Thailand tightens visa rules amid concerns over foreign crime

Thailand will halve the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries, officials said on May 19, as authorities seek to curb crime involving foreign nationals.

Tourism remains a key pillar of Thailand’s economy, contributing between 10% and 20% of GDP, but concerns over visitors breaking the law have prompted calls for stricter immigration controls, according to The Guardian.

Tourists provided “benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it”, government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek told reporters on May 19.

Authorities have pointed to incidents involving tourists accused of crimes ranging from shoplifting to indecent exposure, as well as concerns over foreigners overstaying visas and illegally operating businesses in tourist areas. Thai officials have also warned that transnational criminal groups were exploiting immigration rules.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said last week Thailand was not targeting any specific country, but rather individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes.

Under the new measures, the 60-day visa exemption previously granted to travelers from 93 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and the 29-member Schengen area — will be reduced to 30 days. The number of eligible countries and territories will also be cut from 57 to 54, according to the Foreign Ministry’s consular affairs department. Authorities have not yet released the updated list.

Officials said the revised rules would be simplified to reduce confusion for travelers. Tourists will still be able to extend their stay once through immigration offices.

“The 60 days was automatic but the renewal will be decided by the officer and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer,” a government spokesperson told Agence France-Presse.

Thailand eased visa restrictions in 2024 to support the tourism sector’s recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, expanding visa-free access and extending stays to 60 days.

However, tourism growth has slowed amid rising travel costs linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, which has pushed up jet fuel prices and airfares. Foreign arrivals to Thailand fell 3.45% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, according to the Bangkok Post, with arrivals from the UK dropping 22.8% to 85,059 visitors. Arrivals from the Middle East also declined sharply.

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council has lowered its forecast for tourist arrivals this year from 35 million to 32 million.

By Sabina Mammadli