Thailand tightens visa rules, citing public order concerns

Thailand has formally reduced the length of visa-free entry for visitors from more than 90 countries, cutting the allowed duration from 60 days to 30 days.

The policy change, announced earlier this week, is framed as a measure to curb illegal activity and improve the regulation of foreign nationals in the country.

Safety first, tourism impact follows

Officials said the decision follows a series of high-profile incidents involving foreigners, including arrests related to drug offenses, public indecency, and the operation of unlicensed businesses such as hotels and schools.

Tourism accounts for over 10 percent of Thailand’s gross domestic product, and the 60-day scheme was introduced two years ago to boost arrivals and encourage longer visits as the sector recovered from the pandemic.

Under the updated rules, travellers may extend their stay once for an additional 30 days, subject to approval by immigration authorities.

Those wishing to return after their permitted stay must leave and re-enter under a different visa category, such as work, education, or retirement visas.

One “visa run” per calendar year remains permitted, allowing a return stay of up to 60 days, but repeated entries under the same visa waiver status are no longer allowed.

Authorities added that restrictions will be applied on a country-by-country basis, though no timeline for full implementation or detailed enforcement guidelines was provided.

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Travellers react to reduced flexibility

Many visitors have expressed concern that the shorter window limits their ability to explore the country thoroughly.

Alex Brady, a 24-year-old tourist from Ireland currently traveling in Bangkok, said he and his friends originally planned a five-week trip covering destinations from the capital to Koh Tao and Chiang Mai.

He noted that the current 60-day visa-free scheme gave them the freedom to travel at their own pace and see more without rushing.

“The new limits – announced Tuesday for tourists from more than 90 countries in a bid to curb crime – would ‘really restrict you in what you can see,’” said Brady.

“If you’re paying for an expensive flight ticket out here, you want to spend a good amount of time out here.”

Elin Ovrebo, a program director at a United States-based university who has brought student groups to Thailand annually for over a decade, noted that the change could impact educational travel.

Her groups typically spend 28 days in the country, and she often stays for additional time for planning.

While the policy change may mean she would not do that in the future, “it won’t stop me from coming,” she said.

For longer-term visitors, the new rules create logistical challenges.

Eighty-year-old Anna Heindrich from Germany, who has been in Thailand for three months and wishes to extend her stay, paid an agency THB5,500 (approximately $170) to organise a 16-hour round trip to Laos to renew her entry permission.

“I spoke with the agency, and it sounded easy on paper. Not necessarily very comfortable, but easy,” she told AFP.

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Industry sees challenges and shifts

Operators specialising in border runs and visa assistance report increased inquiries, though some expect business patterns to change.

Tanya Chansuwan, manager of Bangkok Buddy, which arranges cross-border trips for visitors, said the new policy will likely push some travelers toward alternative destinations.

She explained that compliance will be harder for visitors, and some may choose places like Vietnam instead because costs are lower and rules are simpler.

Government officials reiterated that the aim is to maintain public safety and legal standards while continuing to welcome legitimate tourists.

They emphasised that measures will be adjusted according to bilateral agreements and ongoing assessments of how the policy affects both tourism and domestic order.

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