Tourism operators support return to 30-day visa-free stays as Phuket tracks market shifts

Tourism operators have backed Thailand’s return to 30-day visa-free stays, with Phuket tourism figures saying the shorter period should have only limited overall impact on the sector.

According to the Department of Consular Affairs under the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the policy change is part of a broader restructuring of Thailand’s visa system intended to reduce confusion, tighten immigration controls and align permitted stay periods with actual travel behaviour.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, said the decision followed lengthy consultations between the government and tourism operators, the Bangkok Post reported. He said most tourism businesses agreed that 30 days was already enough for ordinary tourists, while investors and business travellers could use other visa channels.

He said the overall effect on Thai tourism should be limited, though some markets may slow. In Phuket, he said arrivals from the Middle East had already declined sharply, while Australian visitor numbers remained stable because those travellers tended to book trips well in advance. Indian arrivals had also softened slightly but were still at relatively high levels.

Bhummikitti added that Kazakhstan, which previously had visa-free access, would return to normal visa requirements under the revised measures.

Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee of the People’s Party also supported the move, saying Thailand should shift toward "quality tourism" instead of focusing only on total visitor numbers. He said 30 days was sufficient for tourism and warned that longer visa-free stays had created loopholes that allowed some foreigners to set up nominee businesses, compete with local operators and engage in criminal activity.

He called on the government to step up legal action against illegal foreign-run businesses and improve immigration screening capacity, especially in major tourist provinces such as Phuket.

Chutima Jeeramongkol, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, likewise backed the return to 30-day stays, describing it as a return to normal conditions after a temporary extension. She said the shorter stay could help address problems linked to scammers and foreigners illegally operating businesses, while also encouraging higher-spending short-term visitors.

She said tourists staying three to seven days generally spent more on accommodation, food and activities, while long-stay travellers were often more budget-conscious.