BANGKOK, April 23 — Thailand is considering ending its 60-day visa-free entry programme as part of efforts to tighten screening of foreign visitors, The Bangkok Post reported.
BANGKOK, April 23 — Thailand is considering ending its 60-day visa-free entry programme as part of efforts to tighten screening of foreign visitors, The Bangkok Post reported.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the policy shift aims to attract higher-value, long-stay tourists.
He said the government is currently reviewing visa arrangements following a trial period, taking into account feedback from several agencies.
The initial proposal includes scrapping visa-free entry for all nationalities and reinstating earlier visa requirements. Thailand is also exploring the introduction of new visa categories tailored to different groups of visitors.
Surasak added that stricter screening measures would be implemented, including checks on visitors’ financial background, sources of investment and supporting documents.
He also noted concerns over foreigners potentially avoiding tax obligations while staying in the country.
Any breaches of visa or tax regulations, he said, would be treated as illegal and handled by enforcement authorities.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for approval in the near future.
The move reflects Thailand’s broader push towards more sustainable tourism, with a focus on safety, economic returns and improved visitor quality.
BANGKOK, April 24 — Thailand’s Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations over their 2021 move to amend a law protecting the monarchy from criticism, according to Thai media reports.
PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — The Court of Appeal today dismissed Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura’s appeal against a High Court ruling ordering her to pay RM825,000 in damages and costs for defaming three DAP leaders by linking them to former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng.
THE HAGUE, April 23 — Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial at the International Criminal Court after judges on Thursday confirmed charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial “war on drugs.”