Thailand is set to halve the visa-free stay period for tourists from 93 countries as officials face growing pressure over foreigners engaging in illegal business operations and criminal activities.
Proposal to Reduce Stay Duration
Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaeow, announced on Tuesday that he would submit a proposal to the cabinet seeking approval to cut the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days. The proposal also includes a review of eligibility criteria for investment visas, long-term residency permits, student visas, and digital nomad schemes as part of a broader overhaul of the country's liberal visa policies.
Concerns Over Illegal Activities
The move comes amid mounting allegations that foreign nationals, particularly Russians, Chinese, and other expatriates, have been operating businesses illegally. Many are accused of registering companies under Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership laws. Thailand's economy heavily depends on tourism, which welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic. Tourist numbers have surged again, partly due to people relocating from conflict zones like the Russia-Ukraine war and the war in Gaza. However, the influx has intensified local resentment in tourist hotspots, where residents complain that foreigners are taking over businesses, driving up prices, and undercutting Thai workers.
Government Response
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government is not seeking to abandon the visa-free policy entirely, emphasizing that tourism remains a crucial revenue source. "Free visas are not about unconditional entry. We need to find the best balance," he said on Monday. The prime minister is expected to visit Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Party, to oversee a crackdown on foreign-owned businesses registered as Thai enterprises and enforce tourism and labor regulations. During a previous visit to Phuket, Anutin warned there would be no tolerance for foreign "thugs" operating illegally on public beaches or intimidating locals.
Security Concerns
Security concerns escalated this month after Thai police arrested a Chinese national in Pattaya found in possession of a large cache of military-grade weapons, including assault rifles, explosives, grenades, Russian landmines, and anti-personnel mines. The suspect, arrested on 9 May, faces charges of illegal possession of unauthorized weapons and could face up to 10 years in prison. Authorities have also launched operations against foreigners accused of illegally operating bars, restaurants, and tourism businesses in popular resort areas. In Phuket, police recently arrested 33 foreign nationals, including 13 Russians and 12 Chinese citizens, for allegedly violating foreign business laws after complaints about unauthorized businesses on public beaches.
Economic Dilemma
Tightening visa rules poses a dilemma for Thailand, whose economy relies heavily on foreign tourism. The government is trying to strike a balance between cracking down on illegal activities and protecting a sector that generated nearly $50 billion from 33 million foreign visitors last year. Proposals to shorten visa-free stays and introduce an entry fee for all foreign tourists have faced resistance from Thailand's tourism industry, which warns that stricter rules could drive travelers toward regional rivals such as Vietnam and Malaysia.
