Bangkok: Thailand has approved plans to shorten visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, as authorities tighten immigration and security regulations.
The move reverses a policy introduced in 2024 that allowed visitors from dozens of countries to stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days in an effort to boost tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the new system, many travellers will now need to apply for a visa if they wish to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days.
Thai officials said the revised policy was necessary due to concerns surrounding national security, illegal activities involving foreign nationals and confusion caused by overlapping visa arrangements.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government wanted to make the visa system more suitable for the country’s current economic and security situation.
Countries affected by the changes include Australia, China, India, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United States, alongside the UK.
Thai authorities said the exact duration of visa-free stays may vary between countries depending on reciprocal agreements and diplomatic arrangements.
The new visa regulations are expected to take effect shortly after their publication in the country’s Royal Gazette. Thailand remains one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, with tourism playing a major role in the national economy.
Before the pandemic, the country welcomed nearly 40 million international visitors annually, although tourism numbers dropped sharply during global travel restrictions.
Authorities say recent security concerns and several high-profile criminal cases involving foreign nationals contributed to the decision to tighten visa rules.
Thai police have conducted a number of raids and investigations in recent months involving allegations of drug trafficking, illegal employment and unlicensed businesses operated by foreign citizens.
Officials said the government aims to balance tourism growth with stronger immigration control and national security measures.
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