Bangkok.- Thailand plans to reduce the free visa from the current 60 days to a maximum of 30 to prevent beneficiaries from engaging in illegal work activities in the country, which would reverse measures taken in July of last year to attract tourists.
The country seeks "prevent illegal businesses from visa misuse", he emphasizes Ministry of Tourism, according to a statement released Wednesday, which added that the measure is being considered but "further discussions are needed before a final announcement is made."
The text adds that a force has been launched, including Tourist Police officers, to investigate these types of illegal activities in tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samui, and Bangkok.
In July of last year Thailand has expanded the number of visa-exempt countries from 57 to 93. to travel to this Southeast Asian nation, including several Latin American countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, and Uruguay.
The measure also extended the period of stay for visitors in the country from 30 to 60 days, which was intended to encourage tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2023).
Countries such as Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru did not require visas before the new measure, while the extension benefited more Latin American nations such as Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala.
Thai authorities also introduced a special visa for digital nomads or remote workers, as well as those wishing to attend Thai boxing courses, cooking classes, seminars, and other events, for a maximum period of 180 days.
You may be interested in: The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Bolivia, and Ecuador will continue to require a Schengen visa to enter Europe.
Thailand is one of Asia's top tourist destinations, known for its tropical beaches, elephant parks, temples, and nightlife.
The Thai government has set its sights on attracting 40 million foreign tourists by 2025, slightly above the record 39.87 million travelers who visited the country in 2019, before the health crisis.
