(Bangkok, 29th) – The Thai government’s introduction of a 60-day visa-free entry policy, initially aimed at promoting tourism recovery, is now under review. Authorities are weighing its economic benefits against potential security risks.
Since its implementation, the policy has expanded from around 50 applicable countries to 93, and the permitted stay has been extended from 30 days to 60 days, with the option of a further 30-day extension. However, recent increases in abuse of the policy have drawn public attention. Some foreigners have been accused of entering visa-free for non-tourism purposes, including business activities, illegal employment, and even involvement in cross-border scams and organized crime.
In response, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recommended shortening the visa-free stay to 30 days to curb abuses and improve the quality of incoming visitors. However, the tourism industry is skeptical about the effectiveness of such a measure.
Chamon, president of the Hua Hin–Cha-am Tourism Association, pointed out that shortening the permitted stay would have limited impact on most short-term visitors, who typically stay less than a month, but would significantly affect long-term tourists, especially European visitors escaping the winter and usually staying one to two months.
He stated that these long-term visitors are mostly retirees who prefer renting local homes. While their spending may not be high, it is stable and provides a certain degree of economic support for the area. In the Hua Hin and Cha-am regions, long-term tourists account for about 30% of all visitors. If the policy is tightened, related tourism revenue may drop by as much as half.
Chamon also believes that simply shortening the stay may not effectively resolve issues of overstaying and illegal employment. He suggests authorities strengthen targeted enforcement, such as random checks in high-risk areas, to improve regulatory effectiveness.
On the other hand, Sanga, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, supports tightening the visa-free policy, arguing that the current system is too lax and entry screening is insufficient. He pointed out that limiting the stay to 30 days would help screen out those truly traveling for tourism and reduce non-tourism-related entries.
He added that some who exploit the visa-free policy contribute little to the economy but bring social and labor issues. Therefore, those wishing to stay longer should be required to apply for appropriate visas, rather than repeatedly relying on visa-free entries. He also suggests that the authorities should set stricter conditions for long-term stayers, such as requiring proof of accommodation, employment status, and financial capability.
Sanga further called for the government to adopt more targeted policies rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach, implementing differentiated management for different countries or groups. This, he argued, would more effectively distinguish between tourists and job seekers, reducing illegal immigration and unfair competition.
Nalidi, vice president of the Patong Hotel Association, commented that long-term tourists remain an important source of visitors for destinations such as Phuket. She believes that shortening the visa-free period to 30 days helps clarify the visitors’ purposes, but emphasized that the real issue lies not with the visa-free policy itself, but with insufficient entry screening.
She suggests authorities improve traveler classification management and conduct strict screenings at entry points for high-risk or blacklisted individuals, rather than simply shortening stay durations. She noted that the industry values visitor quality and supports tightening the policy direction, but measures still need further refinement.
Assistant Director-General of the Thai Immigration Bureau, Zheng Rong, stated that the original intention of the visa-free policy was to attract foreign visitors and boost tourism revenue, but some people are abusing it for illegal work or business activities, and even for money laundering and scam-related crimes.
He pointed out that some people use frequent border crossings, or "visa runs," to extend their stay. The Immigration Bureau usually interviews travelers who enter the country twice in a row and stay for at least 45 days each time; those unable to prove their tourism purpose will be denied entry. Since early 2025, more than 20,000 people have been refused entry due to suspected abuse of the visa mechanism.
Zheng Rong supports shortening the visa-free stay to 30 days, arguing that this will help reduce incentives for abuse. He explained that travelers planning long-term stays can still apply for tourist visas (up to 60 days, extendable for another 30 days) or apply locally for extensions, so the overall impact is limited.
Responding to concerns that tightening the policy may weaken Thailand’s competitive edge, he said that every country has its own advantages, and Thailand’s cultural, social, and natural resources have unique appeal that is hard to compare directly.
“The key is whether incoming visitors can actually benefit the country, not just a pursuit of sheer numbers,” he said.
He added that the government’s review of the visa-free policy is mainly for security reasons, as many foreigners arrested in recent cases entered visa-free, including 68 scam group members apprehended recently.
He emphasized that while Thailand relies on the tourism industry for development, it must also safeguard national security and its long-term image as a high-end travel destination.
Since its implementation, the policy has expanded from around 50 applicable countries to 93, and the permitted stay has been extended from 30 days to 60 days, with the option of a further 30-day extension. However, recent increases in abuse of the policy have drawn public attention. Some foreigners have been accused of entering visa-free for non-tourism purposes, including business activities, illegal employment, and even involvement in cross-border scams and organized crime.
In response, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recommended shortening the visa-free stay to 30 days to curb abuses and improve the quality of incoming visitors. However, the tourism industry is skeptical about the effectiveness of such a measure.
He stated that these long-term visitors are mostly retirees who prefer renting local homes. While their spending may not be high, it is stable and provides a certain degree of economic support for the area. In the Hua Hin and Cha-am regions, long-term tourists account for about 30% of all visitors. If the policy is tightened, related tourism revenue may drop by as much as half.
Chamon also believes that simply shortening the stay may not effectively resolve issues of overstaying and illegal employment. He suggests authorities strengthen targeted enforcement, such as random checks in high-risk areas, to improve regulatory effectiveness.
On the other hand, Sanga, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, supports tightening the visa-free policy, arguing that the current system is too lax and entry screening is insufficient. He pointed out that limiting the stay to 30 days would help screen out those truly traveling for tourism and reduce non-tourism-related entries.
He added that some who exploit the visa-free policy contribute little to the economy but bring social and labor issues. Therefore, those wishing to stay longer should be required to apply for appropriate visas, rather than repeatedly relying on visa-free entries. He also suggests that the authorities should set stricter conditions for long-term stayers, such as requiring proof of accommodation, employment status, and financial capability.
Sanga further called for the government to adopt more targeted policies rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach, implementing differentiated management for different countries or groups. This, he argued, would more effectively distinguish between tourists and job seekers, reducing illegal immigration and unfair competition.
Nalidi, vice president of the Patong Hotel Association, commented that long-term tourists remain an important source of visitors for destinations such as Phuket. She believes that shortening the visa-free period to 30 days helps clarify the visitors’ purposes, but emphasized that the real issue lies not with the visa-free policy itself, but with insufficient entry screening.
She suggests authorities improve traveler classification management and conduct strict screenings at entry points for high-risk or blacklisted individuals, rather than simply shortening stay durations. She noted that the industry values visitor quality and supports tightening the policy direction, but measures still need further refinement.
Assistant Director-General of the Thai Immigration Bureau, Zheng Rong, stated that the original intention of the visa-free policy was to attract foreign visitors and boost tourism revenue, but some people are abusing it for illegal work or business activities, and even for money laundering and scam-related crimes.
He pointed out that some people use frequent border crossings, or "visa runs," to extend their stay. The Immigration Bureau usually interviews travelers who enter the country twice in a row and stay for at least 45 days each time; those unable to prove their tourism purpose will be denied entry. Since early 2025, more than 20,000 people have been refused entry due to suspected abuse of the visa mechanism.
Zheng Rong supports shortening the visa-free stay to 30 days, arguing that this will help reduce incentives for abuse. He explained that travelers planning long-term stays can still apply for tourist visas (up to 60 days, extendable for another 30 days) or apply locally for extensions, so the overall impact is limited.
Responding to concerns that tightening the policy may weaken Thailand’s competitive edge, he said that every country has its own advantages, and Thailand’s cultural, social, and natural resources have unique appeal that is hard to compare directly.
“The key is whether incoming visitors can actually benefit the country, not just a pursuit of sheer numbers,” he said.
He added that the government’s review of the visa-free policy is mainly for security reasons, as many foreigners arrested in recent cases entered visa-free, including 68 scam group members apprehended recently.
He emphasized that while Thailand relies on the tourism industry for development, it must also safeguard national security and its long-term image as a high-end travel destination.
