Thailand Hesitates on Reverting Visa-Free Stays from 60 Days to 30 Days, No Firm Decision Yet. Yet, as of March 23, 2025, no final decision has been made. Sources within the government indicate that while authorities have agreed “in principle” to the reduction, the Foreign Ministry and other stakeholders remain cautious about its potential impact. - The Pattaya News

Thailand Hesitates on Reverting Visa-Free Stays from 60 Days to 30 Days, No Firm Decision Yet

Adam JuddSunday, 23 March 2025, 1:51

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Bangkok, Thailand – March 23, 2025 – Thailand's tourism industry, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, is once again at the center of a policy debate as the government wavers on a proposal to reduce visa-free stays for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days. The Pattaya News has been covering this proposal for weeks, such as here.

Initially introduced in July 2024 to boost tourism, the 60-day visa exemption for citizens of 93 countries has been hailed as a success by many in the travel sector. However, recent concerns over illegal business activities, petty crime, regular stories of tourists being arrested and involved in fights, and overstays have prompted discussions about rolling back this progressive measure—a move that has yet to gain firm footing amid mixed reactions and ongoing deliberations.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry, led by Minister Sorawong Thienthong, first floated the idea of cutting the visa-free period in early March 2025, citing the need to curb the misuse of the exemption by foreigners engaging in illegal jobs or unauthorized business ventures.

The ministry pointed to reports from local travel and hospitality associations, which claimed that some visitors were exploiting the extended stay to operate under-the-table enterprises, such as renting out accommodations without proper licenses. This crackdown aligns with broader efforts to regulate foreign activity in popular tourist hubs like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, where authorities have already revoked licenses of 40 companies in 2024 for violating tourism business regulations.

Yet, as of March 23, 2025, no final decision has been made. Sources within the government indicate that while authorities have agreed "in principle" to the reduction, the Foreign Ministry and other stakeholders remain cautious about its potential impact. Thailand welcomed over 14.3 million tourists from January to May 2024, with ambitions to surpass 40 million arrivals in 2025—a record-breaking target that hinges on maintaining the country's appeal to international visitors.

The 60-day visa-free policy has been credited with driving this surge, particularly among long-stay travelers from key markets like China, India, Russia, and the United States. Rolling it back to 30 days risks alienating these visitors, many of whom have embraced the flexibility to explore Thailand's beaches, temples, and vibrant cities at a leisurely pace.

Some industry voices are pushing back against the proposed change. The Association of Thai Travel Agents has warned that shortening the visa-free period could dampen demand, especially among digital nomads and retirees who have flocked to Thailand under the expanded scheme. "The 60-day policy has been a game-changer," said Somsak Preechasilp, a spokesperson for a Phuket-based tourism coalition. "It's brought in people who spend more time and money here. Cutting it back sends the wrong signal when we're trying to recover and grow."

Public sentiment, as reflected in posts on social media, mirrors this uncertainty. Some users lament the potential rollback, with one calling it "a shame" and highlighting the appeal of the 60-day stay for travelers planning extended trips. Others acknowledge the government's concerns but question whether a blanket reduction is the best solution, suggesting stricter enforcement of crime, background checks, better Immigration screening or targeted measures instead against specific countries and nationalities with repeat offenders.

The hesitation stems in part from Thailand's delicate balancing act: Fostering tourism while addressing security and regulatory challenges. The 60-day exemption, along with other options like the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, has positioned the country as a forward-thinking destination.

However, the rise in overstays and illegal activities has fueled calls for tighter controls. The Tourism Department, alongside the Tourist Police, has intensified inspections in key areas, but critics argue that reducing the visa-free period could punish law-abiding visitors rather than solving the root issues.

Adding to the complexity is the impending launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, set for a pilot phase later this year. The ETA will require visa-exempt travelers to register online before entry, offering a new tool to screen and track visitors. Some officials believe this system could address the ministry's concerns without altering the 60-day policy, providing a compromise that preserves Thailand's tourism momentum.

For now, the government remains in a holding pattern. The Tourism and Sports Ministry has promised further discussions to refine the proposal, with no set timeline for a final ruling. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry's permanent secretary, emphasized that any decision would weigh both economic benefits and national interests. "We're not rushing into this," she said in a recent statement. "We want to get it right."

As Thailand navigates this crossroads, the stakes are high. The 60-day visa-free policy has been a lifeline for an industry still rebounding from the Covid pandemic, yet the specter of misuse looms large. Whether the government opts to maintain the status quo, revert to 30 days, or find a middle ground, the outcome will shape Thailand's reputation as a welcoming destination for years to come.

Photo credit: Jomtien Beach by Adam Judd for the Pattaya News.