Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay for Visitors from Many Countries, Extends Period for South Koreans to 90 Days

[Financial News] The Thai government will cut the visa-free stay period for tourists from dozens of countries from the current 60 days to 30 days starting on the 15th. Although tourism is a key pillar of the national economy, the decision was reportedly made to root out crimes involving foreigners.
Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported on the first that Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Affairs Department had announced plans to reduce the visa-free stay period to 30 days for citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the United States, China, Singapore and the 27 member states of the European Union (EU).
By contrast, the benefit for visitors from some countries, including South Korea, will be expanded. Along with Brazil and Peru, they will be allowed to stay visa-free for up to 90 days, compared with the previous 60-day limit.
Thailand had allowed visitors from around 90 countries, including China, India, the United States and countries covered by the European Schengen Agreement, to stay visa-free for up to 60 days. However, the government moved to overhaul the system after a series of illegal activities involving foreigners—including drug offenses, prostitution, unauthorized accommodation businesses and the operation of unlicensed educational institutions—were uncovered. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said, "This is a measure to crack down on people who commit crimes by abusing the stay system."
A Thai government spokesperson added that the stay may be extended once at the discretion of an immigration officer after entry. Meanwhile, Thailand has attracted 20.9 million foreign tourists so far this year, a figure approximately 3 percent lower than during the same period last year.
[email protected] Yoon Jae-jun Reporter