Kathmandu. It is now mandatory for foreign tourists to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days.
Since July 2024, tourists from 93 countries have been allowed to stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa. The move was taken to boost the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Thai government on Tuesday approved plans to end the exemption. Now, the duration of stay of foreign tourists will be determined individually for each country.
The Thai government cited security concerns and a complicated visa system as reasons for the change. The Southeast Asian country has recently seen a number of high-profile arrests of foreigners, including on charges related to drugs and sex trafficking.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the current economic and national security situation necessitated a change in policy. Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain and the United States were among the countries that benefited from the 60-day visa waiver. The Thai Foreign Ministry has said that foreign nationals will now have to obtain a visa to stay for more than 30 days. –Agency
