Thailand to grant visa-free access for Indian tourists.

Thailand is set to implement a 30-day visa-exempt entry for Indian visitors following a proposal to eliminate visa-free access, which caused a notable decline in arrivals from India, impacting the crucial tourism sector.

A previously approved proposal that was set to take effect had created uncertainty among Indian travelers, leading to a drop in arrivals. This was noted by Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul after a recent cabinet meeting.

“The cabinet has therefore sanctioned a 30-day visa-free entry to better match the travel habits of Indian tourists, who constitute a significant market for Thailand,” Surasak stated to reporters post-meeting. “Should any issues arise from this decision in the future, the government can reassess the situation then.”
Indian tourists, currently the third-largest group visiting Thailand this year after China and Malaysia, are allowed a 60-day stay without a visa, a privilege set to alter following Thailand’s May announcement to revoke visa-free access for travelers from 93 nations and territories.

According to the initial proposal, Thailand would only have provided 30-day visa waivers to 54 countries and territories.

Countries now included for the 30-day visa-free entry also comprise Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives, as stated by Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan. This expands the total number eligible for 30-day visa-free visits to 60, she confirmed.

The newly established 30-day visa waiver plan, encompassing all 27 EU member states, may facilitate Thailand’s ongoing discussions regarding Schengen visa exemptions for Thai passport holders, according to Ploytalay.

The new conservative government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to restrict foreigners exploiting Thailand’s visa-free policies for illegal activities, as part of a broader effort against transnational scam operations. Additionally, concerns have been raised among local businesses in tourist-heavy areas regarding visitors misusing visas for prohibited activities.

The tourism sector, a key driver of Thailand’s economy, generated nearly $50 billion from 33 million foreign visitors last year, with over 16 million tourists welcomed as of July 4 this year.