"Some People Have Exploited It": Thailand Slashes Visa-Free Stays From 60 Days to 30 — Tourism-Dependent Economy Sacrifices Visitor Numbers to Curb Foreign Crime

20 May 2026 | Bangkok, Thailand — Updated 14:30 GMT

BANGKOK – Thailand has dramatically scaled back its generous visa-free policy, slashing permitted stays for tourists from more than 90 countries from 60 days to as little as 15 days in some cases — a move officials say is necessary to combat transnational crime, but which threatens to derail the tourism-dependent economy's fragile recovery.

The cabinet approved the changes on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to a two-year experiment in open-door tourism. Under the previous scheme, travellers from the US, UK, Europe's 29-nation Schengen area, Australia and more than 90 other countries could visit for up to 60 days without a visa. The new rules will be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals granted stays of up to 30 days — and some receiving only 15 days.

From 60 Days to 30: The End of a Two-Year Experiment

The visa-free period was previously capped at 30 days but was extended to 60 days in July 2024 as part of government efforts to boost tourism and spur growth in an economy that has struggled to recover since the pandemic. The extension was seen as a bold bet on Thailand's appeal as a long-stay destination, particularly for digital nomads and remote workers.

But that bet has now been reversed. The foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said last week that the plan to reduce visa-free stays was part of a crackdown on transnational crime. Thailand was not targeting any specific country, he said, but rather individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country.

A recent series of high-profile arrests of foreigners has included cases linked to drug offences, sex trafficking, and foreigners operating businesses such as hotels and schools without proper permits. Officials say the 60-day automatic stay made it easier for criminal networks to establish operations in the country.

'Renewals Will Be Decided by the Officer': New Discretionary Powers

Under the new rules, tourists will still be able to renew their visas once — but by visiting an immigration office in person, and with no guarantee of approval.

"The 60 days was automatic but the renewal will be decided by the officer and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer," a government spokesperson told Agence France-Presse.

The change gives Thai immigration authorities significant discretionary power over who can extend their stay. Genuine tourists with clear itineraries may still receive extensions, but officials will be looking for signs of visa abuse or criminal activity.

Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul confirmed that the new visa-free duration would be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals granted stays of up to 30 days, while some could receive only 15 days. The government has not yet published a full list of which countries fall into each category.

The Economic Gamble: Tourism vs. Security

The decision represents a significant gamble for Thailand's economy. Tourism accounts for more than 10% of the country's GDP — one of the highest ratios in the world. Foreign arrivals have yet to return to pre-Covid levels, and the latest data shows the recovery is stalling.

According to government data, foreign arrivals dropped by about 3.4% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025. Visitors from the Middle East were down by nearly a third. The government still expects about 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, up from nearly 33 million visitors last year — but the visa tightening may put that target at risk.

Long-stay tourists, including digital nomads and retirees who have used the 60-day visa-free period as a gateway to longer stays, are likely to be most affected. Some may choose alternative destinations in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, which maintain more generous visa policies.

However, officials argue that the crackdown is necessary to protect Thailand's reputation and safety. The high-profile arrests of foreign criminals in recent months have damaged the country's image as a safe destination. By tightening visa rules, Thailand hopes to signal that it is serious about tackling transnational crime — even at the cost of tourist numbers.

Why Now? A Series of High-Profile Foreign Crime Cases

The decision did not emerge from a vacuum. In recent months, Thai authorities have made several high-profile arrests of foreign nationals that have shaken public confidence and embarrassed the government.

Cases have included:

• Drug trafficking rings operating out of tourist areas in Phuket and Pattaya
• Sex trafficking networks involving foreign nationals exploiting the visa system
• Foreigners operating businesses — including hotels, restaurants and schools — without proper permits, taking jobs from Thai nationals
• Visa overstays becoming increasingly common, with some foreigners remaining in the country for months or years after their 60-day period expired

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has emphasized that the crackdown is not aimed at any specific nationality, but rather at individuals abusing the system. "We welcome genuine tourists," he said last week. "But we will not tolerate those who come to Thailand to commit crimes."

The government spokesperson was more blunt: "Tourists provided benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it."

Reaction from Tourism Industry

Initial reaction from Thailand's tourism industry has been cautious. The Tourism Council of Thailand has warned that the visa tightening could deter long-stay visitors, particularly from Europe and North America, who often spend more money per trip than short-term tourists.

"The 60-day visa was a major selling point for digital nomads and retirees," said one Bangkok-based tour operator who requested anonymity. "Many of them would stay for two months, spend heavily, and then maybe return later in the year. Now they'll have to go through immigration after 30 days and hope for an extension. Some may just go to Vietnam instead."

Others have expressed support for the crackdown, arguing that the tourism industry's long-term health depends on safety and security. "Thailand has a reputation problem," said a hotel manager in Phuket. "If tourists feel unsafe because of criminal activity, they won't come at all. Better to have fewer, safer tourists than more who are at risk."

The government has not indicated whether the new visa rules will be temporary or permanent. Officials say they will monitor the impact on tourism numbers and crime rates before making any further adjustments.

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