Thailand’s New Visa Policy: A 30-Day Limit for Tourists

Thailand is set to implement a significant change in its visa policy, reducing the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30 days. This decision, announced by the country’s tourism and sports minister, Sorawong Thienthong, aims to address the growing issue of foreigners engaging in illegal business activities while in the country under the pretense of tourism.

Addressing Illegal Activities

The move to cut the visa-free period comes as Thailand grapples with an increasing number of visitors exploiting the waiver to conduct unauthorized business operations. Local travel and hospitality associations have raised alarms over tourists renting out accommodations without proper authorization, which has become a prevalent issue. The Thai Hotels Association has specifically pointed out the rise in illegal apartment rentals to foreign visitors, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

Impact on Tourism

Since July 2024, citizens from 93 countries have enjoyed the privilege of staying in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. However, the government believes that reducing this period to 30 days will help curb the misuse of the waiver without significantly harming the tourism sector. Despite this, there are concerns about the potential negative impact on tourism demand, especially for those planning extended stays, such as digital nomads and retirees. Data from Forward Keys indicates that around seven percent of bookings to Thailand between January and February were for stays exceeding 22 nights.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Tourism is a crucial component of Thailand’s economy, and the country aims to surpass its 2019 record by attracting over 40 million foreign tourists in 2025. However, the new visa policy adds to the challenges facing the industry, including security concerns among Chinese tourists and tighter travel budgets for North American and European visitors. Despite these hurdles, Thailand’s visitor numbers have already increased by 3.9 percent from 2024, indicating a resilient tourism sector.

The official date for the implementation of the new visa policy is yet to be announced, but there may be exemptions or transitional measures for travelers with existing bookings. As Thailand navigates these changes, the focus remains on balancing the need to curb illegal activities with maintaining a robust tourism industry.