Surasak Confident 60-Day Visa Exemption Reduction Won't Impact Main Tourism Market, Says It Helps Block Scammer Gangs
Thailand's tourism minister says cutting the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries won't hurt main tourism markets, arguing most visitors stay under nine days anyway and the move helps block scammers misusing visa categories.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul announced that following the Cabinet's approval in principle to cancel the 60-day visa exemption, the policy is not yet in effect pending official announcement in the Royal Gazette by the Foreign Ministry. When implemented, visitors from 93 countries will revert to standard visa terms, predominantly the 30-day tourist visa, which Surasak believes will have minimal impact on legitimate tourists since the average stay is under 9 days.
Surasak stated the elimination will not harm primary tourism markets, particularly Chinese tourists, because China grants Thai citizens 30 days visa-free travel in reciprocal exchange. The cancellation is intended to screen for quality tourists while preventing scammers and criminals from misusing visa categories. The government's Immigration Policy Committee will periodically review visa measures based on actual tourist behavior, with most countries receiving 30-day or 15-day visas accordingly. The ministry proposed extending India's visa to 15 days, matching their average 9-day stay, and considering emerging markets in the Middle East, Belarus, and other high-potential regions.
Regarding broader tourism challenges, Surasak noted the main impacts stem from the Middle East conflict and global economic factors rather than visa policies. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set a 2025 target of 33 million visitors but has been instructed to reassess projections given ongoing regional tensions.
