Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is preparing to propose reducing visa-free entry from 60 days to 30 days, aiming to close a loophole exploited by foreign scammers and criminal groups. The move, reported on March 20, 2026, is intended to curb misuse of the current policy while maintaining tourism flows. Foreign tourists would still be able to extend their stay by an additional 30 days.

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The proposal follows a review by the ministry’s visa committee, which found that the existing 60-day visa exemption, introduced under former prime minister Settha Thavisin, is longer than necessary for typical tourism. Officials concluded that a 30-day period is sufficient for most visitors. The longer duration has reportedly enabled individuals with non-tourism intentions to remain in Thailand without obtaining the appropriate visa.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the revised policy would help prevent foreign scammers and other illicit groups from exploiting visa exemptions to enter Thailand and move across neighbouring countries. He stressed that the measure is not aimed at any specific nationality. Instead, it is designed to strengthen oversight and reduce activities that may threaten national security or fall outside legitimate tourism.

The minister reaffirmed that Thailand remains committed to welcoming international tourists and ensuring their safety and convenience. At the same time, authorities are seeking to balance openness with tighter controls to address growing concerns over transnational crime. The proposed reduction is seen as part of broader efforts to manage risks linked to online scams and organised criminal networks.

If approved, the policy would mark a significant adjustment to Thailand’s visa framework, potentially affecting travel planning for visitors who rely on visa exemptions. However, the availability of a 30-day extension is expected to mitigate the impact on genuine tourists. Industry stakeholders may monitor the change closely, particularly ahead of peak travel periods such as Songkran.

The ThaiNewsRoom reported that the ministry is expected to submit the proposal to the government for consideration in the near future. Further details on implementation and timing will depend on the outcome of this process.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 22 Mar 2026

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Good for "normal" tourists. 30 days is enough. longer stays are still possible, but than people should show how they fund their stay and where they stay. In the Schengen area there is no visa free period and also in the US. And Vietnam is only 45 days too

Even at 30 days, you can still get an extension for 30 more days. Throw in a border run, and you're up to 120 days...

How will this stop scammers?

It won't.

It will not make a shred of difference to go from 60 days to 30 days....

The proposed cut from 60 to 30 days seems reasonable. The current 60‑day visa‑free entry is simply too lax, and it’s no surprise it’s being misused.

Genuine tourists rarely need that long anyway.

If someone truly intends to stay longer, they should apply for the proper visa. And honestly, if people are going to abuse the system, it doesn’t matter whether they get 60 days or 30 days — they’ll try it regardless.

A tighter, more realistic entry period just makes sense.

Foreign scammer and criminals will still enter Thailand, as they know the "system" and which government officials to "pay" to get in.

Put it back to how it was.

Visas are cheap and easy to obtain if you have nothing to hide. I didn't have a problem with spending £30/35 and half hour online to obtain a 60 day SETV.

Not a wise change. It will effectively kill off the quality winter long stay visitors from Europe, north Asia and UK. The goal is to make longer stays easier for high value short term visitors, not discourage them. If they are concerned, move to the Australian or EU or Japan or South Korean model and have visitors apply for the visa online with a request for 60 or 90 days upfront. No one wants the hassle of asking for an extension in country. This is what will push people to Vietnam.

As others have pointed out, the visa change won't discourage visa abusers. This is a change for the sake of change because they refuse to screen visitors.

Reduce to 30 days countries with "lot of criminals" and leave the others.

Or even better-extend to 90 days as encouragement ! ;-)

I think change it to 90 days but only for some......all those incredibly wealthy Indians and Chinese.......think of the money that will roll in.

Makes no sense to me. Do the bad tourists take more than 30 days to create trouble?

You either keep people from undesirable countries out of Thailand, or you let them in and manage the consequences. 30, 60 or 90 days is irrelevant to criminals, but could be a significant inconvenience to genuine, law abiding people who are able to enjoy longer trips

JUST MAKE YOUR MIND UP AND STICK WITH IT .

All these rules changes are stressful and causes people to have to keep having to changing their flights

24 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Not a wise change. It will effectively kill off the quality winter long stay visitors from Europe, north Asia and UK. The goal is to make longer stays easier for high value short term visitors, not discourage them. If they are concerned, move to the Australian or EU or Japan or South Korean model and have visitors apply for the visa online with a request for 60 or 90 days upfront. No one wants the hassle of asking for an extension in country. This is what will push people to Vietnam.

As others have pointed out, the visa change won't discourage visa abusers. This is a change for the sake of change because they refuse to screen visitors.

Why not? Apply for a visa and you can stay as you like.

10 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Even at 30 days, you can still get an extension for 30 more days. Throw in a border run, and you're up to 120 days...

How will this stop scammers?

It won't.

It will not make a shred of difference to go from 60 days to 30 days....

Quite.

Someone who's out to abuse their stay in Thailand doesn't give a fruit flies fart whether the guy at the gate stamps them in for 30 days or 60. Once they're through they're off the radar. With no track and trace despite TM30s they can do what the hell they want for how ever long. Until perhaps Inspector Coincidence, a jealous girlfriend or an angry business rival/associate comes along.

Even then there's always the chance of the brown envelope defence.

1 minute ago, BusyB said:

Quite.

Someone who's out to abuse their stay in Thailand doesn't give a fruit flies fart whether the guy at the gate stamps them in for 30 days or 60. Once they're through they're off the radar. With no track and trace despite TM30s they can do what the hell they want for how ever long. Until perhaps Inspector Coincidence, a jealous girlfriend or an angry business rival/associate comes along.

Even then there's always the chance of the brown envelope defence.

I'm not arguing against the cut. It makes no odds to anyone who's a genuine tourist/visitor anyway - there's always an extension available. It's still a liberal policy compared to the EU/US/UK for instance. My point is that it's useless in terms of the claimed benefits in fighting crime.

12 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Good for "normal" tourists. 30 days is enough. longer stays are still possible, but than people should show how they fund their stay and where they stay. In the Schengen area there is no visa free period and also in the US. And Vietnam is only 45 days too

Not sure what you mean by “In the Schengen area there is no visa free period”. I go to Europe for nearly 3 months every summer, and at least for Australians, you can stay visa exempt in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. There are many fortunate retired tourists such as myself for whom holidays of several months are perfectly normal.

2 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

No one wants the hassle of asking for an extension in country.

A hassle for you, an income for them.

30 days in more than enough for the vast majority of tourists. there are visa options for anyone wanting to stay longer.

I've been doing 3 trips or less a year or so each under 2 months - that's enough - not having to get a visa or extend for 30 days is handy so hope it takes a while or doesn't happen. I feel like I am a normal tourist - normal for someone approaching or in retirement who clearly lives in Australia.

39 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Why not? Apply for a visa and you can stay as you like.

If only it was that easy. As I wrote, follow the Australian and others format and it isn't a problem. Requiring a recent photo, proof of bank assets etc. is too much of a bother for people who have options and only want to stay 2-3 months. If the immigration department would move into the 21st century and offer electronic processing for the low risk countries, it would be a different. situation.

1 hour ago, it is what it is said:

30 days in more than enough for the vast majority of tourists. there are visa options for anyone wanting to stay longer.

It is not for the lucrative winter visitors from the European nordic countries and the Japanese and South Korean seniors. This group spends a lot of money and they are mobile.They typically are in Thailand for 60-90 days.

If Thailand is having problems with certain countries in Africa and Europe, then change the visa requirements for those countries.

7 hours ago, WHansen said:

Put it back to how it was.

Visas are cheap and easy to obtain if you have nothing to hide. I didn't have a problem with spending £30/35 and half hour online to obtain a 60 day SETV.

"half hour line", I like your kind of naive dreamer mindset

22 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Good for "normal" tourists. 30 days is enough. longer stays are still possible, but than people should show how they fund their stay and where they stay. In the Schengen area there is no visa free period and also in the US. And Vietnam is only 45 days too

Travel much, do ypu? Schengen as well as the US have 90 day visa free entry for certain nationals. With Schengen you csn extend for anotjer 90 days visa free if you fall in that group

1 hour ago, Huisnblasi said:

Travel much, do ypu? Schengen as well as the US have 90 day visa free entry for certain nationals. With Schengen you csn extend for anotjer 90 days visa free if you fall in that group

of course exceptions are everywhere.. but we are talking about visa for Thailand or not???

Citizens from over 100 countries need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Generally, nationals from most countries in Asia, Africa, and parts of America and Europe need a visa, while citizens from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan are currently exempt for short stays.

It's a joke. The whole thing.

On 3/22/2026 at 7:05 AM, redwood1 said:

Even at 30 days, you can still get an extension for 30 more days. Throw in a border run, and you're up to 120 days...

How will this stop scammers?

It won't.

It will not make a shred of difference to go from 60 days to 30 days....

Exactly, it's not like it stopped people from doing border runs to stay here when it was 30 days before. Even if they limit land border entries to 2 a year (and enforce it), then come on a multi-entry tourist visa for 180 days and do 2 border runs, and you are up to 300 days.

8 hours ago, vangrop said:

"half hour line", I like your kind of naive dreamer mindset

Well the last time I got a SETV it took me about 20 minutes on line and the email with the visa attached arrived soon after. Only needs basic computer skills.

I wonder how long it will take for them to decide?

Then if and when they do, will they give some notice, people generally plan ahead?

2 minutes ago, ryandb said:

Exactly, it's not like it stopped people from doing border runs to stay here when it was 30 days before. Even if they limit land border entries to 2 a year (and enforce it), then come on a multi-entry tourist visa for 180 days and do 2 border runs, and you are up to 300 days.

You would be pushing your luck I expect.

On 3/22/2026 at 9:05 AM, ikke1959 said:

Good for "normal" tourists. 30 days is enough. longer stays are still possible, but than people should show how they fund their stay and where they stay. In the Schengen area there is no visa free period and also in the US. And Vietnam is only 45 days too

Sometimes governments make mistakes perhaps by rushing legislation through withot doing enough research and I appaud thr new PM. for realising it was a big mistake. Visas can still be extended but proof on finances must be a condition.

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

You would be pushing your luck I expect.

Na, not in that order. If you get approved for the METV, then you have the correct visa for entry. Then use a border run company for the next 2 land entries, and you will be fine, no questions asked.