AAA Thai Language School

Thailand Scraps 60-Day Free Visa Scheme, Restores Original Entry Rules

Cabinet Approves Overhaul of Entry Policy: 60-Day Visa Exemption Revoked for 93 Countries

On May 19, 2026, the Thai Cabinet officially approved a major overhaul of its visa policy, revoking the 60-day visa-free entry scheme that was previously granted to tourists from 93 countries and territories.

The entry framework will now revert to the original criteria, meaning most affected travelers will see their automatic visa-free stay reduced from 60 days back to 30 days.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the decision was driven by crucial factors:

- National Security Concerns: Security agencies identified "loopholes" in the 60-day policy, noting it was being exploited by transnational criminal networks, illegal workforce groups, and grey-capital syndicates operating under the guise of tourists.

- Shift to "Quality Tourism": Officials emphasized that Thailand will focus on attracting high-value travelers rather than merely chasing high tourist numbers. Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that the average foreign tourist stays in Thailand for only 9 days, meaning the reduction to 30 days will not heavily impact legitimate short-term holidaymakers.

- Diplomatic Reciprocity & Streamlining: The new rules aim to eliminate overlapping privileges, strictly allowing only one visa exemption scheme per country.

[ What Happens Next? ]

The Visa Policy Committee is currently conducting a country-by-country screening process to regroup nations based on security and economic dimensions. Under the new framework, some countries may be adjusted to a shorter 15-day visa-free stay or be required to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which is also being significantly downsized.

Effective Date: The revised regulations are set to take effect 15 days after being officially published in the Royal Gazette. Travelers who are already in Thailand under the 60-day exemption before the enforcement date will be allowed to stay until their stamped duration expires.

**You can find the full list of all 93 countries eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay in the comments below.**

[School Closure Notice]

Happy Songkran ! Our school will be taking a holiday break from April 11th to 19th, 2026.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday everyone!

[School Closure Notice]

The school will be closed on March 2 - 3, 2026.

[School holidays Notice]

December 24, 2025 until January 4, 2026

[School Closure Notice]

The school will be closed on December 5, 2025.

Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok
(November 5th, 2025)
Main Riverside Celebrations

[ BMA Main Event at Rama VIII Bridge ] 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) hosts its main event under the concept of "Eco-Friendly Loy Krathong." Features a krathong contest, Noppamas Queen contest, cultural shows, and food stalls.

Google map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7VsAQTUtrZ8ByFJd8

[ ICONSIAM “Thaiconic Loy Krathong 2025” ]
From 5:00 PM onwards
A spectacular celebration on the Chao Phraya River, blending Thai tradition with modern artistry. Expect beautiful cultural performances, and a signature fireworks show over the river.
River Park, ICONSIAM, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd.

Google map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJhRv8xxpB1nY6819

[ Bangkok River Festival 2025 “Colors of the Full Moon” ]
A cultural festival across multiple historic and modern piers along the Chao Phraya River. Free shuttle boats are provided to connect all 11 participating locations, which include:
11 Piers/Temples (e.g., Wat Arun [View on Map], Wat Pho, Wat Rakhang, Tha Maharaj, Asiatique The Riverfront)

[ Other Venues for Floating Krathongs ]

BMA Public Parks (Nov 5, 2025): The BMA opens 33 public parks across 21 districts for people to float their krathongs from morning until 12:00 AM (Midnight) on November 5th. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use krathongs made only from natural, biodegradable materials.
Examples: Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park, Vachirabenjatas Park (Rot Fai Park).

**Online Loy Krathong**

For an eco-friendly alternative, you can join the digital celebration by floating a virtual krathong online at the BMA's platform: greener.bangkok.go.th.

ขอน้อมส่งเสด็จสู่สวรรคาลัย ข้าพระพุทธเจ้า คณะผู้บริหาร และพนักงาน ขอถวายความอาลัยแด่สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ พระบรมราชชนนีพันปีหลวง ด้วยสำนึกในพระมหากรุณาธิคุณอย่างหาที่สุดมิได้

ด้วยเกล้าด้วยกระหม่อม
ข้าพระพุทธเจ้า คณะผู้บริหาร และพนักงาน
โรงเรียนภาษาทริปเปิลเอ

We reverently bid farewell to the late Queen. The Management and Staff of Triple A Language School wish to express their profound condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, with the deepest sense of gratitude for Her boundless Royal Benevolence.

Respectfully submitted,
The Management and Staff of Triple A Language School

School Closure Notice

The school will be closed on October 13, 2025.

The school will be closed for Mother’s day on August 11 - 12, 2025.

The school will be closed for H.M. the King's Birthday on July 28, 2025.

NEW School calendar 2026

GROUP LESSON - full time (Intensive Thai course)

- 60 hours / level (20 days),
- Monday - Friday (5 days / week), 3 hours a day

Student can choose to study in the Morning class 9 am - 12 or Afternoon class 1 pm - 4 pm.

New term starts every month.

https://www.aaathai.school/group-lesson-intensive-thai-course