Thailand is preparing to end the 60-day visa-free scheme to improve screening and support sustainable growth in the tourism sector, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Mr Surasak said on Wednesday that the government's policy is to promote Thailand as a sustainable tourism destination with a focus on long-stay and high-quality tourism.
He said sustainable tourism, which covers the environment, economy and also safety concerns, must focus on high-quality visitors while ensuring local communities benefit.
The government plans to introduce additional measures to support this direction including stricter screening of visitors, he added.
Mr Surasak said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies have reviewed visa policies following a trial period of the 60-day visa-free scheme, with input gathered from multiple sectors.
Initially the proposal is to cancel the visa-free entry scheme for all countries and return to the previous visa arrangements as well as developing new visa categories for each country, he said.
Mr Surasak said the proposal will soon be submitted to the cabinet for approval and stressed that visa issuance must comply with existing regulations, including checks on financial status, investment sources and supporting documents.
