The Thai government’s decision to cancel the 60-day visa-free stay for foreign tourists is predicted to impact long-stay visitors in Mae Hong Son province. According to Panudej Chaiyasakul, president of the Mae Hong Son Tourism Business Association, while ordinary tourists may remain unaffected, those planning extended stays, particularly in Pai district, will need to reevaluate their visa strategies.
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Previously, tourists could choose durations ranging from 30 days to a year, but now the process will require more meticulous planning under stricter regulations. Pai, which sees about 15% of its tourists staying for longer periods, will likely face the brunt of this policy change. With fluctuating visitor numbers between high and low seasons, a significant portion of visitors will need to reassess their visa plans under these new stipulations.
Panudej has called on the government to quickly adopt new marketing strategies to retain tourist interest amidst these changes. Activities such as trooping, river tubing, and ziplining continue to draw tourists to Mae Hong Son, and Panudej encourages both Thai and international visitors to explore its natural beauty.
On Monday, the Cabinet confirmed the cancellation, affecting tourists from over 90 countries. Those with multi-visa options will revert to older criteria. Relevant agencies will be briefed, and the visa policy committee will evaluate and assign suitable visa categories based on security and economic considerations for each nation.
With most affected countries shifting back to 30-day visa categories, tourism patterns in regions reliant on long-stay visitors, like Pai, could see notable changes. The government will need to navigate these impacts carefully to sustain tourist influx while addressing security and economic needs.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 20 May 2026