BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s immigration authority moved to block repeat visa-free entries in a bid to stop foreign criminals from using the country as a base for illegal activities.
Immigration targets repeat visa-free entries
Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, vice chief of the immigration bureau, said that foreigners who arrived on three consecutive visits would be subjected to intensive questioning. Visitors who had previously stayed more than 45 days on such entries were seen as particularly suspicious.
“These foreigners are not visiting Thailand for tourism.”
said Pol Maj Gen Choengron, Deputy Commissioner.
Abuse of visa-free rules and long stays
According to the immigration bureau, criminals had used visa-free entry to remain in Thailand for months without formal scrutiny. Many were believed to be working illegally or operating shell companies while staying outside national systems for professional and tax controls.
“Their data are not in Thailand’s systems for monitoring occupations and taxes.”
said an immigration officer.
Multiple visa runs and extended presence
Some individuals reportedly completed up to seven visa runs in succession, allowing them to remain in the country for more than 200 days at a time. The practice enabled long-term stays that, according to officials, bore no resemblance to normal tourist travel patterns.
Response to shifting regional crime patterns
The tightened approach followed an influx of fraudsters who had turned to Thailand after neighbouring countries stepped up enforcement. The immigration bureau stated it aimed to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for international criminals.
Illegal operations such as online fraud and call-centre scams were to be disrupted at an early stage through stricter entry controls and questioning.
Authorities reject claims of discrimination
The new measures caused a stir, with some visa-run agencies spreading false claims that Thailand was targeting visitors from specific countries such as China. Immigration officials denied any such policy and stressed that the rules applied uniformly.
“The measures apply fairly to all nationalities.”
said the immigration bureau, adding that genuine tourists had nothing to fear.
How officials distinguish genuine tourists
The bureau said real holidaymakers were typically easy to identify, as they stayed on average only about 15 days per visit. They usually held clear travel itineraries, booking confirmations and return flight tickets to demonstrate their plans.
“We warmly welcome genuine tourists.”
said Pol Maj Gen Choengron.
End of easy long stays via visa runs
Under the tightened policy, long-stay visitors who wished to remain in Thailand for more than 90 days were required to obtain an official visa. Authorities signalled that the era of unlimited visa runs had ended.
Thailand’s immigration bureau stated it wanted a clear picture of who was in the country at any given time, saying the safety of Thai citizens and bona fide tourists now took precedence.