Visa-free stays may be shortened to 30 days

[Gaybutton]

Emphasis on "MAY be shortened". The proposal is in the works, but for now it is just that, a proposal. Supposedly this measure would reduce crime and most tourists don't stay as long as 60 days anyway.

But the way I see it, while I fully understand Thailand's desire to reduce crime perpetrated by foreign criminals, once again the method punishes completely innocent, law abiding people - the vast majority of people who visit Thailand. So, now they are talking about reducing the 60 day privilege along with an increase in airport departure tax, which is already on the books to begin in May.

Part of the article says "If they want to stay longer than 30 days, they can simply apply for an extension as normal." Is that so? Let them trek to an immigration office with all the crowds, and then tell us all about how "simple" it is.

Whether that affects tourist numbers remains to be seen.

I will, of course, place it on "Announcements" if it comes to be.
______________________________

Shorter visa-free stays on the cards

by Molpasorn Shoowong

February 12, 2026

The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government's plan to reduce visa‑free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists on average stay for less than a month.

Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent tourism and sports secretary, said a new committee set up by the prime minister and chaired by the permanent foreign affairs secretary plans to revise visa measures, including 60‑day visa‑free stays for visitors from 93 countries.

She said the Tourism and Sports Ministry provided supporting research for this committee, which is expected to reduce visa-free stays to 30 days.

Based on discussions with several related organisations, including the Immigration Bureau, they agreed in principle to reduce the number of days to prevent loopholes that could be exploited by foreign criminals or individuals intending to commit illegal activities in the country.

"This change should not impact tourism, as foreign tourists on average stay in Thailand for 21 days at most," said Ms Natthriya. "If they want to stay longer than 30 days, they can simply apply for an extension as normal."

She said the caretaker government has the authority to approve this change, as the new government has not yet been formed.

The visa‑free scheme, allowing foreigners from 93 countries to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, began in mid‑2024 during the administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, aiming to boost sluggish tourism.

Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said the association agreed with the reduction.

This rule change was proposed by tourism operators since last year, seeking to reduce foreign criminal activity and promote a safer image for the industry, he said.

Most tourists do not stay for 60 days, and those who do often intend to misuse the visa for purposes other than tourism, said Mr Thanapol, referring to nominee businesses, unlicensed tour operators and foreign tour guides.

During the early stages of the visa‑free scheme, foreign arrivals surged, especially from China, Taiwan and India.

However, those trends eventually declined, and tourists still travelled for less than a month.

He insisted the government should maintain the visa‑free scheme because it remains crucial to the market as arrivals are contracting.

Many countries offer visa‑free privileges to certain markets to enhance trade and tourism, including China, which allows most European tourists to visit without a visa, said Mr Thanapol.

Since the end of last year, the Immigration Bureau has imposed tighter scrutiny of foreigners visiting the country via the visa-free scheme, targeting those making multiple visa runs in particular.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... -the-cards

[Harald]

Yes, this is precisely the changes I expect from the current government. In terms of retirement visas they plan to attract wealthier retirees by changing visa conditions whatever it means. Let’s wait and see. Do not expect any changes to the better.

[Gaybutton]

Do not expect any changes to the better.

Be negative about it if you want to, but I, for one, am not at this point expecting anything. I don't know what to expect. But based on the Bangkok Post article and the February 12 "Headline News" ( viewtopic.php?p=120516#p120516 ) I'd say the odds are in favor of seeing improvement rather than getting worse or staying the same. While nothing specific has been released about it, the idea that what they want to do is streamline the process of extending retirement visas - it sounds good to me.

Also, I have seen nothing from Anutin or any other politicians to indicate they want to make the rules for obtaining and extending retirement visas more difficult. I haven't seen any of them mentioning it at all, one way or another.

True as you say, we'll just have to wait and see what happens, if anything actually does happen. But if they really are going to streamline the retirement visa extension process, I sure hope they do it before my next extension is due.

[Jun]

Isn't the PM the same person who made some disparaging remarks about westerners a few years back ? In which case, we know how he thinks.

Allegedly: "He warned the public that western foreigners or ‘farang’ do not shower regularly and dress in a dirty manner in the context of the current virus threat."
Whilst forgetting to mention standards of hygiene etc where that virus came from.

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news- ... ace-masks/

[Gaybutton]

Isn't the PM the same person who made some disparaging remarks about westerners a few years back ? In which case, we know how he thinks.

I'm not so sure. Everyone puts his foot in his mouth once in a while. He did publicly apologize for the remarks he made 6 years ago and has made no similar public remarks that I know of ever since. When a public figure makes that kind of remark, despite anything else he's said or done, that's what sticks.

I feel perfectly comfortable disregarding and overlooking it unless and until he says or does anything similar. I think he is far more concerned about the economy than whether I changed my underwear today and washed my hands before dinner.

By the way, I've seen more than just a few farang around here who fit those remarks perfectly . . .

[Jun]

By the way, I've seen more than just a few farang around here who fit those remarks perfectly . . .

Good point.

As for shortening visas.
1 It would do little to stop crime, if all the criminals were to continue paying tea money to get whatever visas they want.

2 It WILL reduce tourism income. Whilst most tourists stay less than 30 days, some of us stay longer and unsurprisingly, we spend money when here.

However, the biggest inconvenience might be for all the bar boys, who would have to do twice as many visa runs. That's the ones legally in the country. No change for those here illegally .