PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai government is preparing to revise its visa-free entry policy, a move that could have direct implications for tourism hubs like Pattaya, where long-term visitors and short-stay arrivals form a key part of the local economy.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said authorities are reviewing the current 60-day visa waiver scheme, which allows travelers from 93 countries to enter Thailand for tourism or short-term business without prior approval. Visitors can also extend their stay by an additional 30 days at immigration offices.
After monitoring the policy, officials have raised concerns about a small number of visitors engaging in inappropriate or disruptive behavior—an issue that has occasionally surfaced in destinations like Pattaya, where authorities have in the past stepped up enforcement to maintain order and protect the city’s image.
Rather than scrapping visa-free travel altogether, the government is looking to refine the system by replacing the blanket waiver with more tailored entry conditions based on individual countries. The aim, officials say, is to better balance accessibility with quality tourism, ensuring that visitors contribute positively to the local economy and community.
For cities like Pattaya, officials say the goal is not to deter visitors, but to preserve a sense of order and “peace of mind” for residents, businesses, and responsible travelers alike.
The minister stressed that the proposed changes are not intended to discriminate against any nationality, but to improve screening and oversight in response to evolving travel patterns.
Officials are currently gathering data and consulting across agencies, with plans to submit a revised proposal to the Cabinet in the near future.
