Visa exemption for Thailand: length of stay reduced to 30 days

A decision approved by the Thai authorities

Thailand plans to reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 daysfollowing concerns about illegal commercial activities exploiting the visa waiver program. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has confirmed that the competent authorities have accepted the principle of this modification..

Reduced length of stay from 60 to 30 days

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized the problem, which had been the subject of numerous discussions between stakeholders in recent weeks. They agreed to reduce the length of stay to 30 days for citizens of visa-exempt countries. Further details will be discussed before officially announcing the regulatory change.

Discussions established between tourism professionals and the authorities

Since July 2024, the government has allowed passport holders from 93 countries to enter Thailand for tourism purposes for up to 60 days, compared with 57 countries previously. However, tour operators have expressed concern about this extended period, as long-haul tourists typically stay between 14 and 21 days, while short-haul travelers spend less than two weeks per trip, or around seven days.

The Association of Thai Travel Agencies raised this concern with the Ministry because of the growing number of foreigners working or trading illegally in the country. The Thai Hotel Association felt that this was partly responsible for the increase in the number of condos illegally rented out to day guests. Following an appeal by a former member of Parliament in Phuket, urging the government to crack down on foreign companies using nominees and to reduce the visa-free period to 30 days, Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary of the Ministry, said the Ministry had instructed the Tourism Department to enforce the law on tourist companies and tour guides more seriously.

She added that the special joint operational center run by six authorities, including the Department of Tourism and the Tourist Police, systematically investigated illegal activities taking place in Phuket and five other popular tourist areas, namely Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Bangkok. In 2024, the department revoked the licenses of 40 companies found guilty of secretly altering the authorized directors and the proportion of directors and shareholders, thereby disqualifying them from carrying on tourism business. In Phuket, the licenses of 15 travel agencies were revoked. She also mentioned the case of a Thai travel agency committee registered under five different company names.

When will this decision take effect?

For the moment, no date has been officially communicated by the Thai government. Discussions are currently underway between tourism professionals and the authorities.

This news item was published on March 17, 2025 by local newspaper Bangkok Post.

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