Thailand is drastically cutting the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries, including Australia, in an effort to curb crime involving foreign nationals.The country's foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkaeow, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a plan ⁠to reduce the visa-free stay period for most foreign tourists to Thailand from 60 days to 30 days.Thailand's cabinet approved the changes on Tuesday, but the timeline for when the changes would come into effect is unclear. In addition, Thai authorities will check other visa types to ensure ‌that ⁠individuals entering the country comply with the purpose of that visa.The new visa-free duration will be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals granted stays of up to 30 days, but some only 15 days. (Reuters: Chalinee Thirasupa)Under Thailand's current tourism scheme, travellers from more than 90 countries, including the US, UK, Europe's 29-nation Schengen area and Australia, are eligible to visit for up to 60 days without a visa.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is following media reports that the Thai cabinet has approved these visa changes.The new visa-free duration would be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals granted stays of up to 30 days, while some could receive only 15 days, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul told reporters in Bangkok.The Bangkok Post reported that Australia was among the countries to get 30 days without a visa.Tourists will be able to renew visas once by visiting an immigration office, a government spokeswoman told AFP.Tourism is a key driver of Thailand's economy.