The revised rules reverse the visa relaxation introduced in July 2024, when Thailand expanded visa-free access to 93 countries as part of efforts to revive tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the revised system, foreign travellers, including Indians, will now be allowed to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days instead of 60 days. Travellers seeking longer stays will have to apply for extensions through immigration offices or opt for other visa categories.
Thai authorities said the decision was driven by concerns that foreigners were allegedly using the visa-exemption scheme for illegal work, unauthorised business operations, visa overstays, and criminal activities. Officials have also cited national security concerns and confusion arising from overlapping visa arrangements.
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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government reviewed the policy to make it “more suitable for the current situation” in terms of both the economy and national security.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said stay durations under the revised system would now be decided on a country-by-country basis, with some countries receiving shorter or longer exemption periods based on reciprocal agreements.
The new visa system will come into effect 15 days after it is officially published in the Royal Gazette, where legal and regulatory notifications are issued.
Thailand has said it will continue promoting long-term visa programmes, including the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads.
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