News
Thailand visa news and updates on policies, fees, official sources, and life in Thailand.
Thailand Revamps Visa Rules for 65 Countries and Territories
Nation Thailand reported that the Cabinet approved a review of visa-exemption and visa-privilege rules, replacing the broad 60-day exemption framework with tiered entitlements for 65 countries and territories. The reported framework includes 30-day visa-free entry for 59 countries and territories, 15-day visa-free entry for Mauritius and Seychelles, and Visa on Arrival for Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. The draft Ministry of Interior announcements would take effect 15 days after Royal Gazette publication, while travellers already admitted under previous measures would keep the balance of their original permitted stay.
MFA Briefing Signals End of 60-Day Visa Exemption
At an MFA press briefing on May 19, 2026, officials said Thailand plans to remove the current 60-day visa exemption framework. However, travellers should treat this as an announced policy change, not a live rule yet, because it still needs to be published in the Royal Gazette before it takes legal effect.
Long-Stay Visas for Condo Buyers in Phuket Clarified
Bangkok Post reported that Phuket immigration officials and real estate executives clarified how the long-stay visa programme works for eligible property buyers and renters. The update focused on current thresholds, screening, and how applications are handled in practice.
Review Seeks 'Quality' Tourists
Bangkok Post reported that Thailand is reviewing its visa-free entry scheme for foreign visitors, with officials looking at how the policy could better target higher-quality tourism. This is a policy review, not a confirmed rule change.
Thailand Reviewing 60-Day Visa-Free Stays
Thai authorities are reviewing the 60-day visa-free stay framework after complaints about misuse, with possible policy adjustments under consideration.