Thailand has announced a reduction in the duration of visa-free stays for foreign tourists, cutting the maximum stay from 60 days to 30 days. The move is aimed at preventing the misuse of visa exemptions for illegal business activities. Concerns have been raised by local travel and hotel associations about foreigners working without proper authorisation and illegally renting out properties.
Addressing illegal business activities
Reports indicate that some travellers have been taking advantage of the extended visa-free policy to conduct business operations without obtaining the necessary permits. Currently, passport holders from 93 countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, a rule that has been in effect since July 2024. However, Thai authorities believe that reducing the duration to 30 days will deter unauthorised activities while still keeping the country open for tourism.
One of the primary issues raised is the illegal rental of condominium units to foreign guests, which negatively impacts the local hospitality sector. The Thai government aims to ensure that tourism remains a key economic contributor without enabling violations of local regulations.
Potential impact on tourism
While officials argue that the policy change will protect Thailand’s economy, some analysts believe it could have a slight negative impact on tourism. Long-term visitors who previously stayed for extended periods may reconsider their travel plans due to the revised rules.
Additionally, challenges such as security concerns among Chinese tourists and financial constraints faced by travellers from North America and Europe are also expected to affect Thailand’s tourism industry in the near future.
Balancing tourism and regulation
Despite the concerns, tourism remains a crucial pillar of Thailand’s economy, which is the second-largest in Southeast Asia. Officials remain optimistic that the new visa policy will strike a balance between promoting tourism and curbing illegal activities.
For now, travellers planning extended stays in Thailand should stay updated on the latest regulations, as the official implementation date for the new visa-free stay limit is expected to be announced soon.