Visa-free stay in Thailand to be cut to 30 days

[BrandonJT]

4 hours ago, JemJem said:

 

3. They might change it back to 30 days for some nationalities only.

 

I hope and pray they don't do this one.  It's already complicated and confusing enough for people with how often they flip-flop the number of days and list of countries.  To have 3 separate lists of countries (VOA, Visa Exempt 30, and Visa Exempt 60) would make it exponentially worse! All or none! And leave the list of countries alone as well!

[zzzzz]

10 hours ago, Sigmund said:

Long stay tourists will be far better of going to VietNam, Bali, India or even some nice places in China that is more welcoming and less of a red tape hassle.

LOL:
NOT all people travel based on how long they can stay somewhere
I wouldn't choose to live in China if they gave me a free 10 year visa

[Rob Browder]

On 3/18/2025 at 6:48 AM, at15 said:

Totally agree, they have realized now the tourist visa is useless and nobody does it anymore. The revenue at thai embassies around the world probably took a big hit.

The solution was to make the TR-Visa 90-days.  Oh, but then people would stay longer and spend more money here - can't have that.

 

Any "criminals" would just go see Immigration's agents for a longer-term stay - would only need a couple days to get that sorted, so 30 vs 60 days is irrelevant.

[Rob Browder]

16 hours ago, JemJem said:

Sadly, if they do plan to go ahead with this, it is also worth noting that the chances are high that they will also get more strict with the border runs too. Not just border runs of course. I mean, also with folks who try to get consecutive visa exempt stays via air travel.

Yes, Immigration have agents for that by land and air (as well as for extensions-of-stay).  If doing this repeatedly, one can pay for "no hassle" entry, or play the lottery they might not let you back in.

[at15]

2 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

The solution was to make the TR-Visa 90-days.  Oh, but then people would stay longer and spend more money here - can't have that.

 

Any "criminals" would just go see Immigration's agents for a longer-term stay - would only need a couple days to get that sorted, so 30 vs 60 days is irrelevant.

Consider that Phuket immigration alone does around 228 million baht per year on foreigner visa extensions and you have your answer.