reader Posted 22 hours ago Posted 22 hours ago From Pattaya News By Adam Judd Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a comprehensive review of Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme, citing concerns over the rising number of foreign visitors overstaying their permitted duration and engaging in illegal employment, according to government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub on Tuesday. The visa-free program, which allows citizens of numerous countries to enter Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, has been a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism-driven economy. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 35 million foreign visitors, contributing majorly to its GDP. However, authorities have reported a growing trend of visitors exploiting the scheme, with some staying beyond the allowed period and taking up unauthorized work in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and entertainment. “The Prime Minister has stated the need to balance tourism promotion with national security and legal compliance,” Jirayu said in a press briefing. “The revision will aim to tighten oversight while ensuring Thailand remains a welcoming destination for genuine tourists.” The move comes amid review of immigration policies following high-profile cases of foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. The government has not yet specified the exact changes to the visa-free scheme but indicated that measures could include stricter entry requirements, enhanced tracking of visitors, and harsher penalties for violators. Thailand’s visa-free entry currently applies to citizens of 93 countries, including major tourism markets like China, India, and several European nations. The scheme was expanded in recent years to boost post-pandemic tourism recovery, but critics argue it has strained immigration enforcement resources. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that Chinese visitors, who benefit from the visa exemption, accounted for the largest share of arrivals in 2024, with over 6 million travelers. Details of the revised visa-free scheme are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and months. Until then, current entry rules remain in effect, and travelers are advised to comply with existing visa regulations to avoid penalties. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/22/thai-prime-minister-orders-comprehensive-review-of-visa-free-entry-program-changes-coming/ TMax 1 Quote
reader Posted 22 hours ago Author Posted 22 hours ago 21 minutes ago, reader said: However, authorities have reported a growing trend of visitors exploiting the scheme, with some staying beyond the allowed period and taking up unauthorized work in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and entertainment. Thailand already has difficulty attracting enough bodies to fill existing jobs in construction and hospitality. This mirrors what Trump is doing in the US that has difficulty attracting citizens to fill the jobs in construction and hospitality: blame the immigrants. TMax 1 Quote
PeterRS Posted 18 hours ago Posted 18 hours ago The government should also look at the semi-private Thailand Privilege scheme - formerly Thailand Elite. It is finally making money after hiking its fees up by around 80%. But according to their staff at BKK, a big majority of those purchasing these visas are Russians and Chinese. Presumably rich ones and presumably also with a few shady characters amongst them. TMax and llz 2 Quote
reader Posted 7 hours ago Author Posted 7 hours ago From The Thaiger Thailand’s once-booming Chinese tourism stream has turned into a trickle, with industry chiefs warning of a full-blown crisis as daily arrivals plunge to record lows and desperate calls mount for an urgent fix to restore trust. Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand have nosedived to their lowest point in 2025, with just 5,833 visitors recorded on April 16, a far cry from the usual 15,000 to 20,000. One top industry figure has dubbed the slump a “crisis,” as the kingdom scrambles to win back its biggest tourism market. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, advisory chairman of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, didn’t mince his words. “This is the worst crisis for the Chinese market in recent years.” Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/business/chinese-tourism-to-thailand-hits-2025-low-with-only-5833-arrivals TMax and 10tazione 2 Quote
Londoner Posted 6 hours ago Posted 6 hours ago An interesting story relating to the Thai/Chinese relationship has just appeared. https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/thailand-russian-tourist-viral-video-park-ranger-b2737954.html floridarob 1 Quote
