Thailand is contemplating cutting the visa-free stay period for citizens from 93 nations in half, down to 30 days, due to an increase in illicit commercial practices and a surge in tourists remaining beyond their permitted time.
Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, mentioned earlier this week that officials have preliminarily agreed to enforce the decrease.
The Thai Travel Agents Association has expressed worries over an increasing number of foreigners exploiting the 60-day visa-exemption program for illegal employment or unapproved business operations, disguising themselves as tourists in Thailand, which is South East Asia’s second biggest economy. EuroNews reported.
The association's president, Sittiwat Cheewarattanaporn, stated that the present visa policy has legal gaps which are being taken advantage of, leading to chaos and economic unrest.
Several visitors have remained beyond their allowed stay and run businesses, particularly in areas such as hospitality, which directly compete with local Thai companies. Pattaya Mail reported.
He pointed out that security measures have not kept up with the surge in tourism and do not sufficiently tackle problems caused by the present system.
The Thai Hotels Association similarly attributed the increase in illegal rentals of condominium units to foreign visitors to the extended visa-free stay duration. Bangkok Post reported.
Thienprasith Chaipattaranan from the association cautioned that longer visits increase chances for engaging in businesses not related to tourism, particularly among individuals who exceed their visa duration.
In 2024, Thai officials withdrew the operating licenses from 40 tourism businesses for unlawfully altering their director or shareholding arrangements.
In Phuket, 15 businesses had their licenses revoked due to comparable infractions. A single Thai national was found to have been listed under five distinct corporate titles.
Moreover, numerous expatriates have been apprehended for unauthorized work as tour guides in Phuket and could potentially be deported or barred from entering indefinitely. Phuket News reported.
Last year, 194 foreign nationals in Phuket saw their visas revoked, with an additional 998 being expelled from the country, primarily due to involvement in drug-related crimes or operating without valid work authorization, according to Police Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying, who leads Phuket’s immigration police division.
Starting from July of the previous year, individuals traveling to Thailand without a visa have been permitted entry from 93 nations, which include significant economic powers like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, allowing for stays of up to 60 days.
Tourism continues to be a pillar of support for Thailand’s economy. This year, the government is targeting more than 40 million international visitors, aiming to break the previous high recorded in 2019.
From January through mid-March, the nation saw an influx of 8.3 million international travelers, marking a rise of 3.9% compared to the same period last year.
0 Comments