For anyone watching Phuket’s property market, visa policy is not just administrative detail. It directly affects how long visitors stay, how often they return, and whether they begin thinking about property as a practical solution rather than a distant idea.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved the cancellation of its 60-day visa-free entry policy on May 19, reducing the stay period back to 30 days for visitors from 93 countries including Russia, according to the government’s public relations department.
Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin discussed the change with Thai media on May 21, stating that Russians had not been significantly impacted because a bilateral agreement between Thailand and Russia already allows Russian nationals to stay visa-free for up to 30 days.
Why the change matters for Phuket property
The shift from 60 to 30 days may seem small, but in practical terms it changes the rhythm of how visitors use Thailand. A two-month window allows longer trial periods, slower decision-making, and more time to explore property options without needing to leave or apply for extensions.
Reducing that to 30 days returns the clock to a tighter schedule. Buyers from visa-free countries who want to spend extended time in Phuket now need to consider visa runs, tourist visa applications, or longer-term visa options earlier in the process.
For Russian buyers specifically, the impact is limited because the bilateral agreement already set the visa-free period at 30 days. Tomikhin noted there had been no complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far.
Russians have been one of Phuket’s most consistent buyer groups over the past decade. Their travel patterns, rental activity and long-stay behaviour have shaped demand in certain villa markets and beachfront condo developments. Any policy affecting their stay duration is worth monitoring.
The detail worth watching: flexibility for medical cases
Tomikhin raised one specific concern during the discussion: flexibility for foreigners requiring extended medical treatment.
“I hope there might be some flexible instruments for certain circumstances like this because life is much more difficult than only rules,” he said, adding that he hoped to exchange views further with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
This points to a broader issue for any foreign national considering Thailand for long stays. Medical treatment, family care, business setup and property transactions all take time. A strict 30-day limit without clear pathways to extension or exception creates practical friction.
Tomikhin described the policy as a standard rule applicable to all nationalities and said foreigners should comply with Thai regulations. The tone was not critical, but the request for flexibility suggests practical complications may emerge in certain cases.
What remains unclear
The government’s public relations department confirmed the Cabinet decision but details about implementation timing, transition rules and any exemptions have not been fully explained.
It is unclear whether the 60-day policy had been formally enacted before being cancelled, or whether this represents a reversal of a planned change. The Bangkok Post reported that the move has left some foreign visitors worried about the potential impact on their stay, but specific complaints or wider reaction have not been detailed.
For Phuket property buyers, the key question is not only the length of visa-free stay but also the ease of extending it through other visa categories, the clarity of those pathways, and whether exceptions exist for property owners, long-term renters or medical cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change affect Russian visitors to Phuket?
Russian nationals already had a 30-day visa-free stay under a bilateral agreement with Thailand, so the policy change does not reduce their existing access. The ambassador confirmed there had been no complaints from the Russian community so far.
Could this affect long-stay demand in Phuket?
A shorter visa-free period may create more friction for visitors who want to spend extended time exploring property options, managing renovations, or overseeing rental activity. Whether it materially affects demand depends on how easily buyers can access tourist visas, visa extensions or long-term visa options.
What flexibility is the Russian ambassador requesting?
Tomikhin suggested that flexibility may be needed for foreigners requiring prolonged medical treatment. He indicated he hoped to discuss the issue further with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Which countries are affected by the policy change?
The cancellation applies to 93 countries that were eligible for 60-day visa-free entry. The government has not published a full list, but Russia is among them. For Russian nationals, the bilateral agreement means the practical impact is limited.
Is the 30-day period now confirmed?
The Cabinet approved the cancellation of the 60-day policy on May 19, returning to a 30-day visa-free stay. Full implementation details and any transition arrangements have not been publicly clarified.
Sources
- The Phuket News — Russia urges visa policy flexibility — link
- Bangkok Post — referenced in The Phuket News article
