The Core Change: From 60 Days to 30 Days
The Thai government has confirmed that Indian passport holders will continue to benefit from visa-free entry, but the maximum stay has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This decision was part of a broader overhaul of Thailand's visa regulations, which
saw the cancellation of the temporary 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries. The new policy grants a 30-day visa-free stay to visitors from 59 countries, including India. This change replaces the previous Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) option for Indians, streamlining the entry process under a single, unified privilege. The new rules are set to take effect 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette.
Why the Revision? Balancing Tourism and Security
The previous 60-day visa-free scheme was a temporary measure introduced in 2024 to aggressively revive the tourism sector post-pandemic. While successful in boosting arrival numbers, the Thai government grew concerned about the misuse of the generous stay period. Officials cited instances of foreigners overstaying, working illegally, and engaging in other activities not permitted under a tourist visa as key reasons for the policy shift. The government has stated that the goal is to prevent the misuse of visa privileges and strengthen national security, not to discourage tourism. The new framework adheres to a principle of "one country, one entitlement," aimed at creating a more consistent and verifiable system.
A Necessary Correction After Market Confusion
The path to this new policy was not straightforward. An initial cabinet decision in May 2026 proposed scrapping the visa-free benefit for Indians altogether, reverting to a paid Visa-on-Arrival system. This announcement created significant uncertainty among Indian travellers, leading to a reported drop of nearly 20% in tourist arrivals from India, one of Thailand's largest tourism markets. Recognizing the negative economic impact, the Thai government reversed course. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul explained that the new 30-day visa-free rule was approved to better align with the actual travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who stay for an average of about 7.2 days, while still supporting the tourism industry.
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
For the majority of Indian tourists planning a holiday, this change will have little practical impact. A 30-day stay is more than sufficient for typical vacations to destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi. The key benefit of not needing to apply for a visa or pay a fee upon arrival remains intact. If you were planning a longer trip exceeding 30 days, you will now need to apply for an appropriate visa in advance through the official Thai e-visa portal. Travellers who enter Thailand before the new rules formally take effect will still be permitted to stay for the duration granted under the old regulations. The primary adjustment is for those who intended to use the full 60-day period for extended stays; they must now plan ahead for the correct visa type.
