With the conservative government put back in power following February 8 elections, Thailand is looking to slash the length of stay for foreign tourists. Back to mid 2024, the former government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin decided to increase free-visa stays from 30 to 60 days. The implementation started in July 2024 with the number of countries included in that scheme was up from 48 to 93.
Since last year, however, rumors grew regarding free-visa stays to be reduced again to 30 days. The rumor is now turning into a reality.
Deputy government spokeswoman Airin Phanthurat recently highlighted that the Thai Cabinet acknowledged a report from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on current visa conditions. While the scheme has facilitated travel, authorities found that the 60-day exemption created loopholes affecting security and the country’s image with some visitors using the facility to work illegally.
The ministry of tourism and sports indicated that a new committee set up by the prime minister plans to revise visa measures. The ministry indicated that it is already agreed that the length of stay will be reduced. It is only now a question of when it will be implemented.
The spokeswoman told that the measure would have a limited impact on tourist arrivals as visitors stay on average 21 days in the Kingdom. If tourists want to stay longer, they can apply for an extension as normal. In parallel, the government is also looking at simplifying conditions for other types of visas.
Land borders with Cambodia to be strengthened with a “wall”
Meanwhile, Thailand also indicated to reinforce its borders with Cambodia. Current PM Anutin Charnvirakul approved spending on weapons procurement and border fencing, reported the Bangkok Post.
In a statement dated from February 13, the Joint Information Center on the Thailand-Cambodia Situation indicated that the PM approval for additional funding is “a routine measure to safeguard national sovereignty, protect public safety and combat cross-border crime. The measures are not directed at any specific country and fall within Thailand’s sovereign rights,” the statement said.
The measures, once implemented, could lead to a reopening of land borders with Cambodia. Thailand closed unilaterally its land borders on June 7, 2025 for security reasons. However, flights operate as normal between both kingdoms.
