Thailand could scrap visa-free entry for 36 countries to target ‘higher-quality visitors’
Thailand is considering limiting its visa-free policy as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports looks to attract more long-stay and higher-quality visitors while introducing measures to support domestic tourism.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakun said yesterday, April 22, that the government is currently reviewing Thailand’s visa-free scheme after criticism over its impact.
In July last year, Thailand expanded its visa-free programme to allow citizens from 93 countries to stay for up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business. Before the change, visa exemption applied to travellers from 57 countries.
The policy was introduced to support tourism and the economy. However, criticism followed, particularly in major tourist areas, where some members of the public said the scheme enabled some foreigners to run illegal businesses, work illegally and overstay.
Some business operators also complained that the measure brought in lower-spending visitors. Others claimed that travellers entering under the visa-free scheme created problems for the country instead of contributing to the economy.
Criticisms resurfaced when criminal cases involving foreign tourists made headlines. Some locals called on the government to review the policy.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Surasak said the government could return the scheme to the previous list of 57 countries, while special visa arrangements could be considered for some countries where appropriate.
Surasak added that officials also want to attract more long-stay visitors to increase spending and help drive the economy. He said the proposal would soon be submitted to the Cabinet for further discussion.
Alongside the focus on foreign arrivals, Surasak said the government also wants to improve domestic tourism through a measure called Quick Win. He said this could include tax exemptions to reduce the cost of domestic travel.
In a related development, the government led by the Bhumjaithai Party has also proposed restructuring the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Culture.
The party said tourism and culture should be grouped together because their work overlaps, while the sports department should focus on its own sector. The proposal has not yet been finalised and remains under discussion.
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