Thailand cuts visa-free stays, citing crime by foreigners
Officials said the rollback aims to curb crime and illegal work as foreign arrivals fell 3.4% in the first quarter, according to tourism ministry data.
- Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced in Bangkok that Thailand's cabinet approved reducing visa-free stays for visitors from more than 90 countries, reverting to shorter durations to address security concerns.
- The government had extended the visa-free period to 60 days in July 2024 to stimulate the economy, but government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek noted the scheme "has allowed some people to exploit it."
- High-Profile arrests involving foreign nationals linked to drug offenses, sex trafficking, and businesses operating without proper permits prompted the government to initiate this crackdown.
- Most foreign nationals will receive stays of up to 30 days, while others could receive only 15 days, Surasak said, with durations determined on a country-by-country basis.
- Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow clarified last week that the plan targets individuals abusing the visa system rather than specific nations, as Thailand manages tourism vital to the economy.
118 Articles
118 Articles
Thailand Makes Move to Address Troublesome Tourists
Two years after welcoming longer tourist stays to boost post-Covid recovery, Thailand is saying no more. The country will revoke its 60-day visa-free entry period for 93 countries and territories, with 54 nations—including the US, Canada, much of Western Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Australia—instead receiving 30-day visa-free stays,...
Tourists in Thailand plan for coming cuts to visa-free stays
The backpackers on Khao San Road, a Bangkok thoroughfare famous for its wild nightlife, are waking up this week with an extra headache: the Thai government is set to shorten the length of visa-free stays.
In the future, you can only stay in the country for 30 days without a visa.
The amendments are expected to take effect 15 days after publication in the Law Gazette.
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays Over Foreign Crime Concerns
Thailand has long sold itself as the easy-going gateway to paradise — beaches, street food, temples, and, until now, generous visa-free stays. But Bangkok is tightening the rules. Why? Officials say some visitors have mistaken a tourist visa for a free pass to break the law.The Thai government has approved plans to sharply reduce visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries, including the US and much of Europe. Instead of the curre…
Thailand tightens rules on visas exemptions for tourists
Bangkok: Thailand will tighten its rules for visa exemptions for visitors, including shorter stays and fewer eligible countries, following a review approved by cabinet on Tuesday, a foreign ministry official said.Thailand, one of Asia's top holiday destinations, at its peak drew close to 40 million visitors in pre-pandemic 2019, with tourism a key source of jobs and driver of growth in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.* Following the …
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