Thailand’s tourism challenge

Thailand’s tourism challenge

From Asia Specific by BBC World Service

June 5, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Thailand's recent reduction of the visa-free stay period for tourists and its implications for the tourism industry.

Thailand has cut the visa-free stay time for tourists, but will it boost numbers for an industry which is a lifeblood of the economy? Tourist numbers have fallen and have never gone back to the same level as before the Covid pandemic. While the government has been trying to shore up tourist numbers, in May Thailand cut visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 to 30 days. So what is the thinking behind the move and what other factors are at play? The BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head joins our host Mariko Oi to explain what is going on. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guest: Jonathan Head

Topics covered

  • tourism
  • visa policy
  • economy
  • Covid pandemic
  • Thailand
  • government policy

Keywords

  • Thailand
  • tourism
  • visa-free stay
  • Covid pandemic
  • economy
  • government policy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Thailand, South East Asia, Singapore

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