Thailand cuts visa-free stays, citing crime by foreigners
Officials said the tighter rules target visa abuse and illegal work as Thailand keeps a 33.5 million foreign tourist goal.
- 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.
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73 Articles
Bad news for Thailand fans: The Kingdom is eliminating the 60-day visa-free entry for tourists only two years ago. The cabinet decided to return to the former entry rules. Tourists from Austria, Germany and Switzerland are affected. In the future, visitors from 54 countries will only be allowed to stay in the country for 30 days without a visa, the newspaper "Bangkok Post" reported, citing the government. The 60-day rule was introduced in July 2…
Thailand cancels two-month visa-free travel for tourists due to rising crime rates among foreigners. Thailand is officially changing its entry rules for foreigners and reducing the visa-free stay in the country. Authorities are taking this step to stem the crime wave and restore order in the tourism sector, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing The Guardian. Read also: Maldives advances: the best and cleanest beaches on the planet in 2026 have been named.…
Thailand again tightens the reins on the entry regulations for holidaymakers from numerous countries.
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