Thailand to cut visa-free stay to 30 days for 93 countries

BANGKOK- Thailand will cut the visa-free stay period for tourists from 93 countries from 60 days to 30 days to help prevent criminal activity, the foreign minister said.

• Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow said on Tuesday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will submit a plan to the Cabinet for approval to reduce the visa-free stay period for foreign tourists in Thailand to 30 days from 60 days. He did not say when.

  
  

• Thailand has set a visa-free period for tourists from 93 countries since July 2024.

  
  

• In addition, Thai authorities will check other visa types to ensure that individuals entering the country comply with the purpose of that visa.

  
  

• The measures are designed to address concerns about the misuse of extended visas and the involvement of some tourists in illegal activities.

  
  

• From January 1 to May 10, 2026, Thailand received 12.4 million foreign tourists, a decrease of 3.43% compared to the same period last year.

  
  

• Tourism is critical driver of the economy, with foreign arrivals peaking at nearly 40 million in 2019.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by David Stanway)