Thailand Revises Visa-Free Stay Policy for Multiple Countries
UK citizens are among nationals from dozens of countries who will soon be required to obtain a visa if they intend to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days.
Since July 2024, tourists from 93 countries have been allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. This policy was implemented as part of the Thai government's strategy to stimulate the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, on Tuesday, the government approved plans to revoke this 60-day visa exemption. The duration of visa-free stays will now be determined on a country-by-country basis. The government cited concerns related to national security and the complexity of the existing visa system as reasons for this change.
Thailand has experienced several high-profile arrests involving foreigners, including cases connected to drug offenses and sex trafficking.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government found the policy needed revising "to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security".
Countries whose nationals previously benefited from the 60-day visa exemption include Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the United States.
The Thai foreign ministry indicated that many citizens from these countries will now be required to apply for a visa for stays exceeding 30 days. Some countries may have exemption periods that are either shorter or longer than 30 days, depending on reciprocal agreements with Thailand.
The new visa regulations will come into effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, the official platform for legal and regulatory announcements in Thailand.
The foreign ministry explained that the objective of the revised visa system is to reduce the occurrence of multiple visa exemptions applying to the same country, which has caused confusion among foreign visitors.
Tourism and Security Concerns
Thailand remains one of Asia's premier holiday destinations, with tourism playing a vital role in the national economy.
In 2019, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million visitors. However, the number of tourists declined sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic and has only gradually recovered over the past two years. Official statistics indicate that nearly 12 million tourists have visited Thailand so far in the current year.
Despite the resurgence in tourism, there have been several arrests of foreign nationals in recent months for various criminal activities, including UK citizens accused of drug smuggling.
In April, Thai police conducted a raid on an unlicensed international school in Bangkok, the capital city. During the operation, 10 foreigners employed at the school without valid work permits were arrested, according to local media reports.
