UK citizens are among dozens of nationalities who will soon have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days. Tourists from 93 countries have been able to visit without needing a visa for 60 days since July 2024, as part of a government effort to boost the economy following the Covid pandemic. However, plans were approved on Tuesday to revoke this exemption, with travelers' stay durations now to be decided on a country-by-country basis. The Thai government cited security concerns and the complexity of the current visa scheme as reasons for the change.
High-profile arrests of foreigners in Thailand, including cases related to drugs and sex trafficking, have prompted the government to reevaluate its visa policies. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated, the policy needed revising to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security.
The affected countries include major nationalities such as Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Many citizens from these countries will now need to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, although some individual agreements may provide different exemption periods.
The new visa regulations are set to take effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, which serves as the official legal notice. The foreign ministry aims to reduce confusion caused by multiple visa exemptions applicable to the same country. Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand's economy, and despite a significant decline during the pandemic, the nation has welcomed nearly 12 million visitors this year.
High-profile arrests of foreigners in Thailand, including cases related to drugs and sex trafficking, have prompted the government to reevaluate its visa policies. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated, the policy needed revising to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security.
The affected countries include major nationalities such as Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Many citizens from these countries will now need to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, although some individual agreements may provide different exemption periods.
The new visa regulations are set to take effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, which serves as the official legal notice. The foreign ministry aims to reduce confusion caused by multiple visa exemptions applicable to the same country. Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand's economy, and despite a significant decline during the pandemic, the nation has welcomed nearly 12 million visitors this year.
