Bangkok: The Cabinet is actively reviewing Thailand's free visa program, with significant changes to visa entitlements and security measures aimed at reducing crime-related loopholes.

According to Thai News Agency, the review entails revoking the existing 60-day stay entitlement and replacing it with 30-day and 15-day options, tailored for each country. The initiative seeks to strike a balance between tourism and security while addressing potential misuse of visa rights. Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, announced that the Cabinet's decision aligns with the principle of "one country, one visa," adjusting exemptions based on various factors, including economic and international relations.

Key changes include abolishing visa exemptions for tourism, work, or short-term business trips, restricting stays to a maximum of 60 days for 93 countries and territories. The new privileges will be tailored to each country, considering economic and security factors. The measures grant 30-day visa exemptions to 59 countries, with six new additions, including India and several European nations, to bolster bilateral relations and economic agreements.

Additionally, Mauritius and Seychelles are granted a 15-day stay right, with India's visa on arrival status revoked in favor of a 15-day exemption. Visa on Arrival will now be limited to Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. Following the review, 65 countries will benefit under these revised measures, effective 15 days post-publication in the Royal Gazette.

Security agencies will enhance the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system to improve screening processes and database linkages. This effort will better track and assess risks associated with visa use, ensuring compliance with intended purposes.

Ms. Ploytalay emphasized that these measures are designed to refine the system for clarity and verification, maintaining a balance between economic stimulation, tourism facilitation, international relations, and national security, while preventing visa exploitation for illegal activities.