{
  "id": 5002929,
  "title": "Thailand to halve visa-free stay to 30 days for 60 countries from Sept 15",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/thailand-to-halve-visa-free-stay-to-30-days-for-60-countries-from",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T03:37:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/world/126844/thailand-to-halve-visa-free-stay-to-30-days-for-60-countries-from-sept-15"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thailand plans to reduce the visa-free stay for travelers from 60 countries to 30 days starting September 15, 2026, as authorities aim to curb abuse of the immigration system by foreigners accused of criminal activities such as drug offenses, sex trafficking, and operating businesses without proper permits. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes amid a 3% decline in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. Currently, over 90 countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, including Schengen countries, China, India, the United States, and several South American nations. However, the fate of visa-free arrangements for about 20 other countries remains uncertain, with no official comment from the Foreign Ministry. Additionally, visitors from Peru, Brazil, and South Korea will now be granted a 90-day visa-free stay, up from the previous 60 days. Tourists will still have the option to apply for a one-time extension of their stay, at the discretion of immigration officers. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the reduction in the visa-free stay is part of broader efforts to combat crime committed by foreigners exploiting Thailand's immigration system.",
  "summary": "THAILAND will halve the visa-free stay for visitors from 60 countries and territories to 30 days from Sept 15, as authorities step up efforts to prevent foreigners from exploiting the country's immigration system for criminal activities. The meas...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "After over 200 days at sea, U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/after-over-200-days-at-sea-u-s-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-thailand",
        "published": "2026-09-02T01:46:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Jakarta Post",
        "title": "After over 200 days at sea, US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/after-over-200-days-at-sea-us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-thailand",
        "published": "2026-09-02T01:57:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand after months at sea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-thailand-after-months-at-sea",
        "published": "2026-09-02T03:27:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand after 286 days at sea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-thailand-after-286-days-at-sea",
        "published": "2026-09-02T04:27:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}