Thailand is ready to reduce the visa-free stay from 60 days after complaints

The interim Thai government is considering reducing the visa-free stay period of 60 days, following numerous complaints.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he had received reports that foreigners had exploited the system to engage in illegal activities or exploit local residents.

He made this statement during a visit to Phuket, where tour operators have been particularly critical of the drawbacks of this system initially designed to promote tourism.

See: Thailand: visa exemption criticized for influx of bad tourists

Mr. Sihasak indicated that the government is preparing to review the relevance of visa measures, particularly the visa exemption program.

This is the second official statement on this subject in a few days, suggesting that a change may occur soon.

See: Thailand: visa-free stays soon to be reduced from 60 to 30 days?

A possible reduction of the 60-day visa-free period

Passport control at Suvarnabhumi airport in Thailand. Photo : Chiang Rai Times

This program, which allows nationals of 93 countries to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 60 days, was launched in mid-2024 under the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as part of efforts to boost tourism.

Mr. Sihasak explained that the 60-day period may be too long, as most visitors stay on average only 15 to 30 days.

Security and transnational crime in the crosshairs

Crime suppression division officers interrogate Russian and Thai suspects.

In response to concerns about transnational crime, he stressed that this measure must be accompanied by comprehensive security guarantees to prevent malicious individuals from using Thailand as a base for illegal activities.

It is necessary to maintain a balance between promoting tourism and public safety in order to protect the country in the long term, the minister said.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, tour operators proposed a change in the regulations last year, and the ministry agreed that shortening the stay period would not affect tourism.

The interim government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai party — which won the February 8 elections — has the power to approve this change, as the new government has not yet been formed.

Criticism also surrounds the property investment threshold for obtaining a long-stay visa

Villas in Koh Samui.

The complainants in Phuket also criticized the minimum requirement of a 3 million baht property investment for a foreigner to obtain a long-term resident visa (LTR).

They believe that this amount is too low and could attract 'low-quality' visitors likely to engage in illegal activities, as well as drive up property prices, making housing less affordable for local residents.

See also:

Thailand is preparing a major overhaul of visas to boost tourism

Thailand 2026: The silent end of “visa runs” has already begun

Alert in Thailand: Travelers Refused Entry Due to Lack of Proof of Financial Means

Thailand Visa: many tourists turned away, the vagueness of the rules worries

Source : Bangkok Post