Thailand is set to reduce the duration of its visa-free stay for foreign tourists from 60 to 30 days, as the country takes steps to address increasing concerns about foreigners using the waiver to engage in illegal activities, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.Since July 2024, citizens from 93 countries have been allowed to enter Thailand for tourism without a visa for up to 60 days. However, the Thai government has now agreed in principle to shorten this period to 30 days, as reported by various local media outlets, citing Surawong.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has raised alarms over the rising number of foreigners involved in unauthorized work or business operations within the country. Meanwhile, the Thai Hotels Association has pointed to the extended visa-free period as a possible factor contributing to the illegal rental of condominium units to foreign visitors, the Bangkok Post reported.Tourism is a crucial sector for Thailand’s economy, which remains the second-largest in Southeast Asia.
With a goal to surpass 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, the government is aiming to break the record set in 2019. As of March 9, 2025, Thailand has already welcomed 7.66 million foreign tourists, marking a 4.
4% increase compared to the same period last year.The post Thailand Unveils Bold New Policy to Slash Tourist Visa-Free Stays to Just One Month appeared first on Travel And Tour World..