Tourists visit Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), one of the favourite tourist spots, in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 26, 2026.
Thailand on Tuesday announced that it will halve the visa-free stay for tourists from more than 60 countries — including India, China and the US — to 30 days from September 15, as Bangkok moves to tighten its visa regime amid a crackdown on crimes involving foreign nationals, according to AFP, citing Thailand's Foreign Ministry.
As part of the existing visa-free scheme, visitors from more than 90 countries — including India, the US, China and the 29-member Schengen area — can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.
According to the report, the government has said the shorter stay is aimed at preventing abuse of the visa system and curbing crimes allegedly involving foreign nationals.
Recent arrests have included foreigners accused of drug offences, sex trafficking and running businesses such as hotels and schools without the required permits.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had said the measure was part of efforts to crack down on individuals exploiting visa-free entry to commit crimes in Thailand.
According to AFP, citing a government spokeswoman who spoke in May after the Cabinet approved the measure, tourists will still be allowed to extend their stay once, at the discretion of an immigration officer.
The visa-free arrangements for around 20 other countries remained unclear, with a Foreign Ministry official declining to comment on Tuesday.
Thailand will, however, increase visa-free stays for tourists from Peru, Brazil and South Korea to 90 days from the previous 60 days.
Tourism remains a key pillar of Thailand's economy. The country has received 20.9 million foreign tourists since the beginning of the year, down 3% from the same period in 2025, according to the latest official figures.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
