Thailand shortens visa-free stay for foreign tourists

International

THAILAND is set to reduce the visa-free stay period for foreign tourists as the government moves to revise its current visa scheme.

Tourists from 93 countries have been allowed to stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days since July 2024 as part of efforts to boost the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among those covered by the 60-day visa-free scheme were travelers from Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US.

Thai authorities, however, approved plans to revise the scheme, with visa-free stay periods now expected to vary depending on agreements with each country, a BBC report stated.

The government cited security concerns and confusion over the current visa system as among the reasons for the change.

According to the Thai foreign ministry, some nationalities may still receive shorter or longer exemption periods based on reciprocal arrangements with Thailand.(Angel Sheane G. Dumas, CNU-Main Campus BA-Comm Intern)