In a significant move for the tourism industry, Thai authorities are formally discussing a proposal to reduce the standard visa-free stay period from 60 days back to 30 days. This potential change, reported by sources like the Bangkok Post, is aimed at curbing the misuse of the visa exemption scheme by individuals working illegally in the country.
What This Means for Travelers
This is the most critical travel policy update for Thailand in recent years and directly impacts how most tourists will plan their trips. If the proposal is approved, travelers accustomed to a two-month stay without a visa will need to adjust their plans.
- •Shorter Trips: Standard holidays under 30 days will be completely unaffected.
- •Longer Stays: For stays between 30 and 60 days, you would likely need to apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office, which costs 1,900 THB.
- •Trip Planning: It is crucial to monitor this news. No official date has been set, but it's wise to factor this potential change into any travel plans for late 2026 and beyond.
This change does not affect your TDAC application, but it fundamentally alters the visa landscape. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.