Effective 15 September 2026, Indian passport-holders can remain in Thailand visa-free for only 30 days, down from the previous 60. Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the change realigns the visa-exemption list—which now covers 60 jurisdictions—with regional norms and tightens control over long-staying tourists. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has clarified transition arrangements: travellers who entered before 15 September may stay for the duration stamped on arrival, but anyone landing thereafter is bound by the new 30-day cap. Multiple land-border entries will be limited to two per calendar year. For business visitors, Thailand’s Urgent Work Notification (UWP) continues unchanged, allowing up to 15 days of urgent, necessary work without a work permit. Routine meetings, conferences or audits that qualify as non-work under Thai law still fall under the visa-exempt framework; more substantive duties require a Non-Immigrant B visa and work authorisation. Indian tour operators have already begun revising package durations, while global mobility teams are advising assignees to switch to appropriate visas for stays exceeding 30 days. Airlines expect minimal impact on forward bookings because most leisure trips are under two weeks, but extended ‘work-cation’ and digital-nomad plans will need fresh paperwork. The sudden rollback underscores the importance of checking rule changes even in popular short-haul destinations. Companies with regional hubs in Bangkok should update travel policies and educate employees about the stricter entry-count limits at land borders to avoid denied boarding or overstay penalties.
Source: Business Standard
