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.
Speaking at the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026) in Phuket, Mr Surasak said on Wednesday that the event supports the government’s policy 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 communities benefit from economic activity generated by the sector.
The government plans to introduce additional measures to support this direction including stricter screening of visitors, he added.
Mr Surasak also said GSTC 2026 has seen one of the highest attendances, drawing participation from international representatives including Oman’s tourism minister.
The April 21-24 event, is expected to draw more than 700 participants from 30-50 countries.
Delegates include policymakers, tourism executives, civil society networks, and sustainability experts.
Meanwhile, after presiding over the event’s opening, the tourism minister met the Phuket governor and private sector representatives to discuss tourism-related issues including the impact of rising fuel costs on tourism and related industries.
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.
Concerns about foreign residents avoiding taxes must be probed and any violations will be considered illegal and handled by the authorities, he said.