Thailand's cabinet has approved a sharp reduction in the visa-free entry period for tourists from more than 90 countries, reversing the 60-day exemption introduced in July 2024 to boost post-pandemic recovery.

Under the new tiered system, visa-free stays will be capped at 30 days, with citizens of some countries limited to just 15 days. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek stated that the previous scheme was being exploited.

Thai officials acknowledged that the generous 60-day window had inadvertently opened loopholes, fueling a surge in illicit businesses, unauthorized foreign workers, and online scams. A 30-day limit is now deemed sufficient for genuine high-value travelers.

The policy reversal follows high-profile arrests of foreigners involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and running unauthorized hotels and language schools. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the measure targets individuals abusing the visa system, not any specific nationality.

To prevent abuse, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will enforce a cap of two visa-free entries per year via land borders for the standard 30-day tier, mirroring pre-2024 protocols.

The implementation date remains unannounced. Tourism accounts for over 10% of Thailand's GDP, and foreign arrivals dropped 3.4% year-on-year in Q1, partly due to a nearly 30% decline in Middle Eastern travelers. The government still targets 33.5 million foreign tourists this year.

Source: www.aljazeera.com