"Ministry of Foreign Affairs" is preparing to cancel the "visa-free" policy for tourism from 60 days to 30 days, while emphasizing the country's security.
On 24 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held its annual global consular officers seminar at the Centara Grand Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok. Assistant Foreign Minister Wichawat Isarapakdi presided over the opening, stressing that the seminar reflects the ministry's commitment to strengthening and modernizing consular work with a true focus on the public. Amid rapidly changing global contexts, urgent and unprecedentedly severe problems arise. Lessons from conflicts in the Middle East and transnational cybercrime crises clearly confirm the vital role of consular officers as the nation's frontline, responsible for protecting and reassuring citizens abroad. Consular work must not be merely reactive but strategically and preventively driven.
Following this, Mangkon Pratumkaew, Director-General of the Consular Department, along with Deputy Directors Worapanee Damrongmanee and Buncha Yunyongjongjaroen, spoke about the growing duties of consular officers at embassies and consulates. Their tasks increasingly involve managing services for other government agencies, striving to serve the public fully. The Consular Department is committed to facilitating Thai nationals both abroad and domestically, supporting consular operations. Several service improvements are planned in the coming months, including passports, legal affairs, visas, and clarifying illegal activities that some Thais mistakenly believe are permissible to prevent arrests overseas.
Later, at 12:30, Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew chaired the seminar and engaged with consular officers attending the meeting, including those from Middle Eastern countries who joined online. He said the seminar aims to enhance understanding of consular roles and services, such as passport processing, which has been praised for speed and quality. Service offices have expanded both in Bangkok and provinces. The ministry diligently protects the interests of Thais abroad, providing comprehensive assistance with assets and people. For example, during unrest in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has safely repatriated over 1,000 Thais facing difficulties.
Minister Sihasak revealed that the previous government allowed a 60-day visa-free stay to promote tourism. However, current circumstances show that this visa type has been used for other purposes by some residents in Thailand. Therefore, it is considered appropriate to reduce the visa-free period from 60 to 30 days, which should suffice for tourism. Those wishing to extend their stay can apply for an additional 30 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees tourism-related matters while prioritizing national security and the work of civil servants.