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Thailand is reducing its visa-free stay by 60 to 30 days to curb illegal commercial activities, a step that can affect long-term visitors such as digital nomads and retired people.
While Thailand remains a welcome destination for tourists, the government is strengthening strict visa regulations to prevent long -term stay without proper authority.
Thailand is tightening its visa policies, which is reducing the maximum visa-free migration from 60 days to 30 days in an attempt to curb unauthorized business activities, the announcement by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorwong Theanthong. The policy change approved by several ministries in principle will affect passport holders of 93 countries, who had earlier enjoyed expanded migrants.
Why change?
According to a Bloomberg report, this step comes in response to the concerns of the Thai travel agents about the increasing number of foreigners engaged in irregular work and increasing number of foreigners engaging in business operations. Additionally, the Thai Hotels Association has linked extended stays with illegal condominium rent, which argues that formal hospitals disrupt the region.
Effect on Thailand’s tourism goals
Tourism plays an important role in Thailand’s economy, which is the second largest in Southeast Asia. The country aims to attract more than 40 million international visitors in 2024, who cross the level of pre-glory. By 9 March, Thailand had already welcomed 7.66 million foreign travelers, marking an increase of 4.4% year-on-year.
However, visa policy shift shift can affect long-term visitors such as digital nomads, distance workers and retired people, many of which rely on being visa-free for extended periods. Food-like business for these groups-as co-comfortable location and long-term rent providers-may change the demand for experience as visitors adjust new rules.
What will happen next?
Officers are expected to announce an official implementation date soon, as well as with potential discounts or transitional measures for affected passengers. While Thailand remains a welcome destination for tourists, the government is strengthening strict visa regulations to prevent long -term stay without proper authority.
