Thailand tightens visa rules for tourists, citing crime by foreigners

Lead

Thailand is set to significantly reduce the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries, officials announced on Tuesday, in a move aimed at curbing crime involving foreign nationals.

The cabinet approved the changes, which will revert the visa-free entry scheme to a tiered system, with most visitors allowed to stay up to 30 days and citizens of some countries limited to just 15 days. The decision, first reported by multiple outlets including Reuters, Al Jazeera, and the BBC, follows a period in which tourists from 93 countries could visit for 60 days without a visa, a measure introduced in July 2024 to boost tourism after the pandemic.

Coverage comparison

Reports from ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, Dawn, and The Guardian consistently describe the change as a "drastic" reduction, with all citing security concerns as the primary driver. The BBC, which reported the story for a global audience, noted that the new duration will be decided on a country-by-country basis, with some countries potentially retaining longer or shorter periods based on reciprocal agreements. The South China Morning Post, with a focus on Asia-Pacific affairs, framed the move as part of a broader "crackdown" on foreigners who illegally run businesses or commit transnational crimes, and highlighted Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's order to establish a working group to review visa rules.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported that the Thai Foreign Ministry said the decision is based on national security considerations and is not targeted at any specific country. The agency also provided details on a paid extension service for Russian tourists, though this information has not been independently verified by other sources.

Key claims

The Thai government, through its tourism minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, announced that most foreign nationals will be granted visa-free stays of up to 30 days, while some will receive only 15 days. The exact durations will be determined on a country-by-country basis, according to government officials quoted by Reuters and other outlets.

The policy reversal follows a series of high-profile arrests of foreigners linked to drug offences, sex trafficking, and running unauthorised businesses such as hotels and schools, as reported by Al Jazeera, ABC Australia, and The Guardian. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the measure is part of a crackdown on transnational crime and targets individuals abusing the visa system, not any specific nationality.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek told reporters that while tourists provide economic benefits, "the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it." This sentiment was echoed across multiple reports.

Tourism is a vital component of Thailand's economy, accounting for more than 10 percent of GDP, according to data cited by Al Jazeera, Dawn, and The Guardian. However, foreign arrivals remain below pre-pandemic levels, with a 3.4 percent drop in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025, as reported by ABC Australia and Dawn. The BBC noted that Thailand had nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, but numbers fell dramatically during the pandemic.

The new visa system will come into effect 15 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette, the official journal for legal notifications, as confirmed by the Thai Foreign Ministry to TASS and reported by the BBC.

Perspectives

Government officials highlight the need to address security concerns and prevent misuse of the visa system, emphasising that the changes are transparent and not aimed at any particular country. Local businesses in tourist hotspots have long complained about foreigners using visas to engage in prohibited activities, as noted by the South China Morning Post.

Tourism industry stakeholders may view the reduction as a potential setback to ongoing recovery efforts, especially given the recent decline in arrivals. The extension of visa-free stays in 2024 was intended to stimulate the economy, and shortening it could deter some long-stay travellers.

Russian tourists, a significant market for Thailand, may be affected by the change, though TASS reported on a paid extension service allowing them to stay up to 60 days without leaving the country. This detail has not been confirmed by other outlets.

The Thai government asserts that the changes will streamline the visa system and provide greater clarity for visitors, though the country-by-country approach may initially cause some confusion.