The Cabinet approved a further review of visa privileges on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The draft Ministry of Interior announcements will only take effect 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette.

Deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the changes are intended to close security loopholes, curb the misuse of tourist entry for non-tourism activities and apply a "one country, one entitlement" approach.

The government said the longer 60-day stay could be used to enter Thailand for illegal activities or purposes inconsistent with tourism.

New 30-day, 15-day and Visa on Arrival categories

Under the revamped arrangements, 59 countries and territories will receive visa-free entry for tourism stays of up to 30 days.

The government said these entitlement have now been extended to six more countries: India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives. It said this would mean all 27 European Union member states receive the same entitlement, supporting international relations, negotiations for Schengen visa exemptions for Thai nationals and economic agreements.

In considering India, authorities cited a previous fall in Indian visitor numbers, since the changes were first announced, as well as the country's importance to Thailand's economy, trade, investment and international relations. The government noted that Indian tourists stay in Thailand, on average, for only 7.2 days per visit.

Mauritius and Seychelles will receive visa-free tourism entry for stays of up to 15 days. Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia will be eligible for Visa on Arrival at designated immigration checkpoints.

Visa& Immigration

Ploytalay said a total of 65 countries and territories would receive an entitlement under the various revised measures. The review took account of economic and security factors, international relations and reciprocity.

Economics

What travellers already in Thailand need to know

Foreign nationals who entered Thailand before the new announcements take effect will be allowed to stay for the balance of the period originally granted to them.

For visitors and expats who regularly use visa-exempt entry for short trips, the main practical change is that the previous 60-day allowance will no longer apply once the rules are in force.

Travellers should check the Royal Gazette announcements and their nationality's entitlement before booking, particularly where a stay may exceed 15 or 30 days.

TDAC screening to be tightened

Security agencies will also improve the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC, system to screen foreign nationals' records and review their travel into and out of the country.

Authorities will speed up links between agency databases to assess risks from travellers' points of origin and monitor whether visa privileges are being used as intended.

Visa& Immigration

"This review is not intended to reduce tourism opportunities, but to adjust the system to make it more appropriate, clear and verifiable," Ploytalay said, adding that the aim was to balance economic stimulus, travel facilitation, international relations and national security.

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15 July 2026

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They announced measures months ago after a cabinet meeting and nothing came to effect.

So now another cabinet meeting, and the major change appears to be to allow Indians to enter without a visa.

Indians entering without a visa makes a mockery of the whole 'pivoting to quality tourism'.

No changes at all to toughen up the other visas that are being abused, which is the real problem.

people with bad intentions, drugs, human trafficking, prostitution

can do their crime in a few days or in 60 or via DTV (fake cooking, thai lesson, thai box)

other countries like singapore giving 90 days on ARRIVAL for years

still did not learn a lesson from them when changing rules

I hope tourist numbers drop seriously and we will see the usual flip flop

This problem is so easily fixed, give a set list of any behavior that is unacceptable in Thailand. Stop all the talk and get really tough for a change. If a person crosses the line here then it's 30 days in the detention center as a reminder why they were permanently barred from entering Thailand again.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Cabinet approved a further review of visa privileges on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

In considering India, authorities cited a previous fall in Indian visitor numbers, since the changes were first announced, as well as the country's importance to Thailand's economy, trade, investment and international relations. The government noted that Indian tourists stay in Thailand, on average, for only 7.2 days per visit.

Nothing had or has changed for Indian visitors since the previous annoucement - as that's all it was an announcement. Indians were still visiting visa free - so this makes no sense.

More than likely strong Indian groups who are operating businesses inside Thailand have placed some pressure.

Even if they implemented a visa, all you had to do was show you had funds, proof of accomdation, and a return ticket, and pay the 2000 baht fee at the airport. It was just a measure so you don't have Indians arriving without funds, sleeping 10 to a room or a beach, and having no money to spend. Normal tourist Indians would have had no issue.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the changes are intended to close security loopholes, curb the misuse of tourist entry for non-tourism activities

There's no explanation of how exactly it would accomplish these goals, because - guess what - it won't.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the longer 60-day stay could be used to enter Thailand for illegal activities or purposes inconsistent with tourism

And a 30 day stay can't be used that way? Really?

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Security agencies will also improve the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC, system to screen foreign nationals' records and review their travel into and out of the country.

Tell us more. All of the TDAC information is self-reported, and none of it is checked in any way. If they wanted to check people's travel history before arrival, they've had that ability for years through APIS (the Advance Passenger Information System), which sends data on every passenger ahead of arrival. What will change now?

40 minutes ago, Jimbolkb said:

I hope tourist numbers drop seriously and we will see the usual flip flop

The visa waiver should never have been increased to 60 days in the first place, when there is a 60 day tourist visa available.

What they should have done, as they have done in the past, made the tourist visa free for certain periods.

"The government said the longer 60-day stay could be used to enter Thailand for illegal activities or purposes inconsistent with tourism."

The above statement could be used to summarise the entire article and government scaling back of the number of days granted on visa on arrival. In the view of the govenment the risks of no-gooders entering the countries and doing damage outweigh the potential loss of legitimate tourists. From their research 30 day, even 15 day visas, is enough for true tourists. Like most asean countries they want you to come and spend money, then return home and save, then return and spend more money. Your money stays in their country but you go home (smile). Your money is more than welcome to stay in their country (smile)

Edited July 15Jul 15 by riverhigh

If they are trying to put Thailand in number one spot for visitors , how will this flip flopping help.

21 minutes ago, Hardcastle P said:

If they are trying to put Thailand in number one spot for visitors , how will this flip flopping help.

What flip-flopping? Nothing has actually changed yet.

Flip-floppng is the norm in this country, for just about every successive government you can think of.

Incompetence + lack of focus + political weakness > panic & reactive decisionmaking.

The problem with "bad foreigners" is not if the visa allows 30 or 60 days per entry, the problem is how many days a year they are in country.

Many country's visas have the common permission to stay for 30-90 days, but a significant number only allows a maximum of a total of 180 days per year for any "tourist" visa (including multiple entry tourist).

The perception I have gotten from the press is that foreigners are either working on tourist visas (e.g. tour guides, hotel operators) or participating in organized crime. Both of these undesirable activities are not very lucrative if a person can only stay in country for 180 days per year!

Visa runs and border bounces would all but go away, and people who want a long term stay would get the appropriate visa with the appropriate level of vetting.

The beach road layboys are thrilled that the Indians will now be on the visa-exempt list....

Very helpful for collecting gold chains.....

So, who won the over/under on the number of weeks it was going to take for these guys to change their minds?

So if we follow the Thai government figures that the Indians usually only stay on average 7.2 days per trip, why would they need 30 days visa exempt?

Surely, 15 days would be adequate.

Or is it to allow for any possible delays in the suit sweatshops factories, so as not to inconvenience their customers?

It only needs a few downward blips on their tourist visitors entries, and then everything will be back to normal.

So, will the new visa policy address this issue:

After my trip to Sukhumvit Soi Nana, Soi7/8, Soi 11 and Soi Cowboy, I was confused if I was in Bangkok....because all I saw were African hookers and Nigerians trying to sell me drugs. On soi 4, it is like Nairobi at nighttime. Where did all the Thai women go? What is going on in that part of Bangkok? If anyone doubts me, then go look for yourself.

Rule of thumb..................!

If you are up to mischief or illegal activities, the last thing you care about is your visa on arrival status.

Bad people do bad things and certainly don't follow Visa rules and regulations, nor do they read the Royal Gazette.

Thailand has started to attract lower grade tourists (It's been going this way for years) by what is on offer here that isn't readily available in nearby countries, and flights being more affordable. Visa exempt or VOA is just a byproduct, and an added incentive.

They are their own worst enemies. Tourism is down and they're tightening things? Good way to keep people out if it's too much of a hassle. And yes they could certainly improve the digital arrival card system. I'll believe it when I see it.

Much Ado about nothing... 30 day VER plus an in-country 30 day extension still gets the legit well healed traveler 60 days. Wash-rinse-repeat 2x per annum (for 120 days total). Easy pezy. Only people mad about this are those gaming the system to live (and/or work) in Thailand on visa exempt for 180+ days per year.

23 minutes ago, Taboo2 said:

So, will the new visa policy address this issue:

After my trip to Sukhumvit Soi Nana, Soi7/8, Soi 11 and Soi Cowboy, I was confused if I was in Bangkok....because all I saw were African hookers and Nigerians trying to sell me drugs. On soi 4, it is like Nairobi at nighttime. Where did all the Thai women go? What is going on in that part of Bangkok? If anyone doubts me, then go look for yourself.

Exactly my thoughts from my holiday in May / June. The African girls were very hands on and persistent.

I think the length of stay is immaterial. Many countries allow visitors a longer stay than 60 days (US, UK and Canada give 6 months. Schengen and Aus 3-12 months).

The problems arise with the visa free entry for too many and a lack of systematic checking of visa stay abuse and criminal activity.

There is an over emphasis on recording and checking addresses of every genuine tourist and long stay expat. These resources would be better utilized elsewhere.

My worry is that the Thai embassies around the world will not be able to cope with the onslaught of hundreds more tourists wanting the 60 day tourist Visa ! The Thai have messed up big with their online technology in the recent past that has left tourists leaving home Without their visas !! Hopefully this will be sorted out before the high season starts in November or it will lead to chaos and many very unhappy tourists and retired people who legally own their own condos in thailand. Thailand will cut off their nose to spite their face.

The police should be doing their job to catch/ deport /unruly/ unwelcome tourists instead of letting them run wild on Thailands streets. Peace is what is needed, not silly rules.

1 hour ago, giants49 said:

They are their own worst enemies. Tourism is down and they're tightening things? Good way to keep people out if it's too much of a hassle. And yes they could certainly improve the digital arrival card system. I'll believe it when I see it.

Same as the Thai beer bars do, tourism down, so put the prices up for the few that are here!

1 hour ago, Taboo2 said:

So, will the new visa policy address this issue:

After my trip to Sukhumvit Soi Nana, Soi7/8, Soi 11 and Soi Cowboy, I was confused if I was in Bangkok....because all I saw were African hookers and Nigerians trying to sell me drugs. On soi 4, it is like Nairobi at nighttime.

My worst nightmare,

They aren't my style at the best of times anyway, as I prefer SE Asians.

Last thing I want to see is a Big Mamma!

One important point is to inform Tourists in advance about the change. Not, it will be 15 days after it's announced in the royal Gazette. For example the new limited entry will be from November or what ever date (I guess you could announce that in the Gazette that way).

So every tourist who does want to stay longer then 60 days will know that he will need a Visa. At the moment you never know from what date the new rules will be implemented.

Then, to limit illegal work etc. why not limit your total stay to 90 or 120 days per calender year. If you want to stay longer, you will have to get the appropriate Visa.

6 hours ago, khunjeff said:

There's no explanation of how exactly it would accomplish these goals, because - guess what - it won't.

And a 30 day stay can't be used that way? Really?

Tell us more. All of the TDAC information is self-reported, and none of it is checked in any way. If they wanted to check people's travel history before arrival, they've had that ability for years through APIS (the Advance Passenger Information System), which sends data on every passenger ahead of arrival. What will change now?

They like to make it sound like something very new, unless this is new, and precious announced systems were bull<deleted>.

Thailand keeps moving the goalposts.

At the moment people from northern countries that are used to spending an extended time in Thailand during the winter are wondering if they are still welcome or if they will be sent packing by a grumpy immigration officer

That insecurity is not good for Thailand and will probably result in tourists going elsewhere.

46 minutes ago, Hatari fan said:

Thailand keeps moving the goalposts.

SoutheastAsians & Pacific Islanders

At the moment people from northern countries that are used to spending an extended time in Thailand during the winter are wondering if they are still welcome or if they will be sent packing by a grumpy immigration officer

That insecurity is not good for Thailand and will probably result in tourists going elsewhere.

All that's happening is that the position may be reverting to how it was before. If it happens. People can still extend their 30-day stay, or get a 60-day tourist visa. Hardly moving goalposts!

5 hours ago, riverhigh said:

"The government said the longer 60-day stay could be used to enter Thailand for illegal activities or purposes inconsistent with tourism."

The above statement could be used to summarise the entire article and government scaling back of the number of days granted on visa on arrival. In the view of the govenment the risks of no-gooders entering the countries and doing damage outweigh the potential loss of legitimate tourists. From their research 30 day, even 15 day visas, is enough for true tourists. Like most asean countries they want you to come and spend money, then return home and save, then return and spend more money. Your money stays in their country but you go home (smile). Your money is more than welcome to stay in their country (smile)

If Thailand only offered me a 15 day visa after a long haul flight I can assure it that my money will be spent in a country that had more respect for me.

Thailands administration should realise that with all this pussy footing around and messing with the system is it is not the country it was and because of that it is daily becoming less attractive to the world around it and people who are considering visiting.

Every country in the world has a record of it’s criminals and every airline provides information on the people who book flights with them so all Thailand has to do is correlate that info with info that upon request could be supplied by police around the world and organisations such as Interpol to keep out the criminal elements long before they even get on a plane.

Yes this will require serious organisation and agreements but at least those of us who are simply honest non criminal travellers will be able to get on with enjoying the country we visit without being treated as criminals from the outset of the visit, and really would the info collection and implementation be any more burdensome than the bureaucratic bungling that is going on under the present system.

At the end of the day all we good honest non criminals want todo is come to Thailand for a holiday and to enjoy the food and culture without having to jump through hoops, run the risk of being interrogated by a grumpy IO who has not read the rules that he / she should be working from and therein interpreting them in ways that are incorrect, and on top of that having to give my fingerprints and a mug shot for what???

I have never been FORCED to give my prints or a mug shot in my own country nor at any other time in any other country in my long life, so a simple request to my home country will immediately flag up if I am a criminal or not, and as I am not, proceeding into the country should be easy and simple taking no more than a few minutes.

Sadly the respect for a person who works hard to save money to visit a country and spend that money is long gone.