PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand is reviewing its 60-day visa-free entry policy for visitors from 93 countries and territories, as authorities examine concerns that the extended stay period may be creating loopholes for misuse in major tourism destinations, including Pattaya.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul said most genuine tourists typically stay around 30 days, with only a smaller number using the full 60-day allowance. He noted that the current policy may be unintentionally enabling activities that fall outside the scope of tourism.
According to the ministry, concerns include potential misuse of long-stay visits for illegal employment, nominee business arrangements, and other non-tourism activities. Officials said these risks are more difficult to monitor in high-traffic tourist areas, where visitor flows are constant and enforcement resources are stretched.
Pattaya, one of Thailand’s busiest international tourism cities, has been highlighted as a reference point in the review due to the scale of its tourism economy and the additional pressure extended stays can place on local monitoring and regulatory systems, alongside other major destinations.
The government is now considering whether to adjust the permitted visa-free stay period to better reflect actual travel behavior, while maintaining Thailand’s competitiveness as a regional tourism hub. Relevant agencies are expected to submit recommendations for further consideration.
Officials stressed that the objective is not to discourage tourism, but to improve oversight, strengthen security measures, and ensure visa policies support a sustainable, high-value tourism model that delivers long-term economic benefits.
The review process remains ongoing, and no final decision has yet been announced.
