Thailand tightens tourist visa regulations.

VTV.vn - Thailand will tighten tourist visa regulations to curb the exploitation of entry policies by foreign tourists who violate the law.

Thailand has revoked its 60-day visa-free policy to tighten control over foreign tourists. (Photo: EPA)

Thailand, a Southeast Asian nation heavily reliant on tourism , will shorten the visa-free stay for visitors from more than 90 countries amid concerns about crimes involving foreigners.

Thai officials announced on May 19 that new regulations will end the 60-day visa-free policy previously applied to 93 countries, including the US, UK, Schengen Area countries, and Australia. Instead, tourists will be granted a 30-day visa-free stay.

Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said that tourists benefit the economy , but current policies have been exploited by some. Incidents involving tourists committing crimes, from shoplifting to indecent behavior in public, have drawn attention on social media.

Thai authorities are also particularly concerned about foreigners overstaying their visas, engaging in illegal business activities at tourist destinations, and transnational criminal groups exploiting immigration regulations.

Tourists pay at a convenience store in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 3, 2025. (Photo: AP)

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow affirmed last week that Thailand is not targeting any specific country, but rather focusing on individuals who abuse the visa system to commit crimes.

According to Mr. Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Director-General of the Consular Department of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the number of countries and territories eligible for a 30-day visa exemption will be reduced from 57 to 54. The specific list has not yet been announced.

Tourists can still extend their visas once at the immigration office. However, the extension decision will be made by the immigration officer, and the tourist must explain the reason for staying longer.

Thailand had previously eased visa regulations in 2024 to boost tourism recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism contributes approximately 10-20% of the country's GDP, but international visitor numbers have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

According to the Bangkok Post, the number of international visitors to Thailand in the first four months of 2026 decreased by 3.45% compared to the same period last year. Authorities have lowered their visitor target for this year from 35 million to 32 million.

Source: https://vtv.vn/thai-lan-siet-chat-quy-dinh-thi-thuc-du-lich-100260520131942656.htm