BANGKOK, THAILAND – A former deputy chief of Thailand’s intelligence service called on the government to put national security and public order at the center of tourism policy rather than chasing record arrival numbers.
Former intelligence official warned of misplaced priorities
Former deputy director of the National Intelligence Agency, Nantiwat Samart, advised the government to move away from a narrow focus on tourist arrival figures and take security risks and everyday impacts more seriously.
He pointed to growing calls on social media to scrap visa-free entry, with users claiming the scheme encouraged problems linked to Israeli tourists.
What the current visa-free scheme allowed
Visa-free entry currently applied to citizens of 93 countries and allowed stays of up to 60 days.
An additional extension of 30 days was possible, and according to Nantiwat, this regulation was introduced during the tenure of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
No hostility, but a demand for “quality tourists”
Nantiwat stressed that the Thai population was neither antisemitic nor fundamentally opposed to any particular nationality, and that the country continued to welcome foreign visitors.
At the same time, he called for consistent screening at the border to distinguish “quality” tourists from people who aimed to work illegally or settle permanently.
Pre-travel checks instead of open access
In his view, a classic visa process before departure could already filter who would be allowed to enter and who would not.
Among other things, this would concern proof of sufficient funds for the stay and help prevent what he described as practically uncontrolled entry.
Security risks from terrorism to cybercrime
The ex-intelligence official urged more attention to the national security consequences of a very open entry policy.
He cited terrorism, fraud gangs, foreign mafia groups and cybercrime as key threats.
Overstay and enforcement – immigration urged to act tougher
Anyone who overstayed their visa, regardless of nationality, should be required to leave the country, Nantiwat said.
“The Immigration Police must strictly and visibly enforce the existing law in order to ensure deterrence and public order.”
said Nantiwat Samart, former deputy director of the National Intelligence Agency.
Online allegations: illegal work, nominees and island hot spots
Thai social media users accused some Israeli tourists of working illegally, setting up businesses and acquiring land via Thai nominees.
Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and the district of Pai in Mae Hong Son province were mentioned as particular hot spots.
Pai as a symbolic case
According to online claims, more than 4,000 Israeli tourists were at times staying in Pai simultaneously, including their own place of worship and visible community structures.
Some commentators interpreted this as a sign that parts of the town were effectively becoming a kind of “second home” for foreigners, which further increased the political sensitivity of the debate.