AraiWa · Watch
What's changing in Thailand
Hand-picked updates on visas, entry rules and immigration that actually affect visitors and residents.
A small, curated set — not a news feed. Sources are Kuitunen Media articles, currently in Finnish; we summarize the key point in English and link out.
Visas & entry
Thailand is set to cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days
Thailand's Cabinet approved (19 May 2026) reducing the visa-exemption stamp from 60 days back to 30 for most eligible nationalities, with one 30-day extension still possible. It is NOT in force yet: the change takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, which had not happened when we last checked — so the 60-day exemption still applies for now. If you're planning a longer stay, watch for the Gazette date before you book.
Status checked 2026-06-20: Cabinet-approved; not yet in force (pending Royal Gazette publication) Official source ↗
Read at Kuitunen Media ↗ Source in Finnish
EU travel for Thai citizens
Thai citizens get easier Schengen visas under the EU “cascade”
From May 2026 the EU applies its “visa cascade” to Thai nationals: travelers with a clean prior-visa history can receive multi-entry Schengen visas valid first 1 year, then 2, then 5. It is NOT visa-free travel — a visa is still required — but it makes repeat trips to Europe far simpler. Most relevant if you have a Thai partner or family who travel to the EU.
Status checked 2026-06-20: In effect (announced May 2026) — visa facilitation, not visa-free; a Schengen visa is still required Official source ↗
Read at Kuitunen Media ↗ Source in Finnish
Immigration digitalization
Thailand's immigration is moving onto a digital platform (THIM)
Thailand's Immigration Bureau is rolling out THIM, an app meant to handle arrival registration on your phone and, in time, more immigration admin. As of mid-June 2026 it is in public trial — the app is already downloadable — with an official launch announced for August 2026. It works alongside the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC); the rollout is still in progress, so check the current status before you travel.
Status checked 2026-06-20: In public trial; official launch announced for August 2026 Official source ↗
Read at Kuitunen Media ↗ Source in Finnish