Overview
- Prime Minister Anutin ordered a working group to review entry rules and directed security and commerce agencies to run inspections nationwide, the government said.
- Options under study include cutting the visa-free stay for visitors from 93 countries from 60 days to 30 days and tightening criteria for investment, long-stay, student and digital-nomad visas.
- Enforcement has intensified, with Phuket police charging 33 foreigners, including 13 Russians and 12 Chinese, for violating Thailand’s foreign business law after illegal beachfront ventures were uncovered.
- A Pattaya arrest of a Chinese suspect found with a cache of weapons has sharpened security concerns that are feeding the policy review.
- Tourism groups warn that shorter stays or a new entry fee could push travelers to rivals like Vietnam and Malaysia after Thailand earned about US$50 billion from 33 million foreign visitors in 2025.