In brief
Thailand has decided to cut the visa-free stay period for citizens from 93 countries, including the UK, from 60 days to 30 days. This move is part of efforts to streamline the visa process and address security concerns following a rise in foreign-related crimes. The new policy will take effect 15 days after being published in the Royal Gazette. Many tourists previously enjoyed the extended stay as part of Thailand's post-pandemic recovery strategy, but the government now believes revisions are necessary for safety and economic reasons.
UK citizens are among dozens of nationalities who will soon have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days. Tourists from 93 countries have been able to visit without needing a visa for 60 days since July 2024, as part of a government effort to boost the economy following the Covid pandemic.However, the Thai government approved plans on Tuesday to revoke this exemption, deciding on the length of stay on a country-by-country basis due to security concerns and a confusing visa system.There has been a series of high-profile arrests of foreigners in Thailand, including issues related to drugs and sex trafficking. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the policy needs to be revised to align better with current circumstances regarding the economy and national security.Countries enjoying visa-free entry have included Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the US. Many of these nationals will now need to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, although some may have exemptions varying based on reciprocal agreements with individual countries.The implementation of the new visa system will commence 15 days after its appearance in the Royal Gazette. The foreign ministry is aiming to reduce the complexity of multiple visa exemptions that confuse travelers.Tourism is crucial for Thailand’s economy, with nearly 40 million visitors recorded in pre-pandemic 2019. This number saw a dramatic decline during the pandemic but has been recovering, with about 12 million visitors so far this year. Nonetheless, several foreign nationals have been arrested for various crimes recently, leading to the tightening of the visa policy.}
