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Thailand has introduced new rules for tourists from over 60 countries, including for Indian passport holders. The Royal Gazette of Thailand published the new rules on August 31, 2026. The new rules will replace the 60-day visa exemption scheme from 2024, which allowed sixty days of visa-free stay for Indians.
Under Thailand’s current tourist scheme, travellers from more than 90 countries, including Europe’s 29-nation Schengen area, China, India, the United States and several South American countries, are eligible to visit for up to 60 days without a visa. The new regulations will come into effect from September 15, 2026.
What does this mean for Indian tourists?
Indian passport holders will be able to enter Thailand without obtaining a visa in advance for tourism, but their permitted visa-free stay will now be reduced from sixty to thirty days under the new rules.
Why is Thailand changing the rules?
As reported by news outlet AFP, a string of recent arrests has included foreigners accused of drug offences, sex trafficking, and operating businesses such as hotels and schools without proper permits. It quotes Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who had said in May that the plan to trim visa-free visits was part of a crackdown on individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country.
Which countries are affected by the new Thai rules?
The 60 countries and territories eligible for the thirty-day visa exemption are Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Maldives, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States, according to the notification in The Royal Gazette, signed by Thailand PM and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul.
Published – September 09, 2026 05:43 pm IST
