Thailand to review visa-free policy after locals complain of ‘non-quality’ tourists

Thailand reconsidering 60-day visa-free policy after complaints of ‘non-quality’ tourists

After locals complain that foreigners are exploiting Thailand’s loose visa-free policies, the government is now considering a reduction of the 60-day policy.

According to the Bangkok Post,  Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the issue during a visit to Phuket, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Reducing the 60-day visa-free policy

While the 60-day visa-free stay period was intended to boost tourism to Thailand, many locals, particularly in Phuket, have said that the policy has led to more trouble than it’s worth.

They also criticised the requirements for a foreigner to qualify for a long-stay visa.

Currently, a foreigner has to invest at least 3 million baht (S$122K) in real estate to qualify.

Locals argue that the low figure could potentially attract “non-quality” individuals who come to Thailand to engage in illegal activities.

The minister echoed sentiments shared last year that the 60 days should be reduced to just 30 days instead. He noted that most tourists only stay for around 15 to 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has agreed with tourism operators that reducing the 60-day visa-free duration should have no impact on tourism.

Tourist arrivals from China coming back up

In January, Nikkei reported that tourism to Thailand from China took a dip in 2025 after news of border tensions with Cambodia and scam centre kidnappings dominated headlines.

However, that appears to be recovering as The Nation reports that numbers are rebounding.

A government official said Chinese tourists have nearly reached 30,000 per day after numbers fell to a low of 10,000 daily.

Problematic tourists?

In December 2025, a pair of travellers caused 200,000 baht (S$8,265) worth of property damage after they were allegedly dissatisfied with the service.

Photos published by local media show a red substance smeared across the property along with various damage to appliances.

Just a few weeks prior, a British man was also caught having sex on a public beach in Pattaya. His partner, a 61-year-old woman, claimed to be from Singapore despite her fluent Thai.

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