Connect with us

Travel

Thailand to Cut Visa Exemption Stay Duration for Malaysians by Half Due to Foreigners Exploiting The Scheme

Published

feat image visa
Source: สรวงศ์ เทียนทอง | Facebook & WORLD OF BUZZ & Trip.com

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.

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

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.

TnGCross Thailand Bangkok 1
Source: 123RF

For illustration purposes

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.

Image 3 1
Source: Thai Embassy

The current visa exemption scheme

 

Thai tourism operators and stakeholders have expressed concerns about the extended visa exemption stay scheme

For illustration purposes

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.

For illustration purposes

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

feat image tourism

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.



Just In

collage 64 1 collage 64 1
News25 minutes ago

Penang Man Travels to Ipoh to Meet Woman He Met Through Gaming, Wakes up in Laos After Passing Out in Her Car

A 31-year-old guy from Penang met a woman through an online game, and they decided to meet up in Ipoh...

My Post 1 2025 03 19T124442.342 My Post 1 2025 03 19T124442.342
News2 hours ago

14yo M’sian Boy Nearly Loses Two Fingers After Firecracker Blast, Stepmum Finds Out a Day Later

A 14-year-old boy almost lost 2 fingers on his right hand in an incident that took place at Machang, Kelantan...

collage 71 collage 71
News4 hours ago

Pak Cik Who Slapped a 21yo Non-Muslim for Eating in Public During Ramadan Gets Charged in Court

The uncle who slapped a non-Muslim 21-year-old for eating publicly during Ramadan recently is getting charged at the Johor Bahru...

My Post 3 15 My Post 3 15
News4 hours ago

9 People End Up in Hospital After Attending a Party That Served Alcohol & Dog Meat

A group of 9 people ended up in a hospital after spending merely an hour at a party that served...

feat image cricket feat image cricket
News12 hours ago

15 Bangladeshi Men ‘Kantoi’ Trying to Smuggle into Malaysia by Posing as Cricket Athletes at KLIA

Fifteen Bangladeshi men came up with a rather cunning plan in trying to smuggle into Malaysia on Monday (17 March)...

feat image malaysia palestine feat image malaysia palestine
News18 hours ago

Foreign Minister Confirms Malaysia is Accepting 15 Released Palestinian Freedom Fighters as Part of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Previously, we shared how Malaysia will reportedly be one of four countries that will be hosting Palestinians released by Israel...

collage 61 1 collage 61 1
News23 hours ago

Tebrau MP Says No One Has The Right to be “Moral Police” Following Viral Ramadan Slapping Incident

A non-Muslim man got slapped by someone for eating in public during Ramadan at a convenience store in a shopping...

My Post 4 26 My Post 4 26
News1 day ago

Foreign Man Seen Rampaging on the 10th Floor Ledge of KL Flat, Believed to be Under Influence of Drugs

The influence of drugs may allegedly be the reason a foreign man went on a rampage before attempting to jump...

Announcement

Latest Videos



TRENDING TODAY