The Cabinet approved a 30-day free visa for Indian tourists. Surasak revealed this is to help tourism recover after a nearly 20% drop caused by confusion over reverting to the Visa on Arrival (VOA) system. If problems arise in the future, the government can reconsider the policy.
14 Jul 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that the Cabinet meeting approved a review of visa exemption measures, granting Indian tourists the right to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This aims to clarify the policy and stimulate travel from this key market.
Mr. Surasak said that previously Indian tourists had a 60-day stay right, but after the Cabinet revoked that measure, confusion arose over whether the previous right had ended and concerns about reverting to the Visa on Arrival (VOA) system. This led to a noticeable decline in Indian tourists, with data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand showing nearly a 20% drop due to the unclear policy.
The Minister added that beyond India, the Cabinet also agreed to review entry rights for several countries to reflect current conditions, adhering to the “one country, one visa” principle to reduce redundant policies while facilitating tourism and closing security loopholes to prevent misuse of privileges.
Ms. Ploytale Laksamisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said the adjustments consider economic factors, security, international relations, and reciprocity. The Cabinet approved visa exemption for 59 countries and territories for tourism and stays up to 30 days, adding five countries: Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives. This means all 27 European Union member states receive equal privileges, supporting international cooperation and negotiations for Schengen visa exemptions for Thai nationals.
Additionally, the Cabinet granted Mauritius and Seychelles visa exemption and stays up to 15 days. Visa on Arrival rights remain for three countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia, while India's Visa on Arrival privilege was revoked to comply with the “one country, one visa” principle and reduce overlapping policies. These measures take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Those entering Thailand before the new measures take effect will retain their previous rights until their permitted stay expires.
“This review is not intended to reduce tourism opportunities but to adjust the system to be more appropriate, clear, and verifiable to balance economic stimulation, tourist convenience, international relations, and national security, and to prevent visa measures from being exploited for illegal activities,” he said.