Thailand tightens borders: 60-day visa-free window cut short after 'bad behaviour'

Your next extended getaway to the Land of Smiles could be cut short, and the blame might lie with some tourists who have been behaving badly.

Thailand is preparing to slash its popular visa-free stay period from 60 days back down to 30, after concerns that the window is being exploited for illegal work.

While industry experts insist the move won't disrupt the average two-week holiday, it serves as a sharp wake-up call for slow-travellers and digital nomads who have been revelling in Thailand's hospitality for a little longer than most.

Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said the ministry's visa committee believed the 60-day window didn't match real-world travel patterns as most tourists stay only two weeks, and was opening loopholes for illegal work.

He proposed to the Thai government that the 60-day visa-free period, which was introduced in 2024 to boost post-pandemic tourism, should be halved.

The proposal was approved by the Thai cabinet, but a start date hasn't been set yet, so travellers should keep an eye on official government updates.

World Expeditions Travel Group CEO, Sue Badyari, said Thailand has had a "very strong rebound in tourism" over the past 12 to 18 months.

But there have reportedly been concerns around some visitors using the extended visa-free arrangements for purposes other than tourism.

"From what we understand, the Thai government is looking to tighten visa controls while still remaining very welcoming to genuine holidaymakers," Badyari told Explore.

Badyari said for the vast majority of Australians taking a typical holiday, this was unlikely to create major disruption.

"Where it becomes important is for travellers planning extended stays, working remotely, travelling slowly through Southeast Asia, or combining Thailand with multiple neighbouring countries over a longer period," she said.

Intrepid Travel managing director ANZ, Brett Mitchell, said the change would be more like a "correction" back to pre-pandemic times.

"Thirty days is still a generous window for a holiday, but if you're planning to move between regions or take things slowly, you need to map that out upfront rather than figuring it out when you arrive," he said.

While he said travel in Thailand was "too compelling" for the change to make a difference to tourism numbers, travellers should do their research before they book.

"Know how long you're planning to stay, check whether you need a visa extension if you're going longer than 30 days, and build your itinerary around the new window," Mitchell said.

"Thailand is still exceptional value and one of the most rewarding destinations in Southeast Asia. Understanding the new requirements upfront means you can structure your trip to get the most out of every day."