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Thailand, a leader in attracting international tourists in Southeast Asia, is facing a strategic shift in its accommodation policy. Having previously made a splash with long-term visa-free stays of up to 60 days to stimulate the post-pandemic economy, the Thai government is now considering a necessary step backward: reverting the visa-free stay limit to 30 days.
According to recent reports from the Bangkok Post, the Visa Policy Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has made sharp observations that the current 60-day period may be "too long" and no longer suitable for its original purpose. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in recent statements, emphasized that 30 days is perfectly sufficient to meet the sightseeing and leisure needs of the majority of international tourists. Shortening this timeframe is seen as a "preventive measure," aimed at minimizing the abuse of visa policies for illegal activities, thereby protecting the image of a safe and professional destination.
One of the core reasons driving this change is cybersecurity concerns and transnational criminal activity. In recent anti-crime campaigns, Thai authorities have discovered a significant number of individuals entering the country under the guise of tourists but actually participating in online fraud schemes.
The possession of long-term visa-free entry has inadvertently given criminal groups ample time to establish infrastructure, operate fraudulent platforms, and evade police crackdowns. Therefore, shortening the stay to 30 days, along with stricter renewal regulations, would create a natural filter, making it easier for authorities to monitor and screen suspicious individuals.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow affirmed that a 30-day stay is sufficient for the needs of the vast majority of international tourists today.
Besides cybersecurity issues, the inherent economic consequences at tourist hotspots like Phuket are also a significant factor prompting authorities to reconsider the situation. During a field visit to the island province, Foreign Minister Sihasak received strong feedback from local tourism operators. A worrying reality is that many foreign individuals are exploiting 60-day visas to secretly establish "underground" businesses in sectors traditionally reserved for locals. By using nominees to illegally seize assets, these activities not only result in tax revenue losses but also directly infringe upon the rights of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises, distorting the local labor and service markets.
However, Thai officials quickly affirmed that the policy adjustment was not discriminatory or intended to hinder genuine tourists. Under the new proposal, citizens of eligible countries would still enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay and could apply for an additional 30 days if genuinely and transparently needed. This is a flexible approach that both ensures the traditional hospitality of Thailand and establishes a stricter control mechanism for long-term stays. Thailand remains committed to maintaining the highest quality of service and care for tourists, as long as such activities are within the framework of the law.
Looking at the broader picture, Thailand's tourism industry faces not only internal challenges but also significant pressure from international variables. The prolonged conflict in the Middle East and global fuel shortages have driven up transportation costs, directly impacting tourists' budgets. Adith Chairattananon, Honorary Secretary-General of the Tourism Association of Thailand, expressed concern as tour cancellation rates began to rise sharply from the beginning of March this year. In particular, the key Chinese market – expected to boom in April – has only reached about 60% of its booking target. This has forced many accommodation establishments to tighten their belts, from cutting staff costs to switching to solar energy to optimize operations.
Tourism operators in Phuket hope that stricter visa regulations will eliminate illegal businesses and protect the rights of local people.
Amidst mounting difficulties, the Thai tourism business community is pinning its hopes on government intervention. Recently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAI) and its member associations officially proposed a stimulus package worth 15 billion baht (approximately US$456 million). This is seen as an urgent "boost" to maintain market demand and support businesses through this turbulent transition period. The ultimate goal is to maintain the tourism industry's pivotal role in the national economy, while also streamlining the visa management system to foster a higher-quality, transparent, and safer tourism industry in the future.
Thailand's redefining of the concept of "30 days is enough" is essentially a strategic move to "clean up" its tourism business environment. Instead of chasing the number of long stays with many potential risks, Thailand is shifting towards controlling the quality of tourists and protecting its economic sovereignty. For Vietnamese and international tourists alike, this change requires a clearer travel plan, but in return, they will enjoy a safer tourism environment where illegal activities are curbed and local values are respected to the fullest.
