BANGKOK:- Tourists from dozens of countries, including Americans, who want to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days will now have to obtain a visa.

In an effort to revive the tourism sector after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai government had implemented a system that allowed citizens of 93 countries to stay without a visa for up to 60 days from July 2024. However, the government has decided to revoke that facility.

According to a new regulation passed by the Council of Ministers, the length of stay of foreign tourists will now be determined based on the country concerned.

The Thai government has cited national security challenges and an increasingly complex visa system as the main reasons for this change. The government has reviewed its policy after the recent increase in the involvement of foreign nationals in drug smuggling, human trafficking and other criminal activities in Thailand.

Home Minister Anutin Chanwirakul has said that amendments to the visa policy are necessary, considering the current economic situation and national security.

Previously, citizens of countries including the US, UK, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy and Spain were able to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.

According to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of most countries will now have to apply for a visa if they want to stay for more than 30 days. However, the duration of stay may vary depending on mutual agreements with some countries. The new visa regime will come into effect 15 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette.

Thailand is considered one of the leading tourist destinations in Asia. Thailand, which welcomed about 40 million tourists in 2019, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, tourist arrivals have started to increase again in the last two years. According to government figures, about 12 million tourists have visited Thailand so far this year.

Meanwhile, local media reported that 10 foreign nationals working without work permits were arrested in a raid on an international school operating without a permit in the capital, Bangkok.