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, with the duration of stay now to be decided on a country-by-country basis. Officials have cited security concerns and a confusing visa scheme as reasons for the change.
There have been high-profile arrests of foreigners in Thailand linked to drug trafficking and sex crimes. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need to revise the previous policy to better suit the current economic and security landscape.
Countries that previously enjoyed the 60-day exemption include Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the US. Many of these citizens will now need to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, while others may have different exemption periods depending on reciprocal agreements.
The new visa system will take effect 15 days after it appears in the Royal Gazette. The foreign ministry aims to reduce instances of overlapping visa exemptions to alleviate confusion for travelers.
Thailand is a prime tourist destination in Asia, heavily reliant on tourism for its economy, welcoming nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic drastically reduced these numbers. Nearly 12 million people have visited Thailand already this year, as the tourism sector begins to recover.
However, the Thai government approved plans on Tuesday to revoke this exemption, with the duration of stay now to be decided on a country-by-country basis. Officials have cited security concerns and a confusing visa scheme as reasons for the change.
There have been high-profile arrests of foreigners in Thailand linked to drug trafficking and sex crimes. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need to revise the previous policy to better suit the current economic and security landscape.
Countries that previously enjoyed the 60-day exemption include Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the US. Many of these citizens will now need to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, while others may have different exemption periods depending on reciprocal agreements.
The new visa system will take effect 15 days after it appears in the Royal Gazette. The foreign ministry aims to reduce instances of overlapping visa exemptions to alleviate confusion for travelers.
Thailand is a prime tourist destination in Asia, heavily reliant on tourism for its economy, welcoming nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic drastically reduced these numbers. Nearly 12 million people have visited Thailand already this year, as the tourism sector begins to recover.
