You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

June 4, 2026

Thailand Tightens Visa Policies for Visitors

Subscribe to Updates

On May 19, 2026, the Cabinet of the Royal Thai Government approved, in principle, revisions to Thailand’s visa exemption scheme and visa on arrival (VOA) program, as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The revisions represent a tightening of Thailand’s immigration framework and will affect a broad range of short-term visitors.

Background

On July 15, 2024, Thailand expanded its visa exemption scheme by increasing the permitted period of visa-exempt stay from 30 days to 60 days in order to promote tourism, support the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery, and facilitate international travel.

Under this revised scheme, passport holders from 93 countries and territories (an increase from the previous 57 countries and territories) have been permitted to enter Thailand without a visa and remain in the country for up to 60 days per entry for purposes including tourism, business engagements, urgent work, and ad hoc assignments. In addition, eligible visitors may apply at the Thai Immigration Bureau for a further 30-day extension of stay.

Key Changes

The proposed revisions would revoke the current 60-day exemption and reinstate the previous stay period, thereby reducing the maximum permitted stay for eligible travelers to 30 days per entry. In addition, the number of countries and territories eligible under the 30-day visa-exemption scheme is expected to be reduced to 54.

The scope of the VOA scheme would likewise be significantly narrowed, with the number of eligible countries reduced from 31 countries to just four (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia, and India).

Further, Thailand is expected to introduce a new 15-day visa exemption category for nationals of Seychelles, the Maldives, and Mauritius.

The revised framework would also limit each country or territory to a single visa exemption privilege in order to simplify Thailand’s immigration framework and reduce overlapping immigration privileges.

Overstay Penalties

Foreign nationals are reminded that remaining in Thailand beyond their permitted period of stay constitutes an offense under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Overstay penalties may include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to THB 20,000, or both. In practice, a fine of THB 500 per day, capped at THB 20,000, is generally imposed.

The duration of a re-entry ban can range from one to 10 years, depending on the length of the overstay and whether the individual leaves Thailand voluntarily or is arrested by the authorities. More severe consequences may apply where a foreign national is arrested while overstaying, including deportation and a prohibition on re-entering Thailand for five years when the overstay is one year or less, or 10 years when the overstay is more than one year.

Next Steps and Timeline

Although the Cabinet has approved the proposed revisions in principle, the new measures are not yet in effect. The detailed implementation framework is expected to be set out in Ministry of Interior notifications, which will become effective 15 days after publication in the Government Gazette.

Foreign nationals who enter Thailand before the new measures take effect may continue to remain in Thailand until the expiry of their existing permitted period of stay. Thereafter, foreign nationals entering Thailand will need to rely on (i) the revised visa exemption and VOA schemes, (ii) applicable bilateral visa exemption agreements, or (iii) an appropriate visa obtained through Thailand’s e-visa system.

Implications for Businesses and Foreign Nationals

The revisions to the visa exemption scheme and VOA scheme signal a significant shift in Thailand’s immigration policy toward stricter oversight of foreign nationals entering and staying in the country. The changes are expected to materially affect foreign nationals who currently rely on visa exemption privileges for business travel, project-related activities, or extended stays in Thailand.

In particular, foreign nationals who currently rely on the 60-day visa exemption may face shorter permitted periods of stay. Nationals of countries no longer eligible for visa exemption may be required to obtain a visa prior to travel, while nationals of countries removed from the VOA scheme may no longer be able to obtain entry permission upon arrival in Thailand.

Accordingly, it is suggested that businesses and foreign nationals should review their existing immigration arrangements, assess whether alternative visa categories may be more appropriate, and closely monitor the relevant notifications in the Government Gazette for implementation updates.

Foreign nationals intending to remain in Thailand for longer periods or engage in work-related activities should consider obtaining an appropriate visa category from the outset, such as a non-immigrant “B” visa, SMART visa, Destination Thailand visa, or long-term resident visa.

Related Professionals

Practices

Corporate/M&A

Employment

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

October 20, 2025
Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins’ Yangon office have contributed Employment and Employee Benefits in Myanmar: Overview, a Q&A-style guide published by Thomson Reuters Practical Law. The resource provides a concise overview of key legal and practical considerations for employers operating in Myanmar and reflects the country’s most recent regulatory developments in employment law. The chapter addresses the following core topics: Scope of employment regulation: Application of Myanmar labor laws to foreign nationals and Myanmar citizens working abroad. Employment status: Classification of workers, statutory employment rights, and requirements for official employment contracts. Regulation of the employment relationship: Mandatory contract provisions, collective agreements, and procedures for amending employment terms. Wages and working hours: National minimum wage updates, overtime rules, and leave entitlements. Termination of employment: Notice requirements, severance payments, and protections against dismissal. Discrimination and harassment: Statutory protections and remedies under Myanmar labor law. Health and safety: Employer obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Law and related regulations. Tax and social security: Income tax rates for resident and non-resident employees, and mandatory employer and employee contributions. Intellectual property and post-employment restrictions: Ownership of employee-created IP and enforceability of non-compete clauses. Practical Law, a leading legal reference resource from Thomson Reuters, publishes a wide range of comparative guides for jurisdictions and practice areas worldwide. Its Employment and Employee Benefits series provides practical insights into employment law regimes across numerous countries. To view the latest version of the Myanmar overview, please visit the Practical Law website and enroll in a free trial for full access.
Read More
October 15, 2025
Myanmar’s National Committee for Setting the Minimum Wage has introduced another MMK 1,000 daily allowance for private-sector workers, bringing the total minimum daily wage to MMK 7,800 (approx. USD 3.72). Notification No. 1/2025 marks the third such increase in recent years as the government continues adjusting compensation across both public and private sectors. Although the notification was issued on October 14, 2025, it takes retroactive effect from October 1, 2025. Current Minimum Wage Structure In May 2018, the committee established a base minimum wage of MMK 4,800 (approximately USD 2.29) for an eight-hour workday (MMK 600 per hour), applying to all workers regardless of location or job type. The committee has subsequently announced additional daily allowances for private-sector workers: MMK 1,000 effective October 1, 2023, and another MMK 1,000 effective August 1, 2024. With the latest MMK 1,000 daily allowance from October 1, 2025, the total additional allowance reaches MMK 3,000, resulting in a new combined minimum daily wage of MMK 7,800. Alignment with Public Sector Increases The new allowance aligns with increases granted to government personnel. The Ministry of Finance and Revenue’s Notification No. 110/2025 previously granted monthly increases of MMK 30,000 to service and Tatmadaw personnel starting in October 2023 and August 2024. With the latest increase effective October 1, 2025, the total monthly allowance for these personnel now amounts to MMK 90,000. Daily wage employees in government departments received MMK 1,000 increases in the same periods, totaling MMK 3,000 in daily allowances—mirroring the private-sector adjustment. Key Implementation Details The latest announcement confirms several important aspects of the allowance structure: Employees are entitled to the base wage and additional allowances during their entitled leave and holidays, in accordance with the 1951 Leave and Holidays Act. The MMK 3,000 daily allowance is excluded from overtime calculations, which must
Read More
October 8, 2025
On September 24, 2025, Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to approve two draft amendments to the Labor Protection Act in their first reading, aiming to enhance workers’ rights and quality of life through improved working conditions, expanded leave entitlements, and stronger antidiscrimination protections. Key provisions of the draft amendments are outlined below. Draft Bill on Workers’ Rights This draft bill focuses on improving working conditions, working hours, and annual leave entitlements. The key provisions include: Limiting normal working hours to no more than 40 hours per week, reduced from the current 48 hours per week. For hazardous work, as defined by ministerial regulations, the maximum working hours are set at 35 hours per week, reduced from the current 42 hours per week. Mandating at least 2 days off per week, with no more than 5 consecutive working days between rest days. This is an increase from the current requirement of at least 1 day off per week, with the interval between days off not exceeding 6 days. Providing annual leave entitlement of at least 10 working days after the completion of 120 consecutive working days, compared to the current entitlement of 6 days after 1 year of employment. Draft Bill on Workers’ Quality of Life This draft bill is designed to enhance workers’ quality of life and promote equality and nondiscrimination in the workplace. The new additions to the Labor Protection Act include: Menstrual leave for female employees: Up to 3 days per month, which shall not be counted as sick leave or deducted from other statutory leave entitlements. Family caregiving leave: Employees are entitled to up to 15 working days per year to care for close family members or loved ones. For absences of 5 or more days, employers may request supporting documents such as a medical certificate
Read More
October 1, 2025
In September 2025, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accused a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), including its current and former directors, of concealing material information in connection with its filing registration and draft prospectus. This recent enforcement action demonstrates the serious consequences of making false statements or appearing to conceal material information in IPO filings and ongoing disclosures. In addition to being subject to criminal penalties, such actions can impact the eligibility of directors and executives to serve and may cause lasting reputational damage. Key Legal Risks The Securities and Exchange Act B.E. 2535 (1992) (as amended) imposes strict liability for making false statements or concealing material information in IPO registration statements and draft prospectuses. In such cases, investors can claim for damages, and there are also criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years and substantial fines, may apply to the company, its directors, and responsible officers. However, misstatements or omissions in IPO filings do not, by themselves, disqualify directors or executives from holding office, whether arising from an SEC accusation or even a final court judgment. In contrast, for ongoing disclosures after listing, such as financial statements, annual reports, and meeting notices, false or misleading statements or concealment of material information can result in not only criminal liability but also immediate disqualification of directors and executives. If the SEC accuses a listed company or its directors or executives of such misstatements or omissions, those directors or executives are immediately disqualified from their positions, even before a final court judgment. Director and Executive Qualifications Directors and executives must meet the SEC’s specified standards of trustworthiness, as set out in the relevant rules. The SEC clearly defines characteristics that are considered to demonstrate a lack of trustworthiness. For ongoing disclosures, being involved in
Read More