Thailand is set to reduce the visa-free stay period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days in a bid to crack down on illegal business activities, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced.
The policy, which has received preliminary approval from several ministries, is expected to apply to passport holders from 93 countries, including Southeast Asian nations such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.
The move is part of Thailand’s broader effort to tighten its visa-free entry regulations, aiming to prevent abuse by tourists engaged in unauthorized business operations.
Previously, Thailand extended the visa-free stay for travelers from 93 countries and territories to 60 days. However, authorities are now reviewing the rule, with further details still under discussion before the policy is officially finalized.
Thailand Clamps Down on Visa Abuse
In addition to shortening the visa-free stay period to 30 days, the Thai government is stepping up efforts to monitor illegal business practices carried out by foreign tourists. A key concern is the growing trend of illegal condominium rentals to tourists, which has adversely affected the local hotel industry.
Joint task forces have been deployed to investigate unlawful activities across major tourist destinations, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Bangkok. The move comes in response to concerns raised by the Thai Travel Agents Association over the rising number of foreigners operating businesses without proper licenses.
The Thai Hotels Association has also pointed to the extended visa-free policy as a contributing factor to the surge in illegal condominium rentals.
To strike a balance between tourism growth and regulatory compliance, authorities will tighten law enforcement, particularly targeting foreign-run businesses exploiting legal loopholes.
Key tourist hotspots such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui will be the main focus of these crackdowns, ensuring the tourism sector continues to drive the economy without compromising legal standards.
Foreign Visitors Brace for Policy Shift
With tourism serving as a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, the upcoming policy changes are expected to have far-reaching effects, particularly for long-term visitors and digital nomads who often rely on visa-free stays to work remotely. Businesses catering to these groups—such as co-working spaces and long-term rental services—may also see a shift in their customer demographics.
Beyond the shortened stay period, Thailand’s tourism industry faces additional challenges, including safety concerns among Chinese tourists and weakening purchasing power among travelers from North America and Europe. These factors could impact the government’s ambitious target of attracting over 40 million foreign visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic records.
As authorities prepare to announce the timeline for implementing the new regulations, travelers planning extended stays in Thailand are advised to stay informed on visa policy updates to ensure compliance. Further details, including possible exemptions or transition mechanisms for those affected, are expected to be released soon by relevant agencies.
