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Thailand Travel May Not Be as Easy as Before
BACAKORAN.CO – Thailand’s visa-free policy that has made traveling so convenient for foreigners is about to change dramatically. The Thai government has officially approved plans to end the 60-day visa-free stay for tourists from 93 countries and territories, which had been in effect since July 2024.
This decision has become major news across Southeast Asia, especially for Indonesian travelers who have enjoyed flexible trips to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya without complicated visa processes.
The previous 60-day policy was credited with helping Thailand’s tourism recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the government is tightening the rules due to widespread abuse of the visa-free stay.
Thailand Worried About Visa-Free Abuse
According to Visa News, the Thai cabinet approved the policy change on May 19, 2026. The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, stated that the visa-free stay will likely return to the pre-2024 rule — around 30 days for most foreign tourists.
However, not all countries will receive the same duration. Thailand is currently evaluating each country based on:
- Security factors
- Economic potential
- Tourist profile
- Risk of visa abuse
Some passports may even be limited to only 15 days visa-free.
Why Thailand is Changing the Rules
In the past two years, Thailand has faced a surge in digital nomads, disguised illegal workers, and people abusing visa-free stays for non-tourism activities. Many tourists were found:
- Repeatedly extending their stay
- Working without permits
- Running informal businesses
- Using Thailand as a cheap long-term base
This has created domestic pressure for stricter immigration control.
The Director-General of the Consular Affairs Department announced that the detailed visa reform will be published through three Ministry of Interior announcements. The new rules will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.
Indonesian Travelers Should Stay Alert Before Booking
As of now, the new policy has not been officially implemented. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website still lists the 60-day visa-free stay. Therefore, travelers planning trips to Thailand soon are advised to:
- Closely monitor official announcements
- Not assume the old rules still apply
- Check the latest entry requirements before buying tickets or booking hotels
This is especially important for those planning longer stays for:
- Work from anywhere
- Multi-city backpacking
- Multi-country Southeast Asia trips
- Remote working
The change could significantly affect your overall itinerary.
Tourists Already in Thailand Remain Safe
The Thai government has confirmed that travelers who entered under the 60-day visa-free policy can stay until their permitted period expires. The new rules will not be applied retroactively.
Thailand Still a Top Southeast Asia Magnet
Even with tighter rules, Thailand is expected to remain one of the most popular international destinations in Asia. Iconic spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya still attract millions thanks to affordable living costs, famous cuisine, easy transportation, tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture.
However, the visa change shows that Thailand is now prioritizing quality of tourists over sheer quantity.
Southeast Asian Countries Becoming More Selective
This trend isn’t unique to Thailand. Several countries in the region are reviewing their visa-free policies after the post-pandemic boom in digital nomads and semi-permanent migration. Governments are trying to balance:
- Tourism revenue
- National security
- Foreign labor control
- Domestic economic stability
Indonesian travelers who frequently go abroad should actively monitor the latest regulations for each destination country.
Conclusion
Thailand’s plan to scrap the 60-day visa-free stay is a major signal that the era of super-lenient international travel is changing. Tourists will likely return to a maximum of 30 days (or even shorter for some nationalities).
Although it’s not yet official, anyone planning a trip to Thailand should prepare their documents more carefully and regularly check official Thai government updates to avoid problems at the border.
