BANGKOK: (Bernama) Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay for Malaysian passport holders from 60 days to 30 days effective Sept 15 under revised entry rules that also affect dozens of countries and territories.
Despite the shorter period, Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said the change is unlikely to significantly affect Malaysian travellers, given that their average stay in the Kingdom was only about 4.3 days.
Citing a 2025 study by Globlex Securities, he said around 70 per cent of Malaysian travellers are concentrated in the southern region.
However, he advised Malaysians to take note of the new entry rules, particularly for those planning to stay for more than 30 days.
On Aug 31, Thailand announced a shorter visa-free entry period for 60 countries and territories, including Malaysia, while introducing a new 15-day exemption category for select nations and restructuring its visa-on-arrival list.
Wan Zaidi said the shorter visa-free period could have greater impact on some travellers, particularly Malaysian nationals married to Thai nationals but who do not ordinarily reside in Thailand, noting that the Embassy has received feedback on the matter.
"For this category of visitors, the measures may have a comparatively greater bearing on their travel arrangements, particularly the duration of family visits, which may potentially be shortened,” he told Bernama.
He said while the overall impact on Thailand’s tourism sector was expected to remain limited, the potential effect on cross-border family visits warranted consideration, particularly in maintaining people-to-people connectivity and facilitating family ties between Malaysia and Thailand.
"Nevertheless, the Embassy strongly advises Malaysian nationals travelling to Thailand to comply with and respect the laws, regulations and requirements of the Kingdom of Thailand,” he said.
Wan Zaidi said the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok was also strengthening engagement with tourism operators, airlines and relevant agencies to facilitate information exchange and ensure timely dissemination of updates on changes to travel procedures, requirements and regulations.
He advised travellers who intend to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days to obtain the appropriate e-Visa through the Royal Thai Embassy in Malaysia before departure to avoid any misunderstanding or inconvenience upon arrival in Thailand.
The ambassador also encouraged Malaysians to notify the Embassy of their arrival in Thailand via email at mwbangkok@kln.gov.my. - Bernama
