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In order to boost tourism, Thailand had expanded its 60-day tourist visa exemption scheme in 2024, while also included an additional 36 countries and territories, for a total of 93. However, in less than two years, the Thai government is considering rolling back the policy, while also cutting the maximum stay to 30 days. That’s because instead of boosting the local economy, the relaxed rules actually created problems such as illegal work and crime. Should the proposed policy take effect, Taiwan would still be included in the list of 57 countries, and still enjoy 30 days of visa-free tourism.
People have fun splashing water on others to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. In 2024, as a measure to boost tourism, the Thai government expanded its 60-day tourist visa exemption scheme to 93 countries and territories. But in less than two years, Thailand is considering reverting to the previous list of 57 countries and territories, while also halving the maximum period of visa-free stay, from 60 to 30 days. It also plans to tighten visitor screenings.
Taiwanese tourist
Frequent traveler to Thailand
I wanted to volunteer, and they told me that there’s a volunteer visa, and that I should apply for it. Before, all I needed was a tourist visa and I could get in and stay for two months, and even extend my stay by another month. But the new policy is no big deal. Thirty days are more than enough if you want to tour Thailand.
Should the new, tightened rules take effect, overstaying as a tourist will be fineable by 500 baht per day, and could even get you blacklisted. As for the shortened list of visa-free countries, Taiwan would still be included. Travel agents also say that the shorter period of visa exemption would be of little impact to typical travelers.
Chen Chien-chin
Travel agency GM
It actually doesn’t make much of a difference. Usually, tourists only spend nine days there, maybe 14 at most. At the time they wanted long-stay tourists like those from Europe, but then discovered that the new scheme wasn’t very effective, and instead made Thailand unsafe.
The Thai government had hoped to attract a greater number of quality tourists with higher spending power. However, statistics showed that the majority of tourists only spend 15 to 30 days in Thailand on average. Instead, many of those that maximize their stay on tourist visa exemption could get involved in illegal work and criminal activities, including scam, causing wide repercussions for Thai society.
Hong Ming-chien
Taiwan Thailand Exchange Association
Currently many people involved in scam rings enter Thailand on tourist schemes. There are just too many of them. Looking at news reports, probably more than 80% are Chinese. The Thai government is now really strict, meaning that foreigners’ activities must strictly align with the type of visa held. If you’re in Thailand for tourism, then you can’t conduct any activities related to business or commerce.
The Thai government hopes that the tightened rules will support quality and sustainable tourism.
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