Thailand is to halve the visa-free stay period for tourists from 93 countries, reducing it from 60 days to 30 days, in a determined effort to stem a rising tide of criminal activity and illegal business operations involving foreign nationals. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow announced the proposal to the cabinet on Tuesday, arguing that the length of stay should match the purpose of travel and that 30 days is sufficient for genuine tourists. The move, which still requires formal approval, marks the most significant tightening of Thailand’s generous visa regime since the 60-day waiver was introduced last July.

The crackdown has been driven by mounting public anger over a series of high-profile incidents that have tarnished the kingdom’s image as a safe and welcoming destination. In Pattaya, police arrested a Chinese national found in possession of a cache of arms, while in Phuket, local authorities have been battling foreign-run illegal businesses encroaching on public beaches. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Phuket earlier this week and issued a stark warning, vowing zero tolerance for foreign “thugs” who threaten locals and flout the law. Viewed from Bangkok, the visa revision is as much a political response to domestic outrage as it is a security measure.

Beyond the headline reduction in tourist stays, the foreign ministry is also reviewing eligibility criteria for investment visas, long-term residency permits, student visas, and digital nomad categories. Officials are concerned that these visa types are being abused by individuals who enter Thailand for purposes other than those stated – a pattern that has grown markedly since the post-pandemic reopening. Analysts in Southeast Asian capitals note that Thailand’s move could reshape regional tourism dynamics, potentially diverting longer-stay travellers to neighbouring countries such as Vietnam or Malaysia, which have been more cautious in expanding visa-free access.

The challenge for Bangkok will be balancing security imperatives with the economic reality that tourism accounts for roughly twelve percent of GDP. While the reduction in visa-free days is unlikely to deter the vast majority of short-haul and holiday visitors, it sends a deliberate signal that Thailand is no longer willing to turn a blind eye to those exploiting its openness. Looking ahead, the success of the policy will depend on consistent enforcement and a parallel effort to clean up corruption within immigration and local law enforcement – a task that has historically proved far more difficult than rewriting visa rules.