The Thai Government is reassessing its 60 - day visa exemption for travellers from 93 countries, which was introduced in July 2024 to boost tourism, due to concerns about misuse for certain illegal activities.
While a final decision has not been made, the government is considering a reduction to 30 days possibly with stricter enforcement and fewer visa runs.
Officials are concerned that some visitors are using the extended stay to work illegally, engage in other illicit activities, or overstay their welcome. The main proposal being discussed is a reduction of the visa - free period back to 30 days, other possibilities include more frequent re - entry checks and stricter enforcement for those seeking long stays.
The Department of Consular Affairs, under Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement announcing the reasons of a recent meeting on the 60 - day visa waiver chaired by Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilathakyakorn.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said that the meeting aimed to strike a balance between promoting tourism and applying immigration regulations to ensure that Thailand remains an attractive destination.
The Department of Consular Affairs added that the conclusions of the meeting will be submitted to a future Visa Policy Committee, which will evaluate the proposals before making any recommendations to the government.
The purpose of the meeting, as it was stated was to discuss the impact of visa - free measures granted to citizens of 93 countries for stays in Thailand of up to 60 days, whether for tourism, business or certain temporary activities.
Implemented in July 2024, the 60 - Day free - visa measure is the result of a set of reforms aimed at boosting tourism : the government simultaneously expanded the list of eligible countries to 93 nationalities and extended the duration of visa - free stay from 30 to 60 days.
For now, no measures have been defined. An evaluation is underway, and changes will require government approval and prior official communication. However eligible tourists can still enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days per entry, extendable by 30 days on site.
For other purposes of stay, or for travellers not eligible for visa waiver, an e - visa is required, and TDAC remains mandatory for all visitors.
Already in the late summer of 2024, several Thai authorities raised the possibility of a return to the initial 30 - day limit, citing necessary adjustments to prevent abuses and the prolonged presence of visitors carrying out activities incompatible with their status.
The government then explained that the current visa policy was subject to a biannual review, planned since its launch, in consultation with the relevant ministries and agencies.
Link
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/10/27/tailandia-reavalia-medida-de-isencao-de-visto-de-60-dias
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