Thailand has suspended its 60-day visa-free entry for tourists from 93 countries.

Thailand has decided to end its 60-day visa-free program for tourists from 93 countries, including Vietnam, but the effective date has not yet been announced.

Tourists at a beach on Phuket Island, Thailand, in November 2024 - Photo: AFP

On May 19th, after months of deliberation, the Thai government announced its decision to end the 60-day visa-free program, which was introduced to boost tourism recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite Thailand's efforts, tourist numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, extending the visa-free period has created unintended consequences, such as an increase in the number of foreigners staying long-term, engaging in illegal business activities, or participating in criminal activities.

The decision means that regulations for all countries participating in the program will revert to the previously applied immigration rules, the Bangkok Post quoted Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, as saying. The new visa-free stay duration will be determined on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days, while some will only be allowed to stay for 15 days.

Mr. Surasak did not specify the end date of the 60-day visa waiver program, only saying that the cabinet's decision would be communicated to all relevant agencies.

According to Thailand's current tourism program, tourists from over 93 countries, including 29 European countries in the Schengen area, the United States, Israel, several South American countries, and Asian countries such as China, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, can travel for up to 60 days without a visa.

Last week, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the plan to reduce visa-free periods is part of a campaign to crack down on transnational crime. He affirmed that Thailand is not targeting any specific country.

Earlier this week, Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek also said that tourists bring "benefits, such as boosting the economy , but the current program has allowed some people to take advantage of it."

Tourism accounts for more than 10% of Thailand's GDP. The Thai government expects to welcome around 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, up from nearly 33 million last year.

However, data from the Thai Ministry of Tourism shows that the number of foreign visitors decreased by approximately 3.4% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2015, with visitors from the Middle East falling by nearly one-third.

TRAN PHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thai-lan-dung-mien-visa-60-ngay-with-du-khach-tu-93-nuoc-20260519172825868.htm