Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Thailand is tightening its immigration rules after approving a major rollback of its visa-free entry programme for tourists from more than 90 countries, citing concerns over foreigners exploiting loopholes to commit crimes and run illegal businesses. Thailand’s cabinet approved the measure on Tuesday (May 19), effectively ending the 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024 to boost post-pandemic tourism recovery. Under the revised framework, most eligible tourists will now be limited to a 30-day visa-free stay, while citizens of some countries will only be granted 15 days. Authorities have yet to announce when the changes will officially take effect. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said the extended stay scheme had become vulnerable to abuse. “Tourists provided benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it,” she told reporters in Bangkok. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the revised policy is designed to strike a balance between tourism growth and national security. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stressed that the move is not directed at any specific nationality. “Thailand is not targeting any specific country, but rather individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country,” he said. Thai officials said the longer visa-free window had created opportunities for unauthorised foreign workers, grey-market operators and transnational criminal groups to establish illegal businesses, including hotels, language schools and online scam operations. Authorities have also linked the policy reversal to a series of high-profile arrests involving drug trafficking, human smuggling and visa overstays. The 60-day exemption had covered travellers from 93 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and countries in Europe’s 29-member Schengen zone. Under the new framework, the number of countries eligible for 30-day visa-free access will also be reduced from 57 to 54, although officials have not yet released the updated list. Tourists who wish to extend their stay may still apply for a one-time extension through immigration offices, subject to approval. “The 60 days was automatic but the renewal will be decided by the officer and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer,” a government spokesperson said. Thailand will also restore a strict cap of two visa-free land-border entries per calendar year for travellers under the standard 30-day exemption, mirroring rules that were in place before the 2024 expansion. The policy shift comes at a delicate time for Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, where tourism contributes more than 10 percent of gross domestic product. Thailand had expanded visa-free access in 2024 as part of aggressive efforts to revive tourism following the Covid-19 pandemic. CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page