Bangkok, March 23 -- Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to propose reducing the visa-free stay period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days to curb abuse and address potential security risks.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the visa-exemption policy introduced during the Srettha Thavisin administration was designed to support tourism, a key driver of Thailand's economy, by allowing eligible foreign nationals to enter for tourism or short-term business without applying for a visa in advance.

However, Sihasak said the ministry's visa committee had concluded that a 60-day stay may be longer than necessary for most travellers and could create loopholes for people seeking to remain in Thailand without the appropr...