Govt policies lack foresight

Conflicting statements from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the recent visa-free policy for some groups of tourists have only contributed to confusion over the matter.

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On March 16, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong publicly stated that the government would reduce the visa-free period from 60 to 30 days.

Later that same week, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nikorndej Balankura issued a contrasting statement insisting that no decision had been made to cut the period and that tourists currently in Thailand would not be affected. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he added, had yet to assess the potential impact of any such change.

Beginning in July 2024, during the Srettha government, tourists from 93 countries were allowed to enter Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days instead of the usual 30. Their stay could then be extended for another 30 days, giving them a new 90-day maximum.