11:13 - 18.03.2025

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March 18, Fineko/abc.az. Thailand plans to reduce the period of visa-free stay of tourists from 60 to 30 days as part of fight against illegal employment, ABC.AZ reports, referring to newspaper Bangkok Post.

According to the newspaper, the Ministry of Tourism & Sports of the kingdom announced that the involved departments had agreed in principle on the need to apply this measure in an attempt to limit the opportunities of shadow businesses that take advantage of a long visa-free period. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong noted that the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry had recognized this problem, the solution of which had been actively discussed over the past few weeks. He added that Thai officials will continue to discuss additional details relating to this issue before officially announcing their decision.

According to representatives of the tourism industry, long-haul tourists usually stay in Thailand for the period of 14 to 21 days, while travelers from neighboring countries spend about a week in the kingdom. The Association of Thai Travel Agents, in turn, drew attention to the growing number of foreigners working illegally or doing business in the country.

On July 15, 2024, Thai PM Setha Thawisin approved a decree on introduction of visa-free regime for up to 60 days for guests from 93 countries and territories visiting the kingdom for tourist purposes.