit is illegal, and authorities are now systematically documenting these activities.
Director-General Mungkorn Pratoomkaew of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially cited security, reciprocity in international travel, and the overlap of various visa exemptions as the three main reasons for the decision. The underlying message is less diplomatic: Thailand still wants tourists, but not just anyone, and not at any price. The strategy is focused on quality tourism, with entry rules serving as the tool.
What Specifically Changes for DACH Travelers
For a typical three-week vacation, there will be no change. Those traveling for two to four weeks to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Koh Samui will still be able to enter visa-free. The situation becomes critical for long-term tourists who have previously utilized the full two-month stay period. A one-time extension at the Immigration Office remains possible for 1,900 Baht (approximately 50 Euros), granting an additional 30 days.
Individuals who spend several months in Thailand annually should consider the tourist visa, which offers an initial 60-day stay, extendable to 90 days. For permanent residents, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is an attractive option, offering five years of validity, multiple entries, and up to 180 days per stay, though it requires a financial proof of 500,000 Baht. Specialized consultants can assist with selecting the appropriate visa.
India is Hit Hardest
The changes are particularly drastic for Indian nationals. Thailand had also granted them visa-free entry in 2024, and the response was significant, with approximately 1.6 million Indian visitors in 2025, marking one of the fastest-growing markets. Pattaya saw the emergence of a dedicated Indian district with restaurants, hotels, and clubs, noticeably altering the local scene.
Now, India is reverting to Visa on Arrival, allowing a maximum stay of 15 days for a fee of 2,000 Baht (approximately 53 Euros). This is a substantial change; longer queues have already formed at the Visa-on-Arrival counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports since the regulation change became known. For the remaining DACH countries, Visa on Arrival remains irrelevant, but the case of India demonstrates how swiftly Thailand can remove individual countries from its visa-exempt list.
The THIM App: Digital Entry, Digital Control
Concurrent with the stricter visa policies, Thailand is advancing the digitalization of its immigration department. The app, named THIM (Thailand Immigration Management System), was launched as a pilot project in May 2026. Developed by Digital Identity Co. in partnership with Amazon Web Services, it is now available on the App Store and Google Play, with over 10,000 downloads already recorded. The full official launch is scheduled for October 2026.
Currently, THIM allows users to store passport data, declare the purpose of travel, and fill out the arrival card digitally, reportedly in under three minutes. However, THIM does not yet replace the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card), which has been mandatory for all arrivals since May 1, 2025. This card must still be filled out separately via the official portal, no earlier than 72 hours before arrival. It is important to note that THIM and TDAC are two distinct systems.
What THIM Will Do in the Future
The Immigration Bureau describes THIM as a “Super App for foreigners in Thailand.” Phase 2, slated for October 2026, aims to digitize the 90-day reporting requirement—a significant benefit for expats who currently have to visit the Immigration Office in person or use the error-prone online portal. Additionally, future features include visa extensions, appointment scheduling with authorities, and direct integration with the tourist police.
Whether all these features will materialize as announced remains uncertain. Reports from the expat community indicate that the app is not yet reliably functioning in its pilot phase. Those anticipating the 90-day reporting via the app should keep their calendar dates marked and not assume the new function will be available precisely in October.
Data Privacy: What the App Stores
A review of THIM’s terms of service presents a nuanced picture. The app does not access photos, contacts, microphone, or camera. Data is not sold to advertising companies, and there is no commercial use of the data. However, the terms do permit the use of location data to verify the user’s presence in Thailand. This phrasing is intentionally broad, leaving room for future expansions.
For regular tourists spending a few weeks in Thailand, this is not a cause for alarm. However, those living in Thailand permanently and wishing to manage their location data with sensitivity should read the terms of service themselves. The fact remains that Thailand will increasingly collect digital information about foreigners and link it centrally. This is not an accusation, but a reality that should be acknowledged.
What to Practically Consider Now
Anyone entering Thailand in the coming weeks should be aware of the publication date in the Royal Gazette, as the new 30-day limit will take effect then, replacing the 60-day period. For those planning longer stays, an extension at the Immigration Office (1,900 Baht for 30 days) is possible, or one can apply for a tourist visa beforehand (60 days, extendable to 90). The TDAC requirement is already in effect; failure to complete the digital arrival card may result in delays at the counter. It is free of charge and can be completed a maximum of 72 hours before arrival.
Permanent residents in Thailand should keep an eye on the THIM app, not because it is fully functional today, but because it will become relevant in the coming months. Digitizing the 90-day reporting would be a significant improvement for many. Long-term residents who have not yet adapted their visas to the new reality should do so now. Thailand is no longer a “free travel destination” in the old sense, but for those who understand and respect the rules, everyday life changes little.
*Editorial note: This article is based on information as of June 2026. As new entry regulations only come into force after publication in the Royal Gazette, details may change at short notice. Binding information can be obtained from the Royal Thai Embassy or the relevant consulate.