Bangkok: Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay for Malaysian passport holders from 60 days to 30 days effective September 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 is only about 4.3 days. According to Nam News Network, the ambassador noted that around 70 percent of Malaysian travellers are concentrated in the southern region, based on a 2025 study by Globlex Securities. However, he advised Malaysians to take note of the new entry rules, particularly for those planning to stay for more than 30 days. On August 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 mentioned that the shor ter visa-free period could have a greater impact on some travellers, particularly Malaysian nationals married to Thai nationals but who do not ordinarily reside in Thailand. The Embassy has received feedback on the matter, noting that this category of visitors may experience more significant effects on their travel arrangements, particularly the duration of family visits, which may potentially be shortened. He mentioned that while the overall impact on Thailand's tourism sector is 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. Wan Zaidi stated that the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok is also strengthening engagement with tourism operators, airlines, and relevan t 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 mwbangkokkln.gov.my.
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