Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Thailand has officially shortened its welcome mat for tourists from 93 countries, including Malaysia, reducing the visa-free stay period to 30 days
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced on 12 May that his ministry submitted a proposal to the cabinet to halve the visa-free stay period from the previous 60 days to 30 days.
According to the New Straits Times, this shift reverses a policy that had been in place since July 2024 to encourage tourist arrivals.
The decision follows rising concerns that the 60-day window is being exploited for more than just sightseeing.
Thai authorities said that the current extended 60-day stay has been misused for illegal activities, prompting a shift towards stricter border management
Beyond the shorter entry period, Phuangketkeow said officials would scrutinise other visa types more closely.
The goal is to ensure that every individual entering the kingdom complies with the specific, official purpose of their visit.
This tightening comes at the heel of declining tourism numbers.
From 1 January to 10 May 2026, Thailand recorded 12.4 million foreign visitors, a 3.43% decrease compared to the same period last year
While the tourism industry remains a vital economic driver, security is now taking precedence over sheer volume.
For a country where arrivals peaked at nearly 40 million in 2019, balancing safety and hospitality remains a high-stakes logistical challenge.
