“Visa-Free Policy Is Breaking Thai Tourism” Vishal Ahuja Slams 30 Days as Too Long, Urges Cut to 14–21 Days to Restore Pre-COVID Quality

Vishal Ahuja, a former political communications strategist, has called on the government to urgently review Thailand’s visa-free policy, arguing that the current framework prioritizes volume over quality and is creating mounting problems in key tourist destinations.

Posting on Threads (@avbball), Ahuja said that while visa-free measures played a critical role in reviving tourism after COVID-19, the overly permissive approach is now producing negative consequences — including damage to public order, safety concerns, and a decline in Thailand’s global tourism image.

He pointed out that even after reducing visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for some countries, the duration remains excessive. Ahuja proposed a stricter, country-specific approach, suggesting a limit of 14 to 21 days, along with tighter entry screening such as proof of onward travel and financial capacity.

Ahuja also highlighted ongoing issues in major tourist hubs including Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Phangan, and Chiang Mai, where some groups of visitors have been linked to disorderly conduct, illegal street racing, unpaid expenses, overstays, and unauthorized business activities — all of which directly impact local communities and legitimate Thai operators.

“The real question is not how many tourists Thailand attracts, but what kind of tourists we are bringing in,” Ahuja stated. He emphasized that the country should focus on attracting higher-quality visitors — those with spending power, respect for local laws and culture, and the ability to contribute sustainably to the economy.

His policy recommendations include adjusting visa-free durations by country, strengthening pre-arrival screening, enforcing laws more strictly in tourist areas, and repositioning Thailand as a “quality tourism” destination on the global stage.

Ahuja concluded that recalibrating the visa-free policy is not about restricting tourism, but about restoring balance — ensuring long-term economic benefits while protecting social order and national image.