Sihasak is preparing to propose reducing the tourist visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days to help reduce crime, emphasizing that the measure does not target any specific country but is based on behaviors that affect security.
At 08:30 on 12 May 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke about considering reducing the visa-free period from 60 days to 30 days to curb transnational crime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs views that while there are many visa types, the 60-day visa-free period for tourists may be too long and could allow entry by those without tourism intentions. Therefore, the ministry plans to propose reducing it to 30 days to enhance control. This proposal was initially prepared during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government but was postponed due to elections. The ministry is now accelerating the proposal, which will undergo consultation through the Cabinet Secretariat and relevant agencies. He believes this will pose no major issues since the visa committee chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs already includes relevant agencies.
Mr. Sihasak also revealed that yesterday he discussed with the Prime Minister reviewing all visa types, some of which may be unnecessary, to see if consolidation is possible and to establish criteria to prevent misuse of visas. The initial focus will be on the tourist visa-free category.
Regarding criticism that he recently voiced opinions on reducing the visa-free period, Mr. Sihasak insisted this is untrue, explaining he had expressed views on this before. Currently, the government is reviewing the overall picture and tightening the criteria for greater rigor.
On whether the Chinese will have reduced stay durations or visa-free privileges revoked, Mr. Sihasak emphasized that no country is specifically targeted. The focus is on activities that may cause problems for Thailand. Visa issuance must have appropriate durations, and it must be ensured that people entering under each visa category comply with its intended purpose. The key point is that there is no discrimination; anyone entering for improper purposes, engaging in undesirable activities, or threatening security—especially related to crime—will be closely scrutinized.