Thailand to shorten tourist visa-free stay period for foreign visitors

Thailand to Implement New Tiered Visa System for Tourists

The Thai government has approved a new visa policy that will introduce a tiered system for tourists from over 90 countries. The change, effective at an unspecified date, will reduce the length of visa-free stays in Thailand.

Under the revised framework, citizens of certain countries will be limited to 30-day visa-free stays, while others will have permission for just 15 days. This shift away from a previous 60-day exemption scheme aims to address concerns over security and exploitation.

Government officials stated that the current system had allowed individuals to take advantage of it, leading to issues such as illicit grey-market enterprises, unauthorized foreign workers, and online scams. The new policy is intended to accommodate genuine travelers while preventing abuse of the visa system.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will enforce a strict cap of two visa-free entries per calendar year via land borders for the standard 30-day tier. This measure aims to prevent systemic abuse and ensure compliance with law enforcement.

Tourism remains an important sector for Thailand’s economy, accounting for over 10 percent of its gross domestic product. The government has set an annual target of attracting 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, despite a recent decline in arrivals due to various factors, including a significant drop in Middle Eastern travelers.

Source: Al Jazeera