Visa Rule Changed: This country has decided to reduce the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days. This step has been taken with the aim of curbing the increasing illegal business activities in the country.
Visa Rule Changed: The Thailand government has decided to reduce the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days. This step has been taken with the aim of curbing the increasing illegal business activities in the country. Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced this decision. This new rule will apply to passport holders of 93 countries, who could previously stay without a visa for 60 days. Steps taken to control illegal business This decision has been taken in view of the increasing incidents of foreign nationals doing illegal work and business in Thailand. According to the Bangkok Post report, the Thai Hotel Association expressed concern that due to the long visa-free period, many condominium units are being illegally rented to foreign guests. This is having a negative impact on the tourism business and local employment.
Major change in tourism policy
This change is contrary to the tourism-friendly policy implemented in July 2024, which allowed foreign guests to stay longer. However, the government is now making it clear that without the appropriate visa, one will not be able to stay in Thailand for a long time. The new rules will be officially announced soon, which will also tell which travelers can get exemption.
Tourists will have to apply for visa
People who could previously stay without a visa for 60 days—such as digital nomads, retirees or tourists on long holidays—will now have to change their program. If they want to stay more than 30 days, they will have to apply for a tourist visa in advance, allowing them to stay for 60 days and get a 30-day extension. Otherwise, they will have to leave the country and come back after the 30 days are over.
Tourism impacts economy
Tourism is an important pillar of Thailand’s economy, making it Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. The government’s target is to attract more than 40 million foreign tourists in 2025, which would exceed the 2019 record.
As of March 9 this year, 7.66 million foreign tourists have arrived in Thailand, up 4.4% from the same period last year. The government is trying to strike a balance between tighter visa regulations and tourism income. So that illegal activities can be stopped and foreign travelers remain attractive.
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