Guest reader Posted March 18 Posted March 18 NOTE — file under TIT. From Pattaya News In a shift in immigration policy, Thailand is reportedly planning to reduce its visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 days back to 30 days, which The Pattaya News previously noted was lobbied for by the hospitality and tourism industry at a recent conference. This proposal, which has gained traction among Thai authorities, aims to address concerns over illegal employment, illegal condo and villa rentals, a rising number of criminal incidents involving foreigners, and the exploitation of the visa exemption scheme by foreign nationals. The change, if implemented, would mark a reversal of a tourism-friendly measure introduced in July 2024, reflecting the government’s efforts to balance economic benefits with stricter oversight. Thailand’s visa-free entry program has been a major part of its tourism-driven economy. In July 2024, the country expanded this scheme, increasing the visa-exempt stay period from 30 days to 60 days for citizens of 93 countries, including major tourism markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and India. However, the policy has not yet been officially enacted, leaving room for further deliberation or adjustments. Stakeholders, including tourism associations and foreign embassies, may weigh in before a final decision is made. Travelers planning trips to Thailand in the coming months should monitor updates from the Thai Immigration Bureau or consult their local Thai embassy for confirmation. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/18/thai-government-agrees-in-principle-on-reverting-visa-free-stay-from-60-days-to-30-days/ Quote
Guest reader Posted March 27 Posted March 27 From Pattaya News Thailand Considers Shortening Visa Extension Period for Chinese Tourists Bangkok– The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is reportedly considering a change to its visa policy for Chinese visitors, one of the country’s largest tourist demographics. According to sources within the ministry, the current 90-day visa extension period could be slashed to just 30 days, aligning it more closely with the average length of stay for travelers from China. This comes as Thailand was reportedly considering an overall proposal to reduce visa exemption lengths in general, as we discussed here at TPN media. The proposed adjustment aims to streamline immigration processes and better reflect the travel patterns of Chinese tourists, say Thai officials. In 2019, before the global pandemic disrupted international travel, Chinese visitors accounted for over 11 million arrivals, making up nearly 27% of Thailand’s total 39.8 million tourists that year, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. While numbers dropped sharply during the COVID-19 years, the recovery has been robust, with 2024 seeing a resurgence of Chinese travelers thanks to relaxed visa policies and targeted marketing campaigns. A ministry spokesperson explained that the change is under consideration following observations that most Chinese tourists spend far less than 90 days in the country. “Our data shows that the average stay for Chinese visitors is typically between two to three weeks,” the spokesperson said. “Reducing the extension period to 30 days would better match their travel behavior while maintaining Thailand’s appeal as a flexible and welcoming destination.” Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/28/thailand-considers-shortening-visa-extension-period-for-chinese-tourists/ Quote
