Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally announced a comprehensive review of the country’s visa-free entry policy during his government’s policy statement to Parliament on April 9, 2026. The announcement affects Indian passport holders and travelers from 92 other countries currently enjoying 60-day visa-free access to Thailand.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Review Announced | April 9, 2026 |
| Current Policy | 60-day visa-free entry |
| Countries Affected | 93 countries including India |
| Status | Under government review |
Thailand’s Official Policy Review Announcement
Prime Minister Charnvirakul’s policy statement explicitly mentioned plans to “review the visa exemption policy (Free Visa) and related legislation” as part of the government’s security initiatives. The review aims to align Thailand’s entry framework with international agreements and address concerns about financial crimes.
The government specifically linked the policy review to efforts against “scam networks, transnational crime, money laundering, and funds of suspicious origin.” This marks the first time Thai authorities have officially connected visa policy changes to security and criminal activity concerns.
Current Visa-Free Access Remains Unchanged
Indian travelers and nationals from other eligible countries can still enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days. No immediate changes have been implemented, and the existing policy remains in effect until official modifications are announced and published.
The government has not provided a timeline for completing the review or implementing any policy changes. Details about new visa requirements, if any, have not been announced yet.
For travelers planning extended stays in Thailand, our Thailand Visa Guide provides comprehensive information about tourist visa options beyond the visa-free entry. Indian passport holders can also use our Visa Eligibility Quiz to explore visa requirements for multiple Southeast Asian destinations.
Government’s Security and Tourism Balance
The policy statement reflects Thailand’s approach to maintaining its tourism appeal while strengthening border security. Prime Minister Charnvirakul stated his commitment to “lead Thailand toward internal stability” while ensuring the country remains competitive and confident in international markets.
The review represents a shift from discussions in ministerial meetings to official government agenda items. Previous public debates about potentially reducing visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days have now become part of formal policy considerations.
Source: Thai Government, Thailand
FAQ
Q: Is Thailand’s 60-day visa-free entry still valid? A: Yes, the current 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries remains in effect. No changes have been implemented yet.
Q: Which countries are affected by this review? A: All 93 countries and territories currently eligible for Thailand’s visa-free entry, including India, are subject to this policy review.
Q: When will the new visa policy be announced? A: No timeline has been provided for when the review will conclude or new policies will be implemented.
Q: Why is Thailand reviewing its visa-free policy? A: The government cited security concerns, including combating scam networks, transnational crime, money laundering, and suspicious financial channels.
Q: Will Thailand reduce visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days? A: No official decision has been made. The review is ongoing and no specific changes to the duration have been announced.