On the 14th, Thailand's Deputy Government Spokesperson, Plotale, disclosed that the Cabinet meeting that day reviewed and approved an adjustment plan for Thailand's visa exemption policy and other visa facilitation measures.
This adjustment aims to ensure that convenience measures for foreign tourists are in line with current conditions, close security loopholes, prevent visa rights from being abused, and reduce policy overlaps, adhering to the principle of "one privilege per country."
The core of this adjustment is to cancel the previous visa exemption that granted citizens from 93 countries and regions tourist, short-term work, or short-term business contact entry for up to 60 days.
In May this year, the Thai government announced the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry policy for 93 countries and regions, reverting to the earlier standard of a 30-day stay pending review. These 93 countries and regions include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, among others.
Plothale stated that since the 60-day stay is relatively long, it may be exploited by some individuals to engage in illegal activities or purposes inconsistent with tourism. Therefore, the Thai government will reassess and grant visa privileges in accordance with each country’s situation, comprehensively taking economic factors, national security, international relations, and the principle of reciprocity into consideration.
According to the new measures, 59 countries and regions will be granted tourist visa exemption, with a maximum stay of no more than 30 days upon entry. Among them, six countries—India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives—have newly gained 30-day visa-free treatment. After the adjustment, all 27 EU member states will uniformly enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry.
Mauritius and Seychelles tourists, however, will be eligible for a maximum of 15 days visa-free stay. This policy will be further evaluated in the future based on tourist numbers, tourism spending, and other factors.
Concerning the visa-on-arrival policy, tourists from Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia will continue to enjoy the relevant benefits.
Plothale said that after this adjustment, the total number of countries and regions with various visa facilitation measures will be 65. The five relevant draft notices from the Ministry of Interior will formally take effect 15 days after being published on the Royal Gazette website.
He pointed out that foreign tourists who entered under the original policy and have already obtained corresponding stay permits prior to the new policy’s entry into force may continue their stay as per the remaining valid period of the original regulations.