Thailand May Halve the Length of Visa-Free Travel Amid ‘White Lotus’ Tourism Surge

Thailand is preparing to shorten its visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days for foreign tourists, just as a surge of travelers inspired by the hit third season of White Lotus has increased travel to the country. (Inspiration, it’s worth noting, that encourages lots of big spending.) The decision, agreed upon in principle by key authorities including the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, according to euronews is aimed at addressing a surge in unauthorized employment and illegal business operations carried out under the guise of tourism.

The policy shift follows sustained pressure from domestic tourism operators and the Thai Hotels Association, both of which have voiced concerns about the unintended consequences of the extended 60-day allowance. While the policy was introduced in July 2024 to boost post-pandemic arrivals by expanding the exemption list to 93 countries, authorities say it has inadvertently facilitated illicit activities — from unauthorized work to unregulated short-term condominium rentals.

The visa adjustment is just one component of a broader enforcement campaign. According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Tourism Department will now apply stricter oversight under the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act. In 2024 alone, 40 tourism companies had their licenses revoked after authorities discovered unauthorized changes in company leadership structures, a tactic often used to conceal foreign-controlled enterprises operating under Thai nominee ownership.

A multi-agency task force has also been deployed in key destinations including Phuket and Pattaya, where it continues to investigate regulatory violations. The Thai Hotels Association has directly linked the extended stay period to a spike in unlicensed daily rentals of condominiums — a trend seen as undermining the formal hospitality sector.

While government officials acknowledge the possibility of a “small negative impact on inbound tourism demand,” the majority of short- and medium-haul travelers are unlikely to be affected. Industry data from ForwardKeys indicates that just 7 percent of bookings between January and February were for stays longer than 22 nights.

However, long-stay travelers — including digital nomads, remote workers, and retirees — may need to reassess their trips. Some industry voices have called for clearer provisions or alternative long-stay visa pathways to accommodate these groups without compromising immigration controls.

As of now, no official start date for the 30-day limit has been announced, and government sources have not yet confirmed whether transitional measures will apply to travelers with pre-booked extended stays, according to the Bangkok Post. Travel agents and prospective visitors are advised to monitor announcements from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and local consular offices in the coming weeks.

With a 2025 goal of welcoming over 40 million foreign visitors, Thailand continues to position itself as a premier destination in Asia. Yet the tightening of visa rules marks a recalibration — prioritizing systemic integrity over unchecked volume growth. Authorities say the reforms are essential to ensure fair competition, protect legitimate tourism operators, and safeguard Thailand’s long-term appeal in a competitive regional market.