The Small Print in Thailand's Phuket Crackdown on Frequent Visitors

Phuket tightens checks at the border

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is enforcing stricter screening for visa-free entry and repeat visitors in Phuket, with officers asking for proof of funds, accommodation, onward travel and itineraries. The current visa-free stay remains 60 days, but officials are watching for patterns tied to visa runs, long-term illegal stays, scams and cybercrime.

Tourist Police have also increased patrols in Patong, on beaches and around major events, with arrests for disorderly conduct and other public-order violations. The crackdown has been in place since Nov. 2025 and is still being applied across 2026, according to official notices.

Tourists, nomads and expats feel the pressure

Frequent visitors are the main target. Immigration can deny entry to travelers with repeated short stays and officers are screening more closely for people who look like they’re working without the right visa.

Expats and digital nomads face tougher checks too, especially if they overstay, work illegally or run businesses through nominees. Phuket traffic enforcement is stricter as well, with police issuing fines for unlicensed driving and other violations.

What to bring and what to expect

Travelers entering Phuket should carry proof of 20,000 THB per person, accommodation details, an onward ticket and a clear itinerary. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory and must be completed online 72 hours before arrival.

Visa-exempt and tourist entries now allow one 30-day extension and one 7-day extension per year, both handled in person for 1,900 THB. Same-day border runs are no longer allowed and the Tourist Police hotline is 1155. Read our full Thailand guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates for the latest rules.