Why Thailand Plans to Reduce Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days

Thailand is planning to reduce the visa-free stay for foreign tourists from 60 to 30 days. The policy is being prepared for submission to the Thai Cabinet as part of a major evaluation of the visa system. During the meeting, the government discussed measures to restrict the entry of tourists into Thailand. This comes after a number of reports regarding foreign tourists from China and alleged violations of the law by prominent figures, especially in national park areas.

Phancharoenworakul said that the visa-free scheme will be reviewed as part of a comprehensive review of Thailand’s visa system. “The Prime Minister has informally instructed various agencies to form a working group to consider all categories of visas,” said Phancharoenworakul, as reported by The Star on Friday (15/5/2026). The review will not only cover tourist visas, but also work visas, student visas, and other types of visas issued by Thailand.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, along with a number of related agencies, will form a special working group, which is scheduled to be appointed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (12/5/2026). The Thai government will study and review all types of visas before the new policy is officially submitted to the Cabinet. Surasak added that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently preparing the details of the policy to reduce the length of the visa-free stay. The Thai government believes that reducing the length of stay will be more in line with the travel patterns of foreign tourists and can help address visa abuse by criminals entering the country under the guise of tourists.