Thailand will halve the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 60 countries and territories to 30 days from 15 September, the foreign ministry said.
Tourism is vital to Thailand’s economy, but officials say the move is part of an effort to curb crime involving foreign nationals.
The change will affect Irish tourists, who currently qualify for visa-free stays of up to 60 days.
Recent arrests have included foreigners accused of drug offences, sex trafficking and operating businesses such as hotels and schools without proper permits.
Under Thailand’s current tourism scheme, travellers from more than 90 countries and territories, including China, India, the United States and countries in Europe’s Schengen area, are eligible to visit for up to 60 days without a visa.
The reduction to 30 days will affect more than 60 countries and territories, including Ireland and 26 other EU countries, as well as China and the United States, the Thai foreign ministry’s consular affairs department said.
The visa-free status for around 20 other countries was unclear, with a foreign ministry official declining to comment.
Visitors from Peru, Brazil and South Korea will be granted visa-free stays of 90 days, up from 60 days previously.
Tourists will be able to extend their stays once, at the discretion of an immigration officer, a government spokeswoman said in May when the cabinet approved the measure.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the plan to trim visa-free visits was part of a crackdown on individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country.
Thailand has attracted 20.9 million foreign tourists since the beginning of the year, down three percent on the same period in 2025, according to the latest official figures.