Thailand Eyes 30-Day Limit on Visa-Free Stay for Security Reasons

5 minutes ago, heybuz said:

Could be wrong but can't customs check the passports when entering the country and they will see the number of entries if too many in a certain period deny entry. Maybe to simple a solution.

The number of entries flashes up on the IO screen when they scan your passport.

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

30 days is for "normal" tourists" enough..

90 in Malaysia, and that's why as a traveler I would spend more time there. We had planned to be in Thailand for 50 days or so come May but may have tore-evaluate that if this comes in quickly. Cambodia has super easy visas so we will spend more time there this year, I am too old for all this visa ball ache :)

If crime is the issue, not sure how shortening it will make it better, criminals aren't well know for abiding by the law, so making it more illegal won't help. As mentioned by another poster, if there is a particular nation or 5 who have citizens who are particularly troublesome, remove them from a the list of nations hose citizens can get access and make them apply for an e-visa so they can be assessed

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The government may reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days citing security issues.

If introduced, Vietnam looking good with 45 days visa-free and option to extend!

1 minute ago, BumGun said:

90 in Malaysia, and that's why as a traveler I would spend more time there

If crime is the issue, not sure how shortening it will make it better, criminals aren't well know for abiding by the law, so making it more illegal won't help. As mentioned by another poster, if there is a particular nation or 5 who have citizens who are particularly troublesome, remove them from a the list of nations hose citizens can get access and make them apply for an e-visa so they can be assessed

Still a "normal " tourist which is the biggest group, will not spend more than 30 days ..... If you need longer there is no problem to apply for a longer visa... Why should it be a problem??? If you are a true traveller I don't think it matter if you ask a visa for 3 months

20 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Is this a coincidence that Anutin gets elected and within days they're reducing the length of tourist visas? I know a countless number of tourists who come for more than a month, and this just makes things more difficult for them, and makes it a far easier choice to just pick another country. Just more incredibly ignorant policy and more decimation to the economy.

Thailand needs to begin realizing that they need tourists infinitely more than tourists need them, and this nation is not only is not the center of the universe, but offers considerably less to a tourist than it did 10 or 20 years ago.

The hubris, the arrogance, and the ignorance must stop.

Where were your friends thinking of going in the region that offers 60 days visa free ?

Due to other changes at Chaeengwattana on Non-O extension for older than 50 yo, I already planned to stay 2 months per year in Thailand instead of 6 months per year when my current extension ex̌pires

If visa exempt is reduced to 30 days, I will most probably reduce my stays to 30 or zero day per year, as I will not waste a day at Chaeengwattana to get a 30 days extension.

The 60 days visa-free entry has me puzzled and an invitation for people who aren't planning to return home, or even engage in working illegally. Most people I know in Europe and the USA can't take 60 days off work in a row. 30 or 45 days max should fit most people's holiday plans.

Further the that and we're talking long stay that should require a proper visa.

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

30 days is for "normal" tourists" enough.. Of course I read special cases but that all can be solved by applying a longer visa at the Embassy in the country they live in.. Than indeed it will be more clear who is tourist and who want to stay here for other reasons. When the visa is used it should not be possible to enter for 90 days or so. The problem however is that people who want to be here illegal will do anyway.. Same as the 90 days report or annual renewing ... The normal people will follow the procedures, but the overstayers not...a visa free 30 days stay will not solve the security reasons and work mentioned in the article...

The 30 days visa free allowance will not affect the tourism, as there is always a possibility to apply for another visa for longer stay...But than you have to proof were you live and how you fund your stay... Maybe that is for several people a problem, or maybe by invitation of a familymember... Possibilities enough..

During covid, the Thai government decided that 90 days was the limit for real tourists, so why should it be different now?

1 minute ago, daejung said:

Due to other changes at Chaeengwattana on Non-O extension for older than 50 yo, I already planned to stay 2 months per year in Thailand instead of 6 months per year when my current extension ex̌pires

If visa exempt is reduced to 30 days, I will most probably reduce my stays to 30 or zero day per year, as I will not waste a day at Chaeengwattana to get a 30 days extension.

I'm similar in a way, I decided last year rather than continuing as a permanent resident it suited me more just to visit as a tourist twice a year. I figured at the very least I would always get a month visa free. However if I really wanted to stay longer, ie 60 days, it's easy enough to do the online tourist e-visa similar to other countries in the region. Not exactly a hardship.

OK! Tourists are booking tickets for the great weather on the horizon!
Time to send dozens of mixed messages and a box a red tape for them to navigate ... or ... redirect them to "Wonderful Vietnam" websites and just eliminate the hassle???

9 hours ago, smedly said:

people working illegally mostly use education visa

And you getting this from the lads at the pub or from a post on FB 😁

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Is this a coincidence that Anutin gets elected and within days they're reducing the length of tourist visas? I know a countless number of tourists who come for more than a month, and this just makes things more difficult for them, and makes it a far easier choice to just pick another country. Just more incredibly ignorant policy and more decimation to the economy.

Thailand needs to begin realizing that they need tourists infinitely more than tourists need them, and this nation is not only is not the center of the universe, but offers considerably less to a tourist than it did 10 or 20 years ago.

The hubris, the arrogance, and the ignorance must stop.

Nobody has mentioned any changes to tourist visas.Don't mix up visas and visa exempt entries.

And stil give 90 days for Russian ….

is there another stupid country that changes rules so quick? i mean this is ridiculous...first it became weed mekka, now they changed their mind....then after covid relaxed everthing to attract visitors, now they are restricting again...omg if thailand is not stupid....

19 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

30 days is for "normal" tourists" enough.. Of course I read special cases but that all can be solved by applying a longer visa at the Embassy in the country they live in.. Than indeed it will be more clear who is tourist and who want to stay here for other reasons. When the visa is used it should not be possible to enter for 90 days or so. The problem however is that people who want to be here illegal will do anyway.. Same as the 90 days report or annual renewing ... The normal people will follow the procedures, but the overstayers not...a visa free 30 days stay will not solve the security reasons and work mentioned in the article...

The 30 days visa free allowance will not affect the tourism, as there is always a possibility to apply for another visa for longer stay...But than you have to proof were you live and how you fund your stay... Maybe that is for several people a problem, or maybe by invitation of a familymember... Possibilities enough..

More inconvenience for tourists who want to spend the summer holidays 2 months in Thailand....Vietnam and the Philippines seem much better and cheaper options....

1 hour ago, heybuz said:

Could be wrong but can't customs check the passports when entering the country and they will see the number of entries if too many in a certain period deny entry. Maybe to simple a solution.

A simple but quick remedy perhaps- makes sense to me?

44 minutes ago, thjames007 said:

And you getting this from the lads at the pub or from a post on FB 😁

20 hours ago, Upnotover said:

Maybe take a look at the 93 countries, rather than the calendar.

Bang on the mark...but that makes too much common sense for those in charge.

44 minutes ago, parafareno said:

is there another stupid country that changes rules so quick? i mean this is ridiculous...first it became weed mekka, now they changed their mind....then after covid relaxed everthing to attract visitors, now they are restricting again...omg if thailand is not stupid....

I think you will find it's caused by two government bodies that are rivals ......

MFA (VISA sales) Vs Immigration (corruption).

The income of one reduces the income of the other.

I think this is a great idea it would cut down on most people that are working here illegally like the Russians but all as the Russians have now found an easier way of staying long term which I think needs to be stopped they are bringing there kids here and enrolling them in schools then applying for dependant visas which is also allowing them long term stays and these are the ones that are working illegally as they have no means to get money, let's face it we read all the time how these people are breaking the laws alongside the aribs coming and causing more problems time for change.

37 minutes ago, parafareno said:

is there another stupid country that changes rules so quick? i mean this is ridiculous...first it became weed mekka, now they changed their mind....then after covid relaxed everthing to attract visitors, now they are restricting again...omg if thailand is not stupid....

They really dont have a clue except how to line their own pockets with corrupt practices.

Does It take 60 days for criminal transit? Whatever that is.

20 hours ago, NanLaew said:

It will make things more inconvenient for the ne'er-do-wells.

You know who you are.

Well it won't really will it?

They get in anyway and then just abscond for a couple of years on their nefarious 'adventures'. Those types don't care whether the entry stamp says 60 or 30. Once they're through the gate they're off and all this TM30 garbage and any other potential form of enforcement is useless. We know this by the multiyear overstayers Inspector Chance stumbles across occasionally which he uses to pose for those immigration 'enforcement' foto ops.

17 minutes ago, Ironmike said:

I think this is a great idea it would cut down on most people that are working here illegally like the Russians but all as the Russians have now found an easier way of staying long term which I think needs to be stopped they are bringing there kids here and enrolling them in schools then applying for dependant visas which is also allowing them long term stays and these are the ones that are working illegally as they have no means to get money, let's face it we read all the time how these people are breaking the laws alongside the aribs coming and causing more problems time for change.

Agree.Proof of founds and return ticket should be mandatory.Its not just the Russians..its many foreigners abuse the system.

20 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

I would say that those who have to stay permeantly in Thiland are the ne'er-do-wells.

International travellers who come and go and the ones doing well

What about people who are married and have Thai Families here ?? never-do-wells ?? NOT !!

20 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

30 days is for "normal" tourists" enough.. Of course I read special cases but that all can be solved by applying a longer visa at the Embassy in the country they live in.. Than indeed it will be more clear who is tourist and who want to stay here for other reasons. When the visa is used it should not be possible to enter for 90 days or so. The problem however is that people who want to be here illegal will do anyway.. Same as the 90 days report or annual renewing ... The normal people will follow the procedures, but the overstayers not...a visa free 30 days stay will not solve the security reasons and work mentioned in the article...

The 30 days visa free allowance will not affect the tourism, as there is always a possibility to apply for another visa for longer stay...But than you have to proof were you live and how you fund your stay... Maybe that is for several people a problem, or maybe by invitation of a familymember... Possibilities enough..

30 days or 60 makes no difference to those who have no intention of sticking to either immigration regulations or other laws. Once in they just disappear and get on with whatever crimes they want. It seems they then use the criminal defense of the brown envelope if they appear on any local radar.

As Nan Laew said: vet the worst offender countries. But I would say instead of lowering to 30 days visa exempt for them, apply full visa requirements instead. That'll certainly shake them up and sort the sheep from the goats.

If most of the visitors are staying less than 30 days, how would this reduction of stay from 60 to 30 days reduce the risk of unlawful activates

always chasing the wrong shadows

20 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Good point. Take the countries off the list whose citizens have committed most crimes and other illegal activities here. No prizes for picking the winner there.

Leave the visa exempt at 60 days but remove the extension option. Also, like Vietnam initially did when they rolled out visa-exempt entry, they can't be used consecutively or back-to-back. I recall it was a 45-day window before you could use visa exempt again in Vietnam. You could still get a Vietnam eVisa if you wanted to come back sooner.

That's all fine and I agree. But if you can't even (or can't be bothered or have been bought off) track down multi year overstayers involved in scams and trafficking with the TM30 program, it is all totally useless.

Well the Thai's have finally nailed the lid on Thailands tourism coffin by ending the 60 day entry. It's got nothing to do with security its all about how to squeeze the last drops out of an orange. If you want stay more than month either you have to go through a long visa appliction coughing up a wedge of money, Or as i believe forced into a 20k agency fee where of course someone in the government will be taking a backhander. If an agent takes 20k and he or she has 20 potential tourist there looking at 400k in fees. slip a hundred k into the right hand there you go easy money.

2 hours ago, heybuz said:

Could be wrong but can't customs check the passports when entering the country and they will see the number of entries if too many in a certain period deny entry. Maybe to simple a solution.

customs do not check passports , they don't even look at them unless you are caught or suspected of smuggling

The checking of passports is conducted by the immigration officers, who can easily establish anyones history of entering and leaving Thailand.

In case you have not noticed or are unaware for whatever reason they can and do deny entry based on ones history if they want to .

This has been happening for years, but in the absence of any published firm limits , it is a far from easy process for frequent tourists to negotiate

I think there are now some limits in place but they probably apply to the 60 day visa that were in use when the limits were decided a few months ago, Whether they will be getting changed is not mentioned

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Permanent tourism and sports secretary Natthriya Thaweevong stated that reducing the allowed stay to 30 days should not significantly impact tourism, as most tourists stay under 21 days.

Yes, absolutely!