BANGKOK – Thailand has approved a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian nationals, reversing an earlier plan that would have removed the privilege following a decline in visitor arrivals from the key tourism market.
The decision was endorsed by the Cabinet during its weekly meeting after the previous proposal created uncertainty among Indian travellers despite never being implemented, as reported by Bloomberg
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the earlier policy had affected travel demand from India, one of Thailand's largest tourism source markets.
"The cabinet therefore approved a 30-day visa-free entry to align with the travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who represent a large market for Thailand.
"If problems arise from this measure in the future, the government can review it then,” Surasak told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.
Indian travellers are currently permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.
That arrangement had been expected to end after the Thai government announced in May that it would reduce the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry as part of a broader review of its immigration policy.
The earlier proposal would have shortened the visa-free stay to 30 days for visitors from only 54 countries and territories, down from the previous list of 93.
Under the revised decision, India will now remain eligible for a 30-day visa exemption alongside Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the latest addition increases the total number of countries and territories eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to 60.
She added that the revised list now covers all 27 European Union member states, which could strengthen Thailand's ongoing efforts to secure Schengen visa-free access for Thai passport holders.
India is Thailand's third-largest source of international visitors this year, behind China and Malaysia.
The latest policy adjustment comes as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's administration tightens oversight of visa-free travel to curb abuses linked to illegal business activities and transnational scam operations.
The government has also sought to address complaints from local businesses, particularly in major tourist destinations, over foreign visitors who misuse entry privileges to undertake activities prohibited under Thai law.
Tourism remains one of Thailand's most important economic sectors, generating nearly US$50 billion from 33 million international arrivals last year.
The country welcomed more than 16 million foreign visitors between January and July 4 this year.
