Thailand has officially scrapped its 60-day visa-free stay policy for travelers from around 93 countries, including India, marking a significant change in the kingdom's tourism entry rules. According to reports from Hindustan Times and CNN, the Thai Cabinet has approved the withdrawal of the extended visa-free scheme that was introduced in 2024. The decision was announced on social media platforms, with the Thai government stating that the move aims to curb overstays and tighten security measures. Thai officials announced the change on May 19 and stated that the new rules would take effect 15 days after the announcement. However, as reported by The Bangkok Post, the timeline for when the changes would come into effect is currently unclear.
The policy reversal comes amid a series of high-profile cases involving foreign nationals allegedly linked to drug offenses, sex trafficking, and the illegal operation of businesses, including hotels and schools, without proper permits. As reported by Hindustan Times, Thai authorities stated that some visitors have been actively exploiting the country's extended visa-free regime to overstay and operate illegally within the kingdom. CNN reports that bad tourist behavior led to the change, citing stories of vandalism and bar fights that have gone viral on social media. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow last week said the plan to reduce visa-free stays was part of a crackdown on transnational crime, emphasizing that Thailand was not targeting any specific country but rather individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul told reporters that the measures are designed to address concerns about the misuse of extended visas and involvement of some tourists in illegal activities.
Under the new system, visa-free duration will be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals granted stays of up to 30 days, while some could receive only 15 days. According to The Bangkok Post, Australia was among the countries to get 30 days without a visa. Tourists will be able to renew visas once by visiting an immigration office, but the renewal will be decided by officers and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer. The Visa Policy Committee will now review each country individually to determine appropriate entry terms. Additionally, Thai authorities will check other visa types to ensure that individuals entering the country comply with the purpose of that visa, as reported by AFP.
For Indian travelers, the move effectively signals a return to the earlier visa-free arrangement that existed before Thailand introduced its temporary 60-day exemption in 2024. According to Hindustan Times, under the previous bilateral agreement, Indian passport holders were permitted to enter and stay in Thailand visa-free for a maximum of 30 days. The policy change affects travel patterns and long-stay tourist arrangements that had become common during the extended visa period.
Tourism remains a critical driver for Thailand's economy, accounting for more than 10% of the country's GDP. As reported by Hindustan Times, the Thai government expects to welcome approximately 33.5 million international visitors this year, representing a slight increase over the nearly 33 million arrivals recorded last year. However, recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports indicates immediate headwinds for the sector, with foreign arrivals contracting by roughly 2.3% to 3.4% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, largely due to ongoing regional and geopolitical disruptions impacting global travel. According to Tourism Research Australia data, Australians traveling to Thailand who stayed more than 15 nights contributed 35% of the country's total tourism receipts. However, experts suggest that if the new policy provides 30 days of visa-free access to Australians, the economic losses are likely to be much smaller.
