Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the 60-day exemption was introduced under the administration of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin to boost tourism, a key driver of Thailand’s economic growth, reports the Bangkok Post.
However, a committee overseeing visa policy, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has concluded that the current duration may be excessively long, he said on Friday (Mar 20).
Mr Sihasak recently visited Phuket, where he heard a number of complaints from tourism operators about the downside of the system originally intended to promote tourism.
In Phuket and other tourist destinations, there have been numerous reports of foreigners on 60-day visas starting businesses in fields reserved for Thais, and acquiring property illegally through nominees.
As well, many of the people arrested in crackdowns on online scam activities were found to have entered the country on tourist visas.
Mr Sihasak agreed the 60-day period could be exploited by people who do not enter Thailand for genuine tourism purposes, including those seeking to remain in the country without applying for the appropriate longer-term visa category.
“In practice, a 30-day period should be sufficient for most tourists,” he said.
Under the proposed change, nationals eligible for visa-free entry would be allowed to stay for 30 days, with the option to apply for a further 30-day extension.
He stressed that the measure was not discriminatory against any specific country or nationality, but it was aimed at addressing issues linked to online scam operations and other abuses.
Some individuals involved in such networks have reportedly taken advantage of extended visa-free stays to enter Thailand and also travel to neighbouring countries.
The minister reaffirmed that Thailand remains committed to welcoming and taking good care of foreign visitors. At the same time, the country must safeguard its right to close loopholes that allow individuals to engage in activities that pose security risks or fall outside the scope of tourism.