The Thailand Government has agreed in principle that the period of visa exemption stays in the country for foreign tourists, including Malaysians, will be reduced by half.
Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong asserted that the move is part of the Government’s efforts to curb the risk of illegal businesses exploiting the visa exemption scheme.
Thailand to cut visa exemption stay duration in half for visitors from 93 countries
Sorawong Thienthong
According to the Thai-based publication Bangkok Post, the issue was also acknowledged by the country’s Foreign Ministry and had been widely discussed among all related stakeholders over the past few weeks.
For context, Malaysia and 92 other countries and territories are currently entitled to visa exemption for tourism, business engagements, urgent works and ad-hoc work, for up to 60 days period of stay.
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Furthermore, the visa exemption scheme, which was introduced in July 2024, also allows for the 60-day stay to be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days based on the discretion of the immigration officer.
Sorawong asserted that all stakeholders have agreed in principle to reduce the period of stay from 60 days to 30 days for these countries, though additional details would be discussed before an adjustment to the regulation is formally announced.
The current visa exemption scheme
Thai tourism operators and stakeholders have expressed concerns about the extended visa exemption stay scheme
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Previously, tourism operators in Thailand expressed concern over the long duration of visa exemption stays given to foreign tourists.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents asserted that there is a growing number of foreigners illegally working or conducting business in the country.
Meanwhile, the Thai Hotels Association believed that the extended period of visa exemption stays was partly to blame for the increase in the number of condos being illegally rented out to guests on a daily basis.
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So, what do you guys think of Thailand’s plan to cut the visa exemption stay duration in half for Malaysians and visitors from another 92 countries? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Malaysians Travelling to Thailand Will Soon Be Required to Pay RM39 Per Person in Tourism Tax
