Government officials say the new direction will focus less on maximizing tourist arrivals and more on attracting “quality” visitors who contribute more substantially to the economy while posing lower security risks.
According to Thai media reports and government statements, the review is being coordinated under the administration of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt overseeing the broader restructuring process.
Tourism-dependent Thailand has long relied on relaxed visa policies to fuel one of Southeast Asia’s largest tourism sectors. However, officials now say easier entry systems have also created unintended consequences, including the misuse of tourist visas for illegal work, criminal activity, and long-term unauthorized stays.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the government is reassessing whether current immigration policies strike an appropriate balance between openness and security.
“The government will not emphasise the quantity of visitors but their quality,” Surasak said after a ministerial meeting in Bangkok on May 11, according to the Bangkok Post and other local media reports. He added that higher tourist numbers do not necessarily translate into stronger economic gains for Thailand.
Officials said the cabinet is expected to establish a special committee tasked with revising visa criteria and recommending stricter screening procedures while preserving Thailand’s reputation as a global tourism hub.
One of the most significant proposed changes involves the possible cancellation or reduction of Thailand’s current 60-day visa-free entry scheme, which currently applies to travelers from dozens of countries.
Thai authorities are reportedly considering reducing the permitted stay to 30 days or replacing the system with stricter entry requirements, including expanded background checks and additional financial verification measures. Under the proposed framework, proof of financial means alone may no longer guarantee entry approval.
Prime Minister Anutin defended the review process, arguing that visa liberalization must not come at the expense of national security.
“Visa-free entry does not mean allowing people to enter without conditions,” Anutin said during discussions with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting in Bangkok. “Previously, many questioned why Thailand did not offer visa-free access. Now we must determine the most appropriate balance.”
Thai officials have increasingly voiced concerns that criminal networks and individuals engaged in illicit activities have exploited the country’s relaxed visa arrangements. Reports in Thai media cited worries over foreigners posing as tourists while engaging in unauthorized business operations, illegal employment, or organized crime.
The proposed tightening also reflects broader regional trends. Several countries in Asia and Europe have recently strengthened immigration checks and introduced stricter visa screening systems amid rising security concerns and debates over sustainable tourism.
Thailand welcomed millions of foreign tourists annually before the COVID-19 pandemic devastated global travel. The country aggressively loosened visa restrictions in recent years to revive the sector and stimulate economic recovery, especially in tourism-heavy destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.
The 60-day visa-free policy became particularly attractive to long-stay travelers, digital nomads, and retirees. However, Thai authorities now appear increasingly concerned that some visitors have been using tourist exemptions for purposes beyond leisure travel.
Data cited by Thai officials indicate that the average foreign tourist stays in Thailand for slightly more than nine days, far below the current 60-day allowance. Authorities argue that a shorter permitted stay would still adequately serve most tourists while reducing opportunities for abuse.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to formally submit recommendations to the cabinet in the coming weeks. Any final changes would likely require coordination among immigration authorities, tourism agencies, and national security institutions before implementation.
Tourism industry groups are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the review, as Thailand seeks to preserve its competitiveness against regional rivals while responding to mounting domestic concerns over immigration control and public safety.
