Thailand Immigration Rules updated November 12, 2025: Thai Immigration Bureau has introduced four new measures to prevent abuse of the free visa exemption system and combat unauthorized business activity. Under orders from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet, immigration officials now focus on cybercrime risk, money laundering and higher scrutiny of individuals entering as tourists.

Why Are These Measures Introduced?

In recent years, Thailand has faced increasing numbers of foreigners exploiting the visa exemption policy through repeated “in-out” visa runs. Officials believe this loophole enables participants in illegal businesses to remain in the country for extended periods. During urgent policy meetings in November, immigration leaders issued new enforcement rules to combat these concerns and improve immigration control.

Thailand’s New Immigration Measures

Increased screening for frequent visa exemption users. Foreigners entering more than twice within a year, without a legitimate reason or returning to their home country, risk being refused entry and required to apply for the correct visa. Already, in 2025, around 2,900 travelers have been denied entry under these new guidelines.
Border checkpoints have orders to block foreigners flagged in scam-prone areas like Mae Sot or those previously deported. If these individuals attempt re-entry, they will be refused without exception.
Immigration offices now strictly limit visa extensions for those with frequent “visa run” histories. 30-day extensions may be denied or revoked for suspicious patterns, with possible deportation for offenders. Additionally, visa exemption extensions are now limited to 2 times per calendar year (first extension: 30 days, second extension: 7 days).
Coordinated nationwide enforcement against foreigners overstaying their visas is underway. Immigration will publicly report results of this crackdown on overstayers.

Recap of Thailand Immigration Rules in 2025

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals must complete this digital form online before entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. Complete guide for TDAC: https://pattayaservicemarket.com/thailand-digital-arrival-card-tdac/

Visa-exempt entry limits: Visa-exempt entries are now limited to two per calendar year for most nationalities.

Visa extension limits: Additionally, visa exemption extensions are now limited to 2 times per calendar year:

First extension: 30 days
Second extension: 7 days

Tighter enforcement on “visa runs”:

Individuals using visa exemptions frequently may be denied entry at the border.
Provincial immigration offices will deny extensions to those identified with a visa-run pattern and their current visa may be cancelled.

Enhanced border screening: More scrutiny is being applied at high-risk border crossings to prevent entry by individuals with criminal records or previous deportations.

Overstay enforcement: Increased efforts are underway to identify and act against individuals who have overstayed their visas.

Potential for shorter stays: There are ongoing discussions about reducing the standard 60-day visa-free stay for some nationalities to 30 days, which would be similar to pre-COVID rules.

Will These Thailand Immigration Rules Affect Tourists?

Immigration Bureau spokesperson Cherngron Rimphadee assured that, while the new measures may cause longer passport checks for foreigners especially during peak airport traffic. Screening times will not exceed 45 seconds per person or 40 minutes per line. Thai nationals benefit from fast automated gates, with processing in under 20 seconds.

These policies are not expected to affect genuine tourists or affect Thai residents. By increasing immigration control, Thailand aims to attract quality visitors, support national security and build confidence in its business and tourism transparency.

How Does This Affect You?

Travelers to Thailand should prepare for stricter border checks, avoid repeated visa runs and ensure their visa type matches the intended purpose of their visit. Having clear documentation and proof of travel legitimacy is now essential.

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