Thailand Plans to Reduce Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days Amid Concerns Over Illegal Activities
Authorities propose shortening visa-free period to prevent exploitation of the exemption scheme.
Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry has announced plans to reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days.
This decision aims to mitigate the risk of illegal businesses exploiting the current visa exemption scheme.
The Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue, and related authorities have agreed in principle to the adjustment.
Further details are under discussion before a formal announcement is made.
Since July 15, 2024, Thailand has allowed passport holders from 93 countries to enter for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 60 days.
This extension raised concerns among tourism operators, as long-haul tourists typically stay between 14 to 21 days, while short-haul travelers average around seven days per trip.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents highlighted an increase in foreigners illegally working or conducting businesses in the country.
The Thai Hotels Association also noted a rise in condos being illegally rented out on a daily basis.
In response, the Tourism Department has been instructed to enforce the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act more rigorously.
A special joint operational center, involving six authorities including the Tourism Department and Tourist Police, has been investigating illicit activities in areas such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Bangkok.
In 2024, the department revoked the licenses of 40 companies found guilty of unauthorized changes in their corporate structures, disqualifying them from operating tourism businesses.
In Phuket alone, 15 tour companies had their licenses revoked.
Additionally, a Thai committee member of a tour company was found to be registered under five different company names.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to address and prevent the misuse of Thailand's visa exemption program.
This decision aims to mitigate the risk of illegal businesses exploiting the current visa exemption scheme.
The Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue, and related authorities have agreed in principle to the adjustment.
Further details are under discussion before a formal announcement is made.
Since July 15, 2024, Thailand has allowed passport holders from 93 countries to enter for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 60 days.
This extension raised concerns among tourism operators, as long-haul tourists typically stay between 14 to 21 days, while short-haul travelers average around seven days per trip.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents highlighted an increase in foreigners illegally working or conducting businesses in the country.
The Thai Hotels Association also noted a rise in condos being illegally rented out on a daily basis.
In response, the Tourism Department has been instructed to enforce the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act more rigorously.
A special joint operational center, involving six authorities including the Tourism Department and Tourist Police, has been investigating illicit activities in areas such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Bangkok.
In 2024, the department revoked the licenses of 40 companies found guilty of unauthorized changes in their corporate structures, disqualifying them from operating tourism businesses.
In Phuket alone, 15 tour companies had their licenses revoked.
Additionally, a Thai committee member of a tour company was found to be registered under five different company names.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to address and prevent the misuse of Thailand's visa exemption program.
