Thailand is scrapping the 60-day visa-free entry for tourists and is reverting to the previous entry rules.
That means visitors from 54 countries may remain in the country for only 30 days without a visa.
No clear date has been given for the change but the latest step is now in process, says Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
The changes are set to take effect 15 days after publication in the Thai Official Gazette, the Foreign Ministry says.
But travellers who are already in Thailand or who enter the country before the new rules take effect may remain in the country until their current residence permits expire, the government says.
Thailand introduced the 60-day rule in July 2024 to boost its crucial tourism sector following the Covid-19 pandemic.
But that relaxation also led to problems, the authorities say. They reported an increase in cases of foreigners who had taken advantage of the extended stay options to conduct illegal business or live in the country permanently.
Thailand has been recording lower tourist numbers for months, with international arrivals through mid-May 3.3% below the previous year’s level.
The government also expects a significant decline in visitor numbers for the year as a whole. While 33 million foreign visitors arrived in 2025, only 32 million are expected this year.
The decline is particularly pronounced among Chinese visitors, traditionally the country’s most important tourist group. Industry representatives say the weaker interest is due to increased travel costs as well as geopolitical tensions.
Higher airfares resulting from the crisis surrounding Iran are also weighing on the tourism sector.
