British holidaymakers planning extended trips to Thailand will now face tighter travel rules after authorities dramatically reduced the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days amid growing concerns over organised crime, illegal working and sex trafficking networks operating under the guise of tourism.
The move, announced by the Thai government this week, affects travellers from more than 90 countries, including the UK, the United States, Australia, Germany and Canada. Reports linked some cases to drug trafficking, online scam compounds and the illegal sex trade.
Officials said the decision was made after intelligence suggested criminal groups had been exploiting the generous visa-free entry scheme to remain in the country for lengthy periods without proper scrutiny.
The policy reversal is expected to have a significant impact on British backpackers, retirees and digital nomads who frequently spend several months in Thailand during the winter season.
The previous 60-day visa exemption, introduced to stimulate tourism after the pandemic slowdown, had become especially popular among UK travellers seeking long-term stays in destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thai authorities now argue that the relaxed system created loopholes that were increasingly being abused. Tourism and immigration officials reportedly uncovered cases of foreign nationals using repeated visa-free entries to avoid obtaining proper work permits or long-stay visas.
According to local media and government sources, some individuals were allegedly linked to underground businesses, narcotics operations and trafficking rings targeting vulnerable women across Southeast Asia.
The reduction to 30 days will apply immediately to passport holders from all countries currently eligible for Thailand's visa exemption programme. Travellers wishing to remain longer will need to apply for tourist visas or extension permits through official immigration channels.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has backed the tougher approach as part of a broader security crackdown aimed at restoring confidence in the country's tourism industry.
Authorities have faced mounting pressure following severalhigh-profile criminal investigations involving foreign nationalsaccused of operating illegal businesses and trafficking networks from within Thailand.
Source: International Business Times UK
