Thailand Cancels 60-Day Visa-Free Entry Scheme

In today’s Good Morning Thailand news by Alex, we’ll be talking about the Cabinet’s approval of plans to cancel the 60-day visa-free entry scheme, another train collision that left a delivery rider seriously injured and prompted inner Bangkok route cuts, a new cannabis bill moving closer to Cabinet review, major drug busts in Phuket and Chon Buri involving Russian and Chinese nationals, and later, new EU rules that could give Thai nationals longer stays across the Schengen zone.

Thailand Cancels 60-Day Visa-Free Entry Scheme
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved plans to cancel the 60-day visa-free entry scheme following concerns over alleged misuse, including illegal work and overstays. Officials are expected to temporarily return visa-exempt stays to around 30 days, although no enforcement date has yet been confirmed.

Delivery Rider Seriously Injured After Bangkok Train Collision
A food delivery rider suffered serious injuries after being struck by a train near Bangkok’s Makkasan area close to the site of a recent fatal rail accident. Officials said the man had entered a prohibited area near the tracks and may not have heard the train due to wearing a helmet and earphones.

Transport Ministry Plans Inner Bangkok Train Route Cuts
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is preparing to reduce train traffic into central Bangkok following the recent deadly bus-train collision. Officials are considering route changes, stricter crossing controls, and tougher safety measures to prevent future accidents.

New Cannabis Bill Moves Closer to Cabinet Review
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is pushing a new cannabis and hemp bill toward Cabinet review before July. The proposed law would tighten controls, require medical prescriptions, and introduce penalties for recreational cannabis use.

Irish Filmmaker and Girlfriend Killed in Thailand Crash
A young Irish filmmaker and his Czech girlfriend have died following a scooter crash in Thailand. Tributes have poured in for 20-year-old Max Hendrickson, who had previously been recognised as Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year.

Russian Man Arrested With Large Drug Haul
A Russian national was arrested in Phuket after police allegedly found multiple drugs inside his backpack during a checkpoint inspection. Officers said the man appeared suspicious before a search uncovered several illegal substances.

Chinese Nationals Detained in Chon Buri Drug Lab Raid
Police raided a luxury villa in Chon Buri and uncovered what they believe was a makeshift drug laboratory linked to “zombie drug” production. Two Chinese nationals were detained as investigators work to identify others connected to the operation.

New EU Rules Could Extend Schengen Access for Thais
Thai travellers may soon benefit from longer multiple-entry Schengen visas under new European Union rules. The new system rewards repeat visitors with progressively longer visas while maintaining the current 90-day stay limit.