Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent tourism and sports secretary, said a new committee set up by the prime minister and chaired by the permanent foreign affairs secretary plans to revise visa measures, including 60‑day visa‑free stays for visitors from 93 countries, reports the Bangkok Post.
She said the Tourism and Sports Ministry provided supporting research for this committee, which is expected to reduce visa-free stays to 30 days.
Based on discussions with several related organisations, including the Immigration Bureau, they agreed in principle to reduce the number of days to prevent loopholes that could be exploited by foreign criminals or individuals intending to commit illegal activities in the country.
"This change should not impact tourism, as foreign tourists on average stay in Thailand for 21 days at most," said Ms Natthriya. "If they want to stay longer than 30 days, they can simply apply for an extension as normal."
She said the caretaker government has the authority to approve this change, as the new government has not yet been formed.
The visa‑free scheme, allowing foreigners from 93 countries to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, began in mid‑2024 during the administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, aiming to boost sluggish tourism.
Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said the association agreed with the reduction.
This rule change was proposed by tourism operators since last year, seeking to reduce foreign criminal activity and promote a safer image for the industry, he said.
Most tourists do not stay for 60 days, and those who do often intend to misuse the visa for purposes other than tourism, said Mr Thanapol, referring to nominee businesses, unlicensed tour operators and foreign tour guides.
During the early stages of the visa‑free scheme, foreign arrivals surged, especially from China, Taiwan and India.
However, those trends eventually declined, and tourists still travelled for less than a month.
He insisted the government should maintain the visa‑free scheme because it remains crucial to the market as arrivals are contracting.
Many countries offer visa‑free privileges to certain markets to enhance trade and tourism, including China, which allows most European tourists to visit without a visa, said Mr Thanapol.
Since the end of last year, the Immigration Bureau has imposed tighter scrutiny of foreigners visiting the country via the visa-free scheme, targeting those making multiple visa runs in particular.