Southeast Asia's second largest economy yet to decide on cutting visa-free stays for tourists

No new regulations have been issued regarding the visa policy and tourists in Thailand are unaffected, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said as cited by the Bangkok Post.

The ministry is still gathering feedback on the pros and cons of halving visa-free stays for tourists from 93 eligible countries.

Sources within the government revealed that while authorities have agreed "in principle" to the reduction, which was announced last week, the foreign ministry and other stakeholders remain cautious about its potential consequences, The Pattaya News reported.

The longest stay for most tourists visiting Thailand is no more than 21 days, data showed.

Previously, some industry insiders called for the reduction to prevent the misuse of the policy for illegal business activities.

However, others fear that the change could harm tourism, especially as Thailand is already seeing a drop in Chinese tourists following the high-profile kidnapping of actor Xing Xing in January, as well as growing competition from neighboring countries like Vietnam and Japan.

Between January and March 16, Thailand welcomed 8.3 million international visitors, up 3.9% year-on-year.