The Thai government is reviewing its 60-day visa-free entry policy, planning to shorten the permitted stay and strengthen entry screening measures to address national security risks and tackle the problem of some foreigners abusing visa-free privileges for illegal activities.
According to Thai Public Broadcasting Service, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, recently pointed out that data shows over 90% of high-quality tourists stay in Thailand for only 1 to 30 days, while only about 10% stay longer than 30 days. It is precisely among this small group that some individuals have been found secretly engaging in illegal activities.
Their illegal activities include unlawful employment, illegal business operations, taking up local jobs, and holding real estate through illegal agents, among other issues. In addition, some criminals have used the 60-day stay period to remain in Thailand for extended periods, even participating in transnational crimes or causing public disturbances such as reckless driving or causing trouble in convenience stores.
In July 2024, the Pheu Thai Party-led government opened up 60-day visa-free entry to 93 countries and regions in order to accelerate the tourism industry's recovery. The current Bhumjaithai Party-led government is now reviewing this policy, citing emerging violations and national security risks.
Sudawan emphasized that any decision to amend or revoke the 60-day visa-free policy would not involve discrimination against any country, but is intended to improve the entry screening mechanism. The revised proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet soon.
In a speech at the International Conference on Sustainable Tourism held in Phuket last week, Sudawan said that Thailand is committed to developing sustainable tourism and attracting high-quality tourists. The government plans to introduce more measures to support this direction, including more stringent screening of tourists.
According to the Nation, Suthiwathil Woranist, honorary president and senior advisor to the Association of Thai Travel Agents, supports the government's adjustment of the policy. He noted that some foreign tourists do not come for tourism, but rather to settle down. In fact, large foreign communities have already formed in some areas, with thousands of foreigners living together, raising concerns about land ownership and foreigners holding property through Thai agents.