Visa-free entry reduced from 60 to 30 or 15 days depending on country

THE cabinet has approved slashing visa-free entry from 60 to 30 or 15 days depending on a country’s eligibility with this aimed at closing a loophole that allows foreign scammers and other gangs to slip into the country, Amarin TV said this afternoon (July 15).

Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the number of visa-free days previously accorded to 93 countries and territories was reduced based on the principle “1 country, 1 right”.

Under the newly-approved measures, 59 countries and territories have been granted 30 days visa-free stay with six countries added to the list, namely India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Maldives. The change means all EU member states now enjoy the same privilege with this boosting international relations and helping negotiations for Schengen visa exemption for Thai citizens, and the conclusion of bilateral economic agreements.

Additionally, Mauritius and Seychelles have been granted visa exemption for 15-day stay for tourism, subject to review. This review will focus on the number of tourists and their spending pattern. India too has been granted this exemption due to its significant role in economy, trade, investment, and international relations. Indian tourists typically stay an average of 7.17 days per trip.

Regarding visa on arrival at immigration checkpoints, priority is granted to three countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. India’s visa on arrival privilege has been revoked as it has instead been granted a 15-day visa exemption, thus halting duplication.

The approved changes mean a total of 65 countries and territories will be eligible for various measures. The five related draft announcements by the Interior Ministry will come into effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette. Foreign nationals who entered Thailand and received benefits under the previous measures before the new announcements come into effect will be able to extend their stay for the remaining period of their original entitlement, Ploytalay said.

In addition, security agencies are now working on making Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system more efficient to screen the background and verify the entry and exit of foreign nationals. They are also expediting linking databases of related agencies to assess risks at the point of origin and track the use of benefits to ensure they are in keeping to their intended purpose.

“This review of the measures is not aimed at reducing tourism opportunities but rather is an adjustment of the system to make it more appropriate, clearer, and more verifiable, in order to maintain a balance between stimulating the economy, facilitating tourism, international relations, and national security.

“This is to prevent visa measures from being used as a loophole for illegal activities,”.Ploytalay said.

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