Thailand reduces visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 to 30 days

Bankok, Thailand
Pexels/Kirandeep Singh Walia
The Thai government has decided to reduce the duration of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries from 60 to 30 days in most cases, with the aim of combating crime.
"The current system has advantages, especially for the economy, but it allows some people to abuse it," said government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.
Currently, tourists from more than 90 countries - including those from the Schengen area, the United States, Israel and Russia - can stay up to 60 days in the country without needing a visa.
The deadline was extended to July 2024 to stimulate the recovery of tourism after the Covid pandemic. It will now be reduced to 30 days for most countries and 15 days for others, which will be selected on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the respective embassies.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow explained last week that the measure is part of the government's efforts to combat transnational crime.
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Thailand does not point to any particular country, but rather to individuals who abuse the visa system with illegal activities during their stay, he explained.
In recent months, several cases involving foreigners have received wide coverage in the Thai press, including incidents related to alcohol or drugs, public sex scandals or the operation of businesses - such as hotels or private schools - without the necessary permits.
The tourism sector represents more than 10% of Thailand's GDP, but the number of visitors has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels.
The Southeast Asian kingdom expects to receive 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, more than three million less than initially expected, due in particular to the war in the Middle East.

Source: G1