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Thailand Moves Toward Shorter Visa-Exemption Stays

Published: 03.09.2026

Sources report a reduction or ongoing discussions to reduce visa-exempt stays from 60 to 30 days; a report concerning Russian nationals dates the change to August 2026. Against this backdrop, immigration advisers recommend arranging a long-term visa strategy in advance, including the digital nomad visa.

According to the sources, Thailand is moving toward shorter visa-exempt stays, while the reduction from 60 to 30 days for Russian nationals is described as having taken effect in August 2026. For anyone planning a longer stay, this makes repeated short-term entry less suitable and increases the need to prepare documents for an appropriate long-term visa. Digital nomads, freelancers, and other foreigners without a local employment contract are most directly affected. This is worth considering before relocation because the sources link the shift to a more structured immigration framework.