Thailand Reviews Generous Visas: Illegal Work Concerns Rise
Thailand’s post-pandemic efforts to revitalize its tourism sector through various long-stay visa programs are facing increased scrutiny. Concerns are rising about the misuse of short-term visa exemptions, fueled by reports of Bangkok condominiums being illegally rented to tourists daily. This debate, intensifying online and among tourism operators, centers on whether the current 60-day visa exemption—extended last year to citizens of 93 countries—inadvertently facilitates illegal work and circumvents immigration procedures.
The Thai government, aiming to attract diverse visitors, offers three long-stay visa programs: the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTV), the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and the Thailand Privilege Card. Each targets a specific demographic, from high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals to remote workers and digital nomads.
The LTV, launched in 2022 to attract wealthy visitors, pensioners, and highly skilled professionals, has seen significant uptake, with over 6,000 applications as of January 2025. Initially stringent, its requirements were relaxed earlier this year, prioritizing in-country spending over minimum income thresholds. Applicants can now qualify through investments in government bonds, Thai companies, or property worth at least $500,000. Benefits include unlimited entries, the right to work, a reduced income tax rate for specialized skills, and streamlined reporting to the Immigration Bureau.
The DTV, introduced to attract remote workers and digital nomads, offers a more accessible alternative. Allowing a maximum 180-day stay per entry, extendable for another 180 days, it requires a lower financial threshold of 500,000 baht and proof of employment outside Thailand. It also encourages cultural participation. However, some consider the DTV competition for the Thailand Privilege Card, a premium long-stay visa offering exclusive benefits like concierge services and airport fast-tracking.
While these programs aim to attract high-value visitors, the 60-day visa exemption is criticized for potentially enabling illegal employment. Tourism stakeholders, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Hotels Association (THA), argue that average tourist stays are much shorter—a week for Asian visitors and two weeks for long-haul travelers. They fear the extended exemption allows illegal work without proper screening and circumvents hotel registration requirements through unregistered short-term condo rentals.
These concerns are echoed in online discussions and news reports highlighting resident unease about short-term renters. The THA stresses hotels' crucial role in reporting guest details to immigration authorities—a process bypassed with unregulated condo rentals.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has indicated a willingness to review the visa exemption period. Discussions with tourism operators are planned, with a potential reversion to a 30-day exemption if security concerns persist. The government must balance attracting international visitors with maintaining security and addressing the concerns of residents and industry stakeholders. The future of Thailand’s visa policies depends on a sustainable solution that promotes tourism while mitigating illegal activities and ensuring the well-being of all involved.
