Thailand aims to cut visa-free stay to 30 days to curb abuse by tourists

The move comes amid concerns over illegal businesses involving travellers and unlawful rentals of condominium units to visitors in Thailand

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Tourists visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:55pm, 18 Mar 2025

Thailand is seeking to overhaul its visa-free policy by shortening the permitted length of visit in a bid to stamp out foreign tourists misusing the concession to run illegal businesses.

Last year, the kingdom expanded the scheme to holidaymakers from 93 countries and territories, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said multiple ministries and stakeholders had agreed in principle to reduce the waiver to 30 days amid concerns over travellers illegally conducting business in the country and condominium units being unlawfully rented out to visitors.

According to industry representatives, most revellers spent only seven to 21 days in Thailand, which welcomed more than 35 million tourists and generated US$46 billion in tourism revenue in 2024.

The country, known for its palm-fringed beaches, aims to attract 39 million foreign guests this year, rolling out major measures including enhancing safety and airport infrastructure and promoting wellness and eco-friendly tourism to reach that target.

A tourism ministry official said a law enforcement blitz targeting foreign firms exploiting legal loopholes and the visa-free rule would be intensified in holiday hotspots like Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui, the Bangkok Post reported.