Thai immigration authorities have introduced stricter checks on travellers who repeatedly enter and leave the country on short stays, as part of a nationwide effort to curb abuse of visa exemptions.
According to the Immigration Bureau, the increased scrutiny aims to prevent foreigners from using back-to-back entries as a substitute for long-term visas. Officials say the practice has been linked to illicit activities, including online scams and unlicensed business operations. The measures follow directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the national police chief.
The current visa exemption programme allows nationals from 93 countries to enter Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days at immigration offices. Thai authorities have previously indicated that a return to a 30-day exemption is under consideration, but no change has been officially implemented.
Under the new enforcement approach, immigration officers will examine travel patterns more closely at airports and border checkpoints. Travellers who show signs of repeated visa-exempt entries without a clear reason may be denied entry and advised to apply for the appropriate visa type, such as business, education, retirement or marriage. Immigration offices across the country have also been instructed to review applications for stay extensions more thoroughly.
Since the beginning of the year, around 2,900 travellers have been refused entry for misusing visa-exempt privileges. The Immigration Bureau said the intention is not to deter tourism, but to ensure that visitors comply with the purpose of the visa exemption scheme. “Screening will remain efficient, taking no longer than 45 seconds per person,” said bureau spokesman Pol Maj Cheongron Rimpadee.
Authorities have warned that travellers relying on repeated short stays should apply for the correct visa before arrival rather than depending on continuous exemptions.
Source: Bangkok Post
