Thailand has reversed plans to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists, opting instead to allow 30-day visa-exempt visits after concerns that the earlier proposal had already begun affecting arrivals from one of its biggest tourism markets.
According to Reuters, Indian travellers are the third-largest group of visitors to Thailand this year, behind tourists from China and Malaysia. They are currently allowed to stay in the country without a visa for up to 60 days.
However, Bloomberg reported that confusion surrounding a proposal approved by the Thai Cabinet in May to tighten visa-free entry rules had caused a decline in Indian tourist arrivals before the measures were even implemented.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the Cabinet has now approved a 30-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian visitors, aligning with their typical travel patterns.
“The Cabinet therefore approved a 30-day visa-free entry to align with the travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who represent a large market for Thailand,” Surasak told reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting. He added that the government could review the policy if issues emerge in the future.
The earlier proposal would have reduced the number of countries eligible for visa-free travel from 93 to 54. Under the revised plan, India will continue to enjoy visa-free access, although the permitted stay will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Bloomberg reported that Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives have also been included in the revised list, bringing the total number of countries and territories eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to 60. Thai officials said the move also supports the country’s efforts to secure Schengen visa exemptions for Thai passport holders.
The policy adjustment comes as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government seeks to curb the misuse of visa-free travel by foreigners engaging in illegal activities while protecting local businesses from unfair competition.
Tourism remains one of Thailand’s key economic pillars. Bloomberg reported that the sector generated nearly US$50 billion from 33 million foreign visitors last year, while more than 16 million international tourists had visited the country by July 4 this year.
