Thailand Holds Off on 30-Day Visa-Free Change Decision

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Nikkei Asia // Ken Kobayashi

 

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still deliberating the possibility of reducing the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, with no decision made thus far. Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura reassured that no new visa regulations are currently in place, so tourists visiting Thailand remain unaffected for now.

 

The discussion comes in response to recent widespread reports, both locally and internationally, suggesting a sudden change was on the horizon. At its heart, the conversation focuses on balancing the nation's tourism appeal with concerns about security and illegal activities.

 

Notably, since a policy change in July 2024, passport holders from 93 countries have enjoyed entry into Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, with the potential to extend their stay to 90 days.

 

The initial decision to extend visa-free travel was made to bolster tourism, enabling longer stays that encourage tourists to engage more deeply with Thai culture and economy. However, this extended stay is suspected of facilitating illegal work and business activities among some foreign visitors who exploit the visa-free options.

 

Notably, industry insiders such as the Thai Travel Agents Association observe that most tourists typically remain in the country for 21 days or less, inferring that shortening the visa-free period wouldn't greatly impact genuine tourists.

 

 

 

Authorities are therefore contemplating an adjustment to deter unintended exploitations while preserving Thailand's allure as a travel destination.

 

Over the past few weeks, the idea of revisiting the visa-free duration has gained principled support within the government. Balankura pointed out that the foreign affairs ministry is actively seeking to balance tourist attraction with national safety. This includes reviewing current measures and gauging feedback from various agencies on their potential implications.

 

Balankura mentioned that evaluating and potentially revising visa policies is a standard practice, evolving with changing circumstances and insights. In doing so, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures its strategies align with national laws and international practices. Insights from the ongoing assessment will be submitted to a dedicated visa policy committee, before potentially advancing to the cabinet.

 

For those concerned or seeking clarification, Balankura directed inquiries to the Immigration Bureau or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the government's openness to dialogue and transparency amidst these considerations, reported Bangkok Post.
 

-- 2025-03-22

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

59 minutes ago, webfact said:

However, this extended stay is suspected of facilitating illegal work and business activities among some foreign visitors who exploit the visa-free options.

 

Rubbish.

If people are going to work illegally, they will not care how long the visa lasts.

They will just overstay  - as usual.

 

No mention of those that do come to Thailand for 60 - 90 days every year.

I have friends who come every year to get away from the cold weather.

[KhunBENQ]

Brilliant.

Hold off...

For now...

A mate with family has booked a stay in May for more than 30 days relying on the 60 day stay.

Safe way get a tourist visa.

And then? Next day they will cancel the idea?

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura reassured that no new visa regulations are currently in place,

 

Another flip-flop, no wonder other countries won't invest in Thailand.

[ikke1959]

Sounds like Shakespeare.. to or not to be that is the question... In Thailand the same.. Today they announce this tomorrow the opposite, than a whole lot of talking and a lot of unrest, a lot of unclearness and than delaying to relive again a few months later... Thailand doesn't dare to change things, conservatism will keep the country back and also investors don't dare to invest.. Because what today is possible/allowed can be changed tomorrow... Look at the re introducing of the arrival card. With a few weeks to go nothing is clear yet, and probably it will be delayed too.. Left hand doesn't know what the right hand does or wants

[jas007]

I think Malaysia has the right idea.  You can show up at the airport and they stamp you in for 180 days?  Something like that.  I'm not sure if that's for every country, but it seems like a simple thing to do and cuts down on all the bureaucracy. 

[Harrisfan]

56 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Brilliant.

Hold off...

For now...

A mate with family has booked a stay in May for more than 30 days relying on the 60 day stay.

Safe way get a tourist visa.

And then? Next day they will cancel the idea?

It wont change overnight lol

[zzzzz]

2 minutes ago, jas007 said:

I think Malaysia has the right idea.  You can show up at the airport and they stamp you in for 180 days?  Something like that.  I'm not sure if that's for every country, but it seems like a simple thing to do and cuts down on all the bureaucracy. 

90 days for most western Passports, same as Singapore

[jas007]

2 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

90 days for most western Passports, same as Singapore

Yep. I just looked.  For some reason, 180 stuck in my mind.  Still, 90 days is not bad.  

 

I think it's Mexico that will routinely give you 180 days.  Maybe some other countries do that as well. 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

And then? Next day they will cancel the idea?

 

Or reduce it to 15 days? Thailand is up and down no planning involved (they simply don't know how to do it,} so it's still a country that sells bananas.

[Patong2021]

34 minutes ago, jas007 said:

I think Malaysia has the right idea.  You can show up at the airport and they stamp you in for 180 days?  Something like that.  I'm not sure if that's for every country, but it seems like a simple thing to do and cuts down on all the bureaucracy. 

 

 The Malaysia evisa offers 30 days, Visa on Arrival is 30 days for Thais, Indians and Chinese.  Some countries qualify for up to 90 days.  Any  intent to stay longer needs to obtain the full visa, which requires  documentation.

 

[sqwakvfr]

I knew some girls who were like this: "I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you".   Next day same, same.  Ah, making decision after a thorough review, analysis and consulting all relevant parties is normally the best course of action.  Of course after making a decision it is best to stick with it.  

[redwood1]

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

 

Another flip-flop, no wonder other countries won't invest in Thailand.

 

Thailand the Hub of flip flops.....And the Hub of misunderstandings....

[sqwakvfr]

35 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

90 days for most western Passports, same as Singapore

Strange that most of the countries that offer 90 day visa free entry seem to stay the course while LOS flip  flops from 30 to 60 then 30 and "ah never mind back to 60 until the next flip flop".  Perception when it comes to planning for international travel is important.   I wonder what travelers will think after hearing about this flip, flop? Obviously this will not affect those who are only planning for 30 days or less but those who want to stay longer it will.  Does LOS not want long stay tourists? 

[redwood1]

 

The king of the flip flops.....

How about the ban on afternoon alcohol sales......This worthless rule has been flip flopping around for decades from press release teases of it being lifted  soon, to no we absolutely must keep this rule.......Year after year.....

[DonniePeverley]

They won't make any changes because it would be an admission they made mistakes. 

 

The sheer volume of Russian and Chinese visitors working (when you stray beyond the tourist path) is astonishing. The Chinese visitors especially are just piliging Thailand for everything. 

 

The 60 day rule, with an extension - essentially allows you to stay non stop with the odd flight back to reset. To go back to 30 day, will highlight those abusing the system. It won't stop illegals working, but it will greatly reduce it. 

 

WIll they do it? No. Because it's the current administration that has basically opened the borders with it's ridiculous easy entry to the whole world, esentially making Thailand an open border to the world - something no other country has done - politics of the playground not real world.

 

The results have been a disaster - with an increase of low rent visitors, crime risen, cheap tourists who spend low, the mass turn off of quality high spending tourists, and open hostility growing from locals (which will only increase if you see what is happening in European tourist spots and Japan). If you allow visitors to stay long term in Thailand (with little checks) they will seek income - it's obvious, and they will take local jobs that should be protected for Thais.

 

You have videos of indian tourists sleeping 20 to a small room, never mind the horrific worldwide viral videos of them sleeping on beaches. The sexual predatory nature of their visits to Pattaya. A visa on arrival would have ensured every India visitor had a hotel booking in their name. But nope this adminstration just threw everything out, including visa outs with a sheer lunacy stimulus. Irony being India doesn't even let Thai's in visa free, despite a much worst economy per person. Vietnam, Malaysia all have checks and balances (including return tickets and accomdoation checks with their visas for Indians). 

 

As i say, other countries may offer an increased amount of stay for certain nationalities - but they also mix in greater controls on certain nationalities. For example, Vietnam ensures Indians obtain a visa before arrival, and ensure every visitor has a hotel booking and return ticket. Thailand has no such checks.

 

The real issue is the extreme lax in the implentation of the DTV. It needs reviewing immediately. 

 

The goal may have been to increaase tax revenues from foods and goods, and help the struggling real estate market. But all that's happened is cheap tourists who don't spend alot per head flood the country, pile pressure on infrustructure, and increase crime, and take jobs from local Thais. The real estate market has become decimated by the short term rental as potential buyers fear a shiny new condo will become a short term rental hub flooded by horrific tourists. 

 

The issue with short term rentals and has priced out local Thai's  - forcing them to move to the outskirts as visitors take up more space. In countries that are still developing it's dangerous to begin to use homes as investment opportunities. The Thai population still need protecting. 

 

Policing has become soft, with fears for putting of tourists - ironically having the opposite effect, as visuals on social media show the growing volume of crime and violence in Thailand, fuelled by drugs and alcohol. There should be a no nonsense approach to the hoardes of Bendirom British and drunk Russians misbehaving. 

 

Thai solution is to add more cheap visitors into this mix is beyond parody. Thailand is bordering on nearly 40 million tourists, and now mix into that you have a set that are staying long term. No other country is having such a huge influx of visitors like this. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia seek out quality tourists with higher spends per net. Singapore offers no free entry to Indian visitors for example. To simply say 'Singapore offers so many days more' is misleading. 

 

The enviromental and physical impact with mass increase in visitors on the country is startling. Go see the impact on Phuket and the horrific over development as a result. Beautiful islands wrecked by over tourism. 

 

There needs to be an immediate return to a 30 day visa programme. 

Implentation of visa on arrival protocols for certain nationalities (like India) to ensure there are return tickets, and each person has a hotel booking in their name. 

The DTV has to be stopped, and a more easier to obtain version of the Elite visa implemented (that isn't ridiculous expensive and impossible to obtain, but stronger than DTV). 

 

 

Nothing will change. The only ones to gain are 7/11 shops and cheap tourists spending money on cheese toasties. 

 

 

[Robert_Smith]

Jaysus wept...

 

is there anything they don't flip-flop on????

 

regards,

bob.

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, jas007 said:

Yep. I just looked.  For some reason, 180 stuck in my mind.  Still, 90 days is not bad.  

 

I think it's Mexico that will routinely give you 180 days.  Maybe some other countries do that as well. 

 

   It maybe a good idea for you to find the correct info first , rather than thinking out loud whilst typing whilst posting on here ?

[norsurin]

They should have looked on the list of 93 countries and see from where the troublemakers come from and might not allow them stay more then 15-30 days 

[norsurin]

If a thai pass holder want to visit Europe its mandatory travel insurance.This should be in Thailand also 

Its not difficult to check this.

[Pompeygeezer]

People commenting on here that people need to pre-plan their holidays but Thais don't think like that because they don't pre-plan anything.  Their whole lives is making decisions at the last minute so they think everyone has the same mindset as them.   It's extremely frustrating and it baffles me that mindset and I'll never get used to it.  But unfortunately it's how they are.   It will never change.   

[NedR69]

Stop the press, hold off on that 30 day visa change.

 

Oops, looks like someone ran the numbers for flights/hotels canceled after the proposed visa change.

[jas007]

16 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   It maybe a good idea for you to find the correct info first , rather than thinking out loud whilst typing whilst posting on here ?

You may be right, but if I did that I'd probably never post anything.  Usually, I remember things better than that. 

[Pompeygeezer]

Just now, DonniePeverley said:

They won't make any changes because it would be an admission they made mistakes. 

 

The sheer volume of Russian and Chinese visitors working (when you stray beyond the tourist path) is astonishing. The Chinese visitors especially are just piliging Thailand for everything. 

 

The 60 day rule, with an extension - essentially allows you to stay non stop with the odd flight back to reset. To go back to 30 day, will highlight those abusing the system. It won't stop illegals working, but it will greatly reduce it. 

 

WIll they do it? No. Because it's the current administration that has basically opened the borders with it's ridiculous easy entry to the whole world, esentially making Thailand an open border to the world - something no other country has done - politics of the playground not real world.

 

The results have been a disaster - with an increase of low rent visitors, crime risen, cheap tourists who spend low, the mass turn off of quality high spending tourists, and open hostility growing from locals (which will only increase if you see what is happening in European tourist spots and Japan). If you allow visitors to stay long term in Thailand (with little checks) they will seek income - it's obvious, and they will take local jobs that should be protected for Thais.

 

You have videos of indian tourists sleeping 20 to a small room, never mind the horrific worldwide viral videos of them sleeping on beaches. The sexual predatory nature of their visits to Pattaya. A visa on arrival would have ensured every India visitor had a hotel booking in their name. But nope this adminstration just threw everything out, including visa outs with a sheer lunacy stimulus. Irony being India doesn't even let Thai's in visa free, despite a much worst economy per person. Vietnam, Malaysia all have checks and balances (including return tickets and accomdoation checks with their visas for Indians). 

 

As i say, other countries may offer an increased amount of stay for certain nationalities - but they also mix in greater controls on certain nationalities. For example, Vietnam ensures Indians obtain a visa before arrival, and ensure every visitor has a hotel booking and return ticket. Thailand has no such checks.

 

The real issue is the extreme lax in the implentation of the DTV. It needs reviewing immediately. 

 

The goal may have been to increaase tax revenues from foods and goods, and help the struggling real estate market. But all that's happened is cheap tourists who don't spend alot per head flood the country, pile pressure on infrustructure, and increase crime, and take jobs from local Thais. The real estate market has become decimated by the short term rental as potential buyers fear a shiny new condo will become a short term rental hub flooded by horrific tourists. 

 

The issue with short term rentals and has priced out local Thai's  - forcing them to move to the outskirts as visitors take up more space. In countries that are still developing it's dangerous to begin to use homes as investment opportunities. The Thai population still need protecting. 

 

Policing has become soft, with fears for putting of tourists - ironically having the opposite effect, as visuals on social media show the growing volume of crime and violence in Thailand, fuelled by drugs and alcohol. There should be a no nonsense approach to the hoardes of Bendirom British and drunk Russians misbehaving. 

 

Thai solution is to add more cheap visitors into this mix is beyond parody. Thailand is bordering on nearly 40 million tourists, and now mix into that you have a set that are staying long term. No other country is having such a huge influx of visitors like this. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia seek out quality tourists with higher spends per net. Singapore offers no free entry to Indian visitors for example. To simply say 'Singapore offers so many days more' is misleading. 

 

The enviromental and physical impact with mass increase in visitors on the country is startling. Go see the impact on Phuket and the horrific over development as a result. Beautiful islands wrecked by over tourism. 

 

There needs to be an immediate return to a 30 day visa programme. 

Implentation of visa on arrival protocols for certain nationalities (like India) to ensure there are return tickets, and each person has a hotel booking in their name. 

The DTV has to be stopped, and a more easier to obtain version of the Elite visa implemented (that isn't ridiculous expensive and impossible to obtain, but stronger than DTV). 

 

 

Nothing will change. The only ones to gain are 7/11 shops and cheap tourists spending money on cheese toasties. 

 

 

Your first sentence is incorrect really as i agree Thais never admit mistakes but they won't see it as a mistake. So, they will change it back as they're always doing that on decisions 

[2long]

For those who talk about flip flop. I disagree. It was just rumours, and now those rumours are rumoured to be dispelled.

It'll soon be the end of high season, anyway.

[Nick Carter icp]

It would be nice if Thailand could just decide what the rules are and keep those rules .

   The rules are constantly changing or they are thinking about changing rules or are about to change those rules or have actually changed the rules and they haven't yet come into effect .

   Visa exempt was 15 days , then 30 days , then 60 days and they aren't sure what it will be next .

   Just make your mind up and stick to it 

[jas007]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

It would be nice if Thailand could just decide what the rules are and keep those rules .

   The rules are constantly changing or they are thinking about changing rules or are about to change those rules or have actually changed the rules and they haven't yet come into effect .

   Visa exempt was 15 days , then 30 days , then 60 days and they aren't sure what it will be next .

   Just make your mind up and stick to it 

Politics doesn't usually work that way.  Even in business, change is the rule of the game.  No matter how well the old system is working, some new regime or some new boss comes along and wants to "fix" everything.  I'm sure you've seen that.  Some consultants show up, look at the workflow and the workers, and no matter what, they always have way to fix everything.  

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, jas007 said:

Politics doesn't usually work that way.  Even in business, change is the rule of the game.  No matter how well the old system is working, some new regime or some new boss comes along and wants to "fix" everything.  I'm sure you've seen that.  Some consultants show up, look at the workflow and the workers, and no matter what, they always have way to fix everything.  

 

  This isn't politics though, its immigration .

Immigration needs to decide what they want and to keep it that way .

Have clearly defined rules and all stick to them  

[jas007]

7 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  This isn't politics though, its immigration .

Immigration needs to decide what they want and to keep it that way .

Have clearly defined rules and all stick to them  

I did mention business along with politics.  Anyway, I'm sure immigration is no different.  Continual flux, bosses come and go. Somebody always has a "fix" to make everything better. That's life.  

[factual monk]

Country with a 24% of GDP dependent on tourism doesn't have much choice. Those who are doing illegal work... are they doing it alone... HELL No... they are able to do it with connivance of local gangs, business partners, people and Authorities... so just putting blame on tourists is so stupid... clean our own house (administration) first...