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Thailand’s tourism authorities are planning a shake-up of short-haul markets as global uncertainty and rising fuel costs affect travel demand. The strategy focuses on attracting higher-value visitors from nearby countries while promoting sustainable tourism and reducing reliance on volume-driven growth.
Booking.com reported a 13.78% rise in Pattaya accommodation searches ahead of Tomorrowland Thailand 2026, scheduled for December 11–13 at Wisdom Valley. The festival’s first major Asian edition is boosting international travel demand, with Australia, India and Malaysia among the leading markets searching for stays.
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency expanded its “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan,” increasing enforcement against overstayers and illegal work. The policy includes stronger monitoring tools and online surveillance to detect forged residency cards and track violations more effectively.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved revisions to the 60-day visa exemption scheme, pending Royal Gazette publication. Eligible travelers will generally return to 30-day visa-free stays, while bilateral agreements and limited Visa on Arrival access remain unchanged. New rules take effect 15 days after publication, with current visitors unaffected until implementation.
The EU has added Thailand to its “Visa Cascade” program, allowing eligible Thai travelers to receive multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years. The policy rewards travelers with strong compliance records and is expected to simplify applications while reducing travel costs.
