Thailand to Slash Visa-Free Entry From 60 to 30 Days, Singaporeans, Malaysians, & More Affected

If you were planning to take advantage of Thailand’s generous 60-day visa-free stay for a long-term "workation" or an extended escape to the islands, you might want to check your calendar.

Following a series of security reviews, Thai authorities have officially announced plans to roll back the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries. Those include Singapore and Malaysia, reverting the stay period to just 30 days.

Also read: Thailand Offers Free Domestic Flights for Foreign Tourists

The End of the "60-Day Era"

Image credit: Cecelia Chang

On 12 May 2026, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed that a proposal had been submitted to the Cabinet to halve the current visa-free duration. This move marks a significant reversal of the policy introduced in July 2024, which was originally designed to jumpstart the kingdom’s tourism economy.

While the 60-day policy was a hit with digital nomads and slow travellers, Thai authorities noted that the average holidaymaker stays only about 12 days. Unfortunately, the extended window was reportedly being exploited by "grey economy" actors and individuals involved in unauthorised work, prompting the government to prioritise border security over volume.

What This Means for Your Next BKK Trip

For the average Singaporean heading to Bangkok for a weekend of cafe-hopping or a 5-day retreat in Phuket, very little will change. However, for those planning longer stays, here is what you need to know:

• Standard Entry: Most visitors will now receive a 30-day stamp upon arrival at the airport or land borders.

• The Digital Shift: The paper TM6 arrival card is a thing of the past. Ensure you have completed your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before you reach the boarding gate at Changi.

• Stricter Enforcement: With the policy tightening, immigration officers may be more likely to request proof of onward travel (return flight) and evidence of sufficient funds (at least 10,000 THB, or roughly S$370 per person).

When Does it Start?

Image credit: Cecelia Chang

While the proposal is currently moving through the final stages of Cabinet approval, travel industry insiders expect the 30-day limit to be strictly enforced for all arrivals starting in early June 2026.

If you are already in Thailand on a 60-day stamp, your current stay remains valid. However, for any new entries planned for the mid-year school holidays, it is best to plan around the new 30-day window to avoid any "overstay" headaches at the airport.

Also read: Shop ‘Til You Drop in Bangkok: The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary for Shopaholics

Thailand remains as welcoming as ever for the classic short-haul getaway. But if you were dreaming of a two-month sabbatical in Chiang Mai, you'll soon need to look into formal visa extensions or stick to the new 30-day limit. Here's wishing you a safe travel to the land of smiles!