Australia is among nearly 100 nations that will face changes to travel regulations as Thailand modifies its visa exemptions for tourists. The Thai government announced the removal of a significant policy that previously allowed visitors from 93 countries, including Australia, to stay in the country for up to 60 days without a visa requirement. This policy was implemented in 2024 to aid the tourism sector’s recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that the cabinet assessed the existing rule and concluded that adjustments were necessary to align with current economic and national security conditions. He stated, “The Cabinet has decided to cancel the 60-day visa-free policy for over 90 countries and is now awaiting the new policy criteria for each country.” Consequently, it is anticipated that the visa-free duration for Australian visitors will revert to the previous limit of 30 days. Although the changes have been announced, they are not yet in effect, and the timeline for their implementation remains uncertain. Data from the Australian government reveals that approximately 750,000 to 800,000 Australians visit Thailand annually, making it a favored destination, particularly for trips to cultural hotspots in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as beach resorts in Phuket. As of now, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has yet to revise its travel advice concerning Thailand.
Source: 9News
