Thailand, known for its paradisiacal beaches, cultural richness and economic attractiveness in Southeast Asia, is going through a period of profound transformation in 2025. Between political reforms, new rules for travelers, social advances and economic ambitions, the country is redefining its priorities.
Whether you’re an expat, a future investor or just a traveler, discover the key changes in Thailand in 2025 and what they mean for your daily life.
Policy and governance
The year 2025 stands out as a decisive milestone in the evolution of political life in Thailand. The arrival in power of Anutin Charnvirakul, known as the “cannabis king” because of his central role in the legalization of cannabis, embodies a major change of direction. His election as Prime Minister is not just a political symbol: it is accompanied by an ambitious program that includes, among other things, the desire to reform the Constitution to reinforce the stability of a system often weakened by internal rivalries and frequent changes of government. This dynamic opens up new prospects, but also raises questions about his administration’s ability to deliver on its promises.
At the same time, another major figure in Thailand’s political landscape has resurfaced: Thaksin Shinawatra. Former Prime Minister and controversial figure Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to serve a one-year prison sentence after the Supreme Court ruled that his prolonged hospitalization did not amount to effective detention. This highly publicized return to prison rekindled debate on Thaksin’s persistent influence in the corridors of power, despite his convictions. For many, his incarceration illustrates the deep tensions running through Thai society and politics, divided between supporters and opponents of this former leader.
Tourism and visas
Tourism, a key driver of the Thai economy, is changing direction. The aim is no longer simply to attract millions of visitors, but to focus :
- sustainable tourism,
- high-end wellness & spas,
- long stays and slow travel,
- authentic cultural experiences.
This vision, dubbed “The New Thailand”, aims to reinforce the country’s image as a premium, eco-friendly destination.
New rules for travellers in 2025
- Visa-free stay reduced to 30 days for certain countries.
- Proof of financial resources required for visa applications.
- TheArrival Card is now 100% digital via the TDAC system.
- The tourist tax, scheduled for 2025, has been postponed until 2026.
For expatriates, these changes mean better administrative preparation and rigorous monitoring of residence formalities.
Social legislation and rights
In 2025, Thailand also saw significant advances in social rights. Since January, same-sex marriage has been officially recognized, making the kingdom the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize this union. Homosexual couples now have the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption rights – a major development in the region. In the same spirit, an anti-discrimination bill is currently under discussion. Its aim is to strengthen the protection of citizens against any form of inequality based on gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation, a sign of a desire to modernize the legal framework.
At the same time, the issue of cannabis, the symbol of a bold reform carried out in recent years, is undergoing a clear hardening. After a phase of liberalization that drew international attention, the authorities are now partly reversing this policy by requiring a medical prescription for purchase, while imposing harsher penalties for illegal sales. This setback illustrates the difficulty of striking a balance between societal openness, public health and safety.
Economy and investments
With a growth target of between 3 and 3.5% by 2025, Thailand aims to remain a key economic player in Southeast Asia. The government is implementing a number of measures designed to stimulate growth, attract foreign capital and boost the country’s competitiveness.
| Domain | Measurements and developments |
| Electric vehicles (EV) | Adaptation of tax incentives to encourage the production and export of electric cars, positioning Thailand as a future regional hub for green automobiles. |
| Foreign investment | Revision of the Foreign Business Act to ease certain restrictions on foreign ownership and facilitate investor access to strategic sectors. |
| The fight against the named | Tougher controls and sanctions against illegal schemes enabling foreigners to circumvent local property limits. |
| Recovery plan | Injection of over 100 billion baht to support consumption, develop infrastructure and boost tourism. |
These reforms reflect Thailand’s determination to modernize its economy while securing its strategic sectors, a delicate balance between international openness and protection of national interests.
Health and health insurance in Thailand in 2025
Thailand is renowned for the quality of its medical infrastructure, particularly in major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, where there are top-quality private hospitals. In 2025, the government is pursuing its strategy of developing medical tourism, focusing on specialized care (cosmetic surgery, dental care, wellness, preventive medicine) aimed at foreigners.
For expatriates, the question of health coverage remains central. Thailand’s public system is only accessible to citizens, and does not cover foreigners living in the country. Private health insurance is therefore essential to cover medical costs, which can quickly become high in international hospitals.
Before settling in Thailand or spending a long period of time there, we strongly advise you to take out appropriate international health insurance, covering routine treatment as well as emergencies, hospitalization and possible repatriation.
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Financial security and regulation
Financial security and regulation are becoming major priorities for Thailand in 2025, in particular to protect both citizens and expatriates from the risks associated with digital transactions. To limit online fraud and scams, the central bank has introduced a cap on daily transfers, setting precise limits according to user profile. At the same time, the country is testing a pilot project aimed at tourists using cryptocurrencies: it is now possible for them to convert their digital assets into baht for local spending, within a strictly controlled framework. These measures reflect the authorities’ determination to modernize the financial system, while guaranteeing the security of transactions and promoting tourism.
Issues and challenges for the future
With these reforms come challenges:
- Political stability, which is still fragile, may slow down long-term reforms.
- Post-COVID tourism must adapt to travelers’ new expectations: sustainability, immersion and respect for local communities.
- Thebalance between opening up to foreign investors and protecting local players remains a major challenge.
- Cannabis management illustrates the difficulties faced by a country seeking to reconcile innovation and public health.
So, what’s new for expatriates in Thailand?
In 2025, Thailand sets a new course:
- More opportunities for same-sex couples and investors.
- Better managed tourism, focused on sustainability.
- An innovation-driven economy.
But also more administrative constraints(visas, financial regulations) and increased surveillance in certain areas.
The Thailand of 2025 is reinventing itself, between social modernization, economic transition and tourism repositioning. For expatriates, these changes mean both new perspectives and new rules of the game. Whether you’re a traveler, entrepreneur or future resident, keeping abreast of these developments is essential to the success of yourexpatriation projectin Thailand.
