It was just two years ago, but it already seems like a century. In June 2024, the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand were celebrating a real breakthrough in opening up the kingdom to international visitors.
The government of the time, led by its Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, decided to grant a free 60-day visa to tourists from 93 countries and territories, up from 57 previously. At the time, this strategy was designed to boost local tourism, which had become the country’s leading economic sector, accounting for an estimated 12% to 15% of GDP.
Two years later, the atmosphere is no longer entirely one of celebration. Another government has taken office in Bangkok since late 2025, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, an ultranationalist with xenophobic overtones. Since his rise to power, the media has continuously denounced the abuses generated by foreigners visiting or residing in Thailand, amid a context of scams and proxies circumventing local laws. This active minority has thus dictated a tightening of entry conditions for foreigners into the country.
As of September 15th, the free 60-day visa granted upon arrival will therefore be a thing of the past. Thailand is reverting to the 30-day rule with the option to renew this duration once during the stay (subject to an administrative fee). The number of nations authorised to stay without a visa has also been revised downwards: 60 countries are among the lucky few, including all European Union nationals. No African country appears on this list, with the exception of wealthy South Africa. Consequently, Morocco and Tunisia are de facto excluded and must apply for a visa online.
A free visa on arrival strictly reserved for tourists
Another restriction: land border crossings are now limited to two entries per year, the idea being to reduce the number of foreign nationals leaving the country for a few days to Laos or Malaysia in order to get another 30-day visa... On the other hand, travellers face no restrictions when travelling by plane, provided they do not stay for more than 180 days a year.
Few business travellers will be affected by the shortening of the visa-free stay duration. Nevertheless, another restriction, which has flown somewhat under the radar, could prove more problematic. The new provisions indeed specify that entry into Thailand without a visa is strictly for tourism purposes. A business traveller coming to meet a partner or actively participating as a speaker at a congress must henceforth apply for a business visa...
However, it is primarily in terms of its image that Thailand risks suffering. By abolishing visa-free entry for around thirty nationalities, Thailand is single-handedly tarnishing its reputation for legendary hospitality.
Automatic border crossing granted to French-speaking EuropeansThailand is going to allow an additional 29 nationalities to use the «Auto-Gates», the automated immigration and security clearance system, at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. A decree issued to this effect plans to extend this facility, which until now has been offered to citizens of Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as Thai nationals, before the end of the year. Among the beneficiaries are French, Belgian, Luxembourgish and Swiss citizens. However, this facility will be restricted to passengers who have previously visited Thailand with the same passport. |
