Kenneth Glad
Entry rules are being tightened after a recent period of easier access. The decision comes as a major travel economy faces weaker arrivals and rising pressure over enforcement.
Thailand will shorten visa-free stays for many foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, according to The Guardian, as Bangkok responds to concern over visitors misusing entry rules.
The 60-day exemption, introduced in 2024, covered 93 countries and territories, including the UK, the US, Australia and much of Europe. Officials said the revised system will be simpler, though the final eligible-country list has not yet been specified.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said tourism has brought economic gains, but the current arrangement has also created room for misuse.
Travellers who want to stay longer will need to apply at an immigration office, where an officer will decide whether to approve an extension.
Tourism squeeze
Thailand relies heavily on foreign visitors for hotels, restaurants, transport, retail and local jobs. Figures cited by the British newspaper put tourism’s contribution at between 10% and 20% of GDP.
That makes the timing difficult. The Bangkok Post reported that foreign arrivals fell 3.45% year on year in the first four months of 2026. UK arrivals dropped 22.8% to 85,059, while arrivals from the Middle East also fell sharply.
The National Economic and Social Development Council has cut Thailand’s 2026 arrivals target from 35 million to 32 million, writes The Guardian. Higher jet fuel costs and regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and the US have also pushed up airfares.
Thai officials have cited concerns about overstays, unauthorised businesses in tourist areas and foreign criminal networks using immigration gaps.
Foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the policy was aimed at individuals misusing the system, not at any one country.
Crime cases add to the pressure
A separate Guardian article examined unusual Bangkok police tactics, such as officers disguising themselves as lion dancers, construction workers and a wrestler to arrest suspects in unrelated criminal cases.
The report offers a glimpse of the kind of crime concerns now shaping Thailand’s tougher approach to visitor rules.
The cases have gained wide attention online, adding pressure on officials to show that immigration and law enforcement systems are keeping pace.
Sources: The Guardian, Bangkok Post
