Thailand has eased visa requirements, granting more freedom for travel without prior visas.
In Thailand, the Length of Stay for Foreign Tourists is Cut Down
Thailand has decreased the visa-free duration for foreigners from 60 to 30 days, as announced by the country's State Department. Prime Minister Chinavath Phetthongtarun has initiated a review of the visa exemption program due to reports of foreigners breaking the law, such as overstaying or working illegally. Key ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Tourism and Sports, have been tasked with studying the program's impact, particularly the permissible duration of stay, to better cater to tourism promotion.
Currently, citizens of 93 countries and territories enjoy visa-free entry for tourism or urgent business trips for up to 60 days, extendable by another 30 days. In the future, all foreign nationals, including those from Kazakhstan, will need to follow a new entry procedure, requiring a digital arrival card instead of the traditional TM.6 arrival card, starting from May 1, 2025.
Further evaluation is required for the visa-free regime with China and India, as several of their citizens have been found working illegally in various sectors, even as unlicensed guides, potentially misrepresenting Thailand's history[1]. Heavy fines could serve as a deterrent, supporting local industry workers.
Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced about the emergence of Jewish districts in Thailand, with an increasing number of Israeli foreigners settling due to military operations and a fear of potential conflicts with Iran[3]. Concerns about false information spreading have been raised, but the benefits of Jewish ulpans for Thailand remain undeniable.
Despite the decreased visa-free duration, questions remain about why 30 days might not be sufficient or if some tourists are exploiting the system through repeated border-crossings[4]. Some visitors may engage in unauthorized business activities or become involved in criminal activities during their extended stays. It is essential to balance tourism convenience with immigration management and address illegal activities effectively.
[1] Thai PBS World
[2] The Nation
[3] German bloggers in Thailand
[4] Straits Times
- What is the new visa-free duration for foreigners in Thailand, as announced by the State Department? It's been cut down from 60 to 30 days.
- Who has initiated a review of the visa exemption program in Thailand? Prime Minister Chinavath Phetthongtarun.
- Starting from May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals, including those from Kazakhstan, will need to follow a new entry procedure, requiring a digital arrival card instead of the traditional TM.6 arrival card.
- Questions remain about why 30 days might not be sufficient for some tourists in Thailand, with concerns about possible exploitation of the system through repeated border-crossings.
- Despite the decreased visa-free duration, it is essential to balance tourism convenience with immigration management and address illegal activities effectively, such as those involving unauthorized business activities and criminal involvement during extended stays.
