Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay Period for 93 Countries Including UK and India
Primary region Asia
Tags Immigration · Economy · Policy
Regions Asia
Thailand's cabinet approved ending the 60-day visa-free entry policy for visitors from more than 90 countries, including the UK, India, and other major tourism markets. The change restores previous exemption rules limiting stays to 30 days. The government says the pivot targets higher-spending tourists, but industry analysts warn the policy risks undermining Thailand's competitiveness as a destination for digital nomads and short-term visitors.
Strategic interpretation
The visa policy shift reflects a calculated bet that Thailand can increase per-visitor revenue by attracting wealthier, shorter-stay tourists over longer-stay budget travelers. However, the policy risks pushing digital nomads and remote workers to competing destinations like Vietnam or Indonesia, potentially reducing Thailand's appeal as a regional hub for the growing remote-work economy.