The Thai cabinet approved plans to shorten visa-free stays currently granted to tourists from countries including members of Europe’s Schengen area, the United States, Israel and several South American nations, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul told reporters in Bangkok.

Under the revised framework, most eligible foreign visitors will be permitted to remain in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa, down from the current 60-day allowance introduced in July 2024 to stimulate tourism and economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some nationalities could face shorter stays of only 15 days, officials said.

The government said extensions would still be available through immigration offices, but approvals would no longer be automatic.
“The renewal will be decided by the officer and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer,” a government spokeswoman said.

Thai authorities linked the policy shift to rising concerns over transnational crime and misuse of long visa-free stays by foreigners operating illegally in the country.

Recent police investigations have involved foreign nationals accused of drug trafficking, sex trafficking and operating businesses such as hotels, schools and entertainment venues without proper permits.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said last week the changes formed part of a broader strategy targeting criminal networks exploiting Thailand’s immigration system.

Officials stressed the policy was not aimed at any particular nationality but at individuals violating Thai laws while using tourist entry privileges.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said the existing framework had generated economic benefits through tourism but also created loopholes for illegal activities.

Tourism remains a central pillar of Thailand’s economy, contributing more than 10 percent of gross domestic product. However, visitor numbers have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels despite aggressive government campaigns to revive the sector.
According to tourism ministry data, foreign arrivals fell by approximately 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

Arrivals from the Middle East declined by nearly one-third during the period.

Thailand expects approximately 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, marginally above the nearly 33 million arrivals recorded in 2025, according to government projections.