{
  "id": 4861937,
  "title": "Thailand shortens visa-free stays for dozens of nations from Sep 15",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/thailand-shortens-visa-free-stays-for-dozens-of-nations-from-sep-15-4861937",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T11:27:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/09/01/thailand-shortens-visa-free-stays-for-dozens-of-nations-from-sep-15"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thailand will reduce visa-free stays for tourists from over 60 countries and territories to 30 days, effective September 15, according to the foreign ministry. Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand's economy, but officials are implementing this change to combat crime involving foreign nationals. Recent arrests have involved foreigners accused of drug offenses, sex trafficking, and operating businesses without proper permits. Currently, travelers from more than 90 countries, including European nations, China, India, the US, and several South American countries, can visit Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. This new regulation applies to more than 60 countries and territories, including China, the US, and 27 EU members. The visa-free status for around 20 other countries remains unclear, with a foreign ministry official refusing to comment. Visitors from Peru, Brazil, and South Korea will receive 90-day visa-free stays, up from 60 days previously. Tourists will be allowed to extend their stays once, at the discretion of an immigration officer, as approved by the government. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the plan to shorten visa-free visits is part of a crackdown on individuals abusing the visa system through criminal activities. Since the beginning of the year, Thailand has welcomed 20.9 million foreign tourists, a three percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025, according to the latest official figures.",
  "summary": "The reduction to 30 days visa-free applies to over 60 countries and territories, including China, the US and 27 EU countries.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}