India got visa-free access to Thailand for 60 days on February 13, 2026. Six weeks later, Thailand wants to cut it in half.
The Thai government has agreed in principle to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for all 93 eligible nationalities — India included. No implementation date has been announced yet. As of March 23, 2026, Indian travelers still receive a 60-day stamp on arrival.
Here’s what’s happening, why, and exactly what you should do.
What Exactly Has Thailand Announced?
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented a report to the Cabinet in early March 2026 flagging widespread abuse of the visa-free entry system. A committee reviewed the findings and agreed in principle to halve the visa-free stay:
| Detail | Current Rule | Proposed Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free stay | 60 days | 30 days |
| Countries affected | 93 nationalities | Same 93 nationalities |
| Extension available | 30 days (at immigration office) | 30 days (unchanged) |
| Maximum total stay | 90 days | 60 days |
| Status | Active now | Proposal only — not in effect |
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the government is “moving forward” with the proposal, but no final approval date or implementation timeline has been set.
Key point: This is not law yet. You still get 60 days today. Check our Thailand visa guide for current entry requirements.
Why Is Thailand Reducing the Visa-Free Stay?
Three specific problems triggered this review:
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Illegal employment. Foreign nationals entering as “tourists” but working full-time — teaching, running online businesses, and taking jobs from Thai workers without a work permit.
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Unauthorized businesses. Foreigners operating tour companies, restaurants, and shops under the visa-free exemption, bypassing Thailand’s Foreign Business Act.
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Transnational crime transit. Thailand’s easy entry has made it a transit point for online scam networks operating in neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia.
The 60-day window — originally designed to boost tourism revenue — gave bad actors enough time to set up operations. Thailand’s position: 30 days is enough for a genuine holiday. If you need more, apply for an extension or a proper visa.
This is not about targeting any specific nationality. It’s about closing a loophole that the 60-day policy unintentionally widened.
How Does This Affect Indian Passport Holders?
India was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the 60-day upgrade. Before February 13, 2026, Indians needed a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for just 15 days, paying THB 2,000 (~₹4,900) at the airport. The upgrade to 60 days visa-free was a massive win — no fee, no paperwork, no airport queue.
If the cut happens, here’s what changes for Indian travelers:
Short trips (under 30 days): No impact. You still enter visa-free with zero fees. Bangkok for a week, Phuket for two weeks — nothing changes.
Medium trips (30–60 days): You’ll need to visit a Thai immigration office for a 30-day extension before your stamp expires. This costs THB 1,900 (~₹4,700), takes 2–4 hours, and requires paperwork. Not a dealbreaker, but an extra step that didn’t exist under the 60-day rule.
Long trips (60+ days): You’d need the extension (30 + 30 = 60 days max) or switch to a proper tourist visa or the DTV visa. The 90-day maximum under the current system drops to 60.
Digital nomads and remote workers: This is where it stings the most. Many Indian freelancers and remote workers were using the 60-day window for work stints in Chiang Mai or Bangkok. A 30-day limit makes this significantly less practical.
Can You Still Stay 60 Days? Yes — Here’s How
Even if the cut to 30 days goes through, you can extend for another 30 days at any Thai immigration office. Here’s exactly what you need:
Documents required:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- TM.7 application form (available at the office)
- TM.30 form (your accommodation must file this — confirm with your hotel or landlord)
- One passport photo (4cm x 6cm)
- THB 1,900 in cash (~₹4,700)
Where to go:
- Bangkok: Chaeng Watthana Government Complex (arrive by 8:00 AM)
- Chiang Mai: Promenada Mall immigration office
- Phuket: Phuket Town immigration office
Processing time: Same day. Usually 2–4 hours including queuing.
Common mistake that gets you rejected: Missing TM.30. This is a notification that your hotel or landlord is supposed to file within 24 hours of your check-in. Budget hotels sometimes skip it. Ask at the front desk before you show up at immigration.
For a full breakdown of all Thailand visa types, fees, and documents, see our complete Thailand visa guide for Indians.
What About Digital Nomads and Remote Workers?
If you’re planning to work remotely from Thailand for more than 30 days, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is your best option — and the proposed cut doesn’t affect it at all.
| Feature | DTV Visa |
|---|---|
| Stay per entry | 180 days |
| Extendable | Yes, +180 days at immigration |
| Validity | 5 years, multiple entry |
| Cost | ~₹24,000 (THB 10,000) |
| Financial proof | THB 500,000 (~₹12.5 lakh) in savings |
| Work allowed | Remote work for foreign employers only |
| Apply from India? | Yes — must apply before travel (not available inside Thailand) |
The DTV was introduced specifically for people who want to live and work remotely in Thailand long-term. If 30 days isn’t enough for your needs, this is the legitimate route. Digital nomad visas are becoming the norm — several countries now offer them.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If your trip is already booked: Relax. No changes are in effect. You will get a 60-day stamp on arrival today.
If you’re planning a trip in the next 1–3 months: Book with confidence, but keep your trip flexible enough to cut short or extend depending on when (and if) the policy changes.
If you’re planning a long stay (30+ days): Budget an extra THB 1,900 and a half-day for the immigration office visit, just in case the rule changes before your trip.
If you’re a digital nomad: Look into the DTV visa now. At 180 days per entry with a 5-year validity, it’s a far better deal than visa-free entry even at 60 days.
One thing you must do regardless: Complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at least 3 days before departure. This is mandatory for all travelers since May 2025 and has nothing to do with the visa-free policy change. Step-by-step instructions are in our Thailand visa guide.
Verified as of March 23, 2026. We’ll update this article when Thailand announces a final decision.