Thailand has begun enforcing tougher controls on repeat visa-exempt entries, with immigration officials saying the move is not to target genuine tourism but to curb abuse by foreigners who overstay or operate illegal businesses or scams.
Immigration officers across Thailand have been instructed to scrutinise travellers who make multiple short-term visits under the country’s visa-free policy, following a nationwide order issued on November 12.
Officials said the new approach targeted foreigners whose travel patterns suggested they were not visiting for tourism, and instead were living, working or running businesses in Thailand for between 60 and 90 consecutive days – the period allowed under the policy – without having to apply for a long-stay visa.
