Thailand is considering reducing its visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days, following reports that the extended entry scheme has been misused for illegal work and criminal activities.
On 10 February, the Thai Cabinet acknowledged a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighting concerns linked to the current 60-day visa exemption policy, according to Airin Phanrit, deputy spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister. A newly-established committee will now review the program and recommend changes.
Authorities have identified several critical issues driving this proposed change.
Reports indicate foreigners are taking advantage of the 60-day visa exemption rule or using Thailand as a transit route for criminal activities in neighbouring countries, affecting national security and the country’s reputation.
Additionally, the Thai Hotels Association and travel agencies have raised concerns about the surge in illegal short-term apartment rentals and foreign-owned businesses operating through Thai nominees during the 60-day window.
Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that most tourists don’t actually require 60 days, noting that average stays are only 21 days or less, with short-haul visitors typically staying around one week. This suggests the extended period is largely unnecessary for genuine tourists.
Despite the proposed reduction, officials emphasized that visitors requiring longer stays will still be able to apply for extensions. Various agencies, including the Immigration Bureau, have agreed in principle to tighten the rules to prevent further abuse.
In July 2024, Thailand expanded its Visa Exemption Scheme from 57 to 93 countries under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, including the United States, Canada, Vietnam, and Laos. The scheme currently grants 60 days visa-free stay with an option to extend for an additional 30 days.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LT-Website-Size-36-1.png6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-17 10:19:272026-02-17 10:19:32Thailand Considers Cutting Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days
Laos expects to welcome between 5 and 6 million international tourists in 2026, with Chinese visitors projected to account for around 2 million of that total, according to government estimates.
The numbers will be the result from the 65th anniversary of Lao–China diplomatic relations and growing interest in travel along the Lao–China railway, which will further connect to another railway in ASEAN, China, and Europe.
Tourism remains one of Laos’ key economic pillars. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the country received nearly 5 million international visitors annually, including more than 1 million Chinese tourists. At the time, Chinese visitors generated close to USD 700 million in revenue, surpassing income from several other sectors.
Visitor numbers have steadily recovered since reopening. In 2024, Laos recorded more than 4.1 million international arrivals, nearly one million more than in 2023. In 2025, arrivals climbed to almost 4.6 million, including about 1.1 million Chinese tourists.
Railway Driving Visitor Growth
Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay said the Lao–China railway has played a central role in supporting tourism growth.
Since operations began in late 2021, around 12 million passengers have travelled domestically within Laos.
Along the Vientiane–Kunming route, passenger numbers have continued to rise, while freight transport has also expanded significantly. Domestically, the railway has moved about 16 million tonnes of goods, with total freight along the broader route reaching approximately 72 million tonnes.
Authorities say the railway has reduced travel time and logistics costs, making cross-border tourism more convenient. Improved transport links have encouraged regional travelers to include Laos in multi-country itineraries.
The government plans to further integrate the Lao–China and Lao–Thailand railways and position the country as a regional transport hub.
Construction of the Lao–Vietnam railway from Khammouane Province to the Vietnamese border is expected to begin soon, while a feasibility study is underway for a Vientiane–Pakse railway.
Five-Year Tourism Goals
Looking ahead, Laos aims to attract 22 million international visitors between 2026 and 2030, generating an estimated USD 8 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism is projected to reach 11 million trips over the same period, valued at approximately USD 5 billion.
Officials said growing interest in heritage sites, natural attractions, and cultural tourism, combined with improved regional connectivity, is expected to sustain momentum. If current trends continue, tourism will remain a major driver of economic growth, with authorities targeting annual expansion of at least 6 percent through 2030.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20241128139e37870a814535a18991b339db5719_ChkhgeE007003_20241128_CBMFN0A001.jpg600900Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-16 10:01:052026-02-17 10:07:22Laos Targets 6 Million Visitors in 2026 as Chinese Arrivals Projected at 2 Million
Plastic waste at That Luang Lake has drawn renewed attention after primary school students joined a cleanup activity as part of a broader push to promote environmental responsibility.
That Luang Lake is one of Vientiane’s most visited public spaces. It serves as a popular exercise area in the early morning and transforms into a busy evening market for families and vendors. However, plastic litter has increasingly accumulated around the lake.
Recently, Year 4 students and staff from Panyathip British International School carried out a cleanup along the lake’s shore as part of their International Primary Curriculum unit, “The Nature of Life.” The activity aimed to connect classroom learning with environmental action.
“Our teaching approach shows that learning can go beyond the physical classroom environment. The children made us so proud,” sid David Dauncey, their class teachers. “By cleaning the lake area, students see the real-world impact of waste and we hope these young change-makers carry these lessons forward to help others look after nature for the benefit of everyone.”
Students filled several large bags with trash during the activity, though participants said the amount of waste in the area exceeded what the group could remove in a single session.
“We wanted to help nature and stop plastic trash getting into the lake,” said Nin, a Year 4 student. “It made me feel a bit sad to see so much trash as it was kind of disgusting. We hope people stop dropping and burning trash in our country.”
The school’s Deputy Headteacher Nuky Rodil said the school supports practical environmental education.
“We are proud to see learning come to life beyond the classroom walls,” she said. “Through hands-on experiences and real community action, our students and teachers are turning knowledge into purpose.”
Community groups in other provinces, including Luang Prabang, have also organized cleanups and awareness campaigns in recent months.
Environmental advocates say that while volunteer activities help reduce visible waste, long-term improvement depends on consistent public cooperation, stronger waste management systems, and responsible disposal practices.
Officials continue to encourage residents and businesses to support efforts to keep public spaces clean, emphasizing that environmental protection requires participation from all sectors of society.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_1471.JPG-2-scaled-e1770878173516.jpeg13871920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-13 14:37:032026-02-13 14:37:08Students Join That Luang Lake Cleanup as part of ‘Keep Lao Clean’ Campaign
Thailand Considers Cutting Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days
Thailand is considering reducing its visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days, following reports that the extended entry scheme has been misused for illegal work and criminal activities.
On 10 February, the Thai Cabinet acknowledged a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighting concerns linked to the current 60-day visa exemption policy, according to Airin Phanrit, deputy spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister. A newly-established committee will now review the program and recommend changes.
Authorities have identified several critical issues driving this proposed change.
Reports indicate foreigners are taking advantage of the 60-day visa exemption rule or using Thailand as a transit route for criminal activities in neighbouring countries, affecting national security and the country’s reputation.
Additionally, the Thai Hotels Association and travel agencies have raised concerns about the surge in illegal short-term apartment rentals and foreign-owned businesses operating through Thai nominees during the 60-day window.
Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that most tourists don’t actually require 60 days, noting that average stays are only 21 days or less, with short-haul visitors typically staying around one week. This suggests the extended period is largely unnecessary for genuine tourists.
Despite the proposed reduction, officials emphasized that visitors requiring longer stays will still be able to apply for extensions. Various agencies, including the Immigration Bureau, have agreed in principle to tighten the rules to prevent further abuse.
In July 2024, Thailand expanded its Visa Exemption Scheme from 57 to 93 countries under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, including the United States, Canada, Vietnam, and Laos. The scheme currently grants 60 days visa-free stay with an option to extend for an additional 30 days.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/13/thailand-considers-cutting-visa-free-stay-from-60-to-30-days/
Laos Targets 6 Million Visitors in 2026 as Chinese Arrivals Projected at 2 Million
Laos expects to welcome between 5 and 6 million international tourists in 2026, with Chinese visitors projected to account for around 2 million of that total, according to government estimates.
The numbers will be the result from the 65th anniversary of Lao–China diplomatic relations and growing interest in travel along the Lao–China railway, which will further connect to another railway in ASEAN, China, and Europe.
Tourism remains one of Laos’ key economic pillars. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the country received nearly 5 million international visitors annually, including more than 1 million Chinese tourists. At the time, Chinese visitors generated close to USD 700 million in revenue, surpassing income from several other sectors.
Visitor numbers have steadily recovered since reopening. In 2024, Laos recorded more than 4.1 million international arrivals, nearly one million more than in 2023. In 2025, arrivals climbed to almost 4.6 million, including about 1.1 million Chinese tourists.
Railway Driving Visitor Growth
Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay said the Lao–China railway has played a central role in supporting tourism growth.
Since operations began in late 2021, around 12 million passengers have travelled domestically within Laos.
Along the Vientiane–Kunming route, passenger numbers have continued to rise, while freight transport has also expanded significantly. Domestically, the railway has moved about 16 million tonnes of goods, with total freight along the broader route reaching approximately 72 million tonnes.
Authorities say the railway has reduced travel time and logistics costs, making cross-border tourism more convenient. Improved transport links have encouraged regional travelers to include Laos in multi-country itineraries.
The government plans to further integrate the Lao–China and Lao–Thailand railways and position the country as a regional transport hub.
Construction of the Lao–Vietnam railway from Khammouane Province to the Vietnamese border is expected to begin soon, while a feasibility study is underway for a Vientiane–Pakse railway.
Five-Year Tourism Goals
Looking ahead, Laos aims to attract 22 million international visitors between 2026 and 2030, generating an estimated USD 8 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism is projected to reach 11 million trips over the same period, valued at approximately USD 5 billion.
Officials said growing interest in heritage sites, natural attractions, and cultural tourism, combined with improved regional connectivity, is expected to sustain momentum. If current trends continue, tourism will remain a major driver of economic growth, with authorities targeting annual expansion of at least 6 percent through 2030.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/11/laos-targets-6-million-visitors-in-2026-as-chinese-arrivals-projected-at-2-million/
Students Join That Luang Lake Cleanup as part of ‘Keep Lao Clean’ Campaign
Plastic waste at That Luang Lake has drawn renewed attention after primary school students joined a cleanup activity as part of a broader push to promote environmental responsibility.
That Luang Lake is one of Vientiane’s most visited public spaces. It serves as a popular exercise area in the early morning and transforms into a busy evening market for families and vendors. However, plastic litter has increasingly accumulated around the lake.
Recently, Year 4 students and staff from Panyathip British International School carried out a cleanup along the lake’s shore as part of their International Primary Curriculum unit, “The Nature of Life.” The activity aimed to connect classroom learning with environmental action.
“Our teaching approach shows that learning can go beyond the physical classroom environment. The children made us so proud,” sid David Dauncey, their class teachers. “By cleaning the lake area, students see the real-world impact of waste and we hope these young change-makers carry these lessons forward to help others look after nature for the benefit of everyone.”
Students filled several large bags with trash during the activity, though participants said the amount of waste in the area exceeded what the group could remove in a single session.
“We wanted to help nature and stop plastic trash getting into the lake,” said Nin, a Year 4 student. “It made me feel a bit sad to see so much trash as it was kind of disgusting. We hope people stop dropping and burning trash in our country.”
The school’s Deputy Headteacher Nuky Rodil said the school supports practical environmental education.
“We are proud to see learning come to life beyond the classroom walls,” she said. “Through hands-on experiences and real community action, our students and teachers are turning knowledge into purpose.”
Community groups in other provinces, including Luang Prabang, have also organized cleanups and awareness campaigns in recent months.
Environmental advocates say that while volunteer activities help reduce visible waste, long-term improvement depends on consistent public cooperation, stronger waste management systems, and responsible disposal practices.
Officials continue to encourage residents and businesses to support efforts to keep public spaces clean, emphasizing that environmental protection requires participation from all sectors of society.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/12/students-join-that-luang-lake-cleanup-as-part-of-keep-lao-clean-campaign/