Thailand's Visa-Free Policy for Chinese Nationals Faces Scrutiny

[webfact]

FILE photo: Chinese tourists arrive at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

 

Thailand is reconsidering its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists amid growing concerns over potential misuse by criminal elements. This scrutiny stems from increasing worries that the policy, initially designed to revitalise tourism, might inadvertently position Thailand as a hotspot for illicit activities.

 

Senator Pol Lt Gen Wanchai Ekpornpichit has brought these concerns to the forefront during a Senate meeting presided over by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja.

 

The senator emphasised that organised crime syndicates, particularly those from China, have been exploiting the visa-free entry to infiltrate Thailand for unlawful operations.

 

This exploitation raises substantial security concerns, especially as neighbouring nations like China, Myanmar, and Cambodia intensify their crackdowns on such groups.

 

Despite these concerns, Deputy Defence Minister, Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, highlighted that the visa-free policy is fundamentally an economic manoeuvre intended to rejuvenate tourism.

 

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the potential risks and assured the Senate of ongoing efforts to bolster border security and regional collaborations to curtail criminal infiltrations.

Senator Wanchai proposed an alternative approach: replace the current system with visa-on-arrival requirements.

 

Under this model, tourists would need to present proof of accommodation and travel itineraries, thereby offering authorities an added layer of scrutiny and control. This, he argued, could plug certain immigration loopholes presently open to exploitation.

 

Furthermore, the senator pointed out that some tourists exploit natural border crossings to circumvent formal immigration checks, complicating efforts to monitor and control visitor entry. Heightened surveillance at these informal crossings has thus become imperative.

 

Inside sources reveal an additional complication—some Thai officials might be complicit in these activities, further entrenching the problem. Gen Nattaphon assured the Senate that his ministry is actively cooperating with neighbouring countries to address these concerns robustly.

 

Community safety and public trust remain priorities as Thailand grapples with these challenges. The government is urged to balance economic benefits with stringent security measures, ensuring the nation's hospitality does not become a conduit for criminal enterprise.

 

The ongoing discourse highlights the intricate balance between fostering tourism and safeguarding national security—a complex yet crucial endeavour for Thailand as it redefines its travel policies, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-21

 

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand is reconsidering its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists amid growing concerns over potential misuse by criminal elements.

 

About time they realized this.

[lordgrinz]

They must have been blind or completely stupid when they put this plan together in the first place.

[Geoffggi]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The senator emphasised that organised crime syndicates, particularly those from China, have been exploiting the visa-free entry to infiltrate Thailand for unlawful operations.

Well,!!!! I never would have believed it who would have thought it ................LOL 😂🤣😎

[wensiensheng]

But if Chinese nationals have to apply for a visa, what’s to stop criminal elements doing just that?

 

Visas are given out like confetti once a form is filled in and two passport photos provided. it’s hardly a big barrier. And who knows, maybe the criminal elements might learn that they can go to a visa agent and for a few thousand baht get extended visas?

 

put back in visa requirements, sure, but it has to have some teeth rather than just be a form filling exercise

[Zack61]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

This scrutiny stems from increasing worries that the policy, initially designed to revitalise tourism, might inadvertently position Thailand as a hotspot for illicit activities.

Blind Freddy flagged this right from the get go. Are they really this stupid???

[spidermike007]

This Chinese should not only not be allowed visa free entry, they should be subject to additional scrutiny and the same applies to Russians. There's a huge Chinese and Russian criminal element here in Thailand, and this sad, pathetic, incompetent administration is partially responsible for it, with it's desperately liberal visa policy. 

[thesetat]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Senator Pol Lt Gen Wanchai Ekpornpichit has brought these concerns to the forefront during a Senate meeting presided over by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja.

why were they not thought of before they enacted the free visa? Afterthought makes it too late. Any would-be criminal element would have set up another way to keep coming here once they are inside the country. making free visa pointless to continue doing. Like fake marriage or business. 

[NemoH]

Just think 

with Chinese economy in a free fall and economy potentially facing deflation and depression and joblessness, China has a cheaper cost of living because Chinese no longer have spending power or even spending. Even the triads and criminals are broke with no profitable business in China.
So who are the Chinese traveling ?

 

Tourist means traveling socially. Asian travel habits are never the same as the Westerners who will stay for more than 2weeks to a month or 2. True or real Asian tourists just stay for days to a week to enjoy the sites and return home to their family, jobs and relatives.

So we need to ask why do some Chinese ‘tourists’ want to stay in Thailand which has now a higher cost of living than China?
 

Logically and sensibly, the assumption will be that their motivation to stay - will never be for tourism. 🤣🤣🤣

[Jack Hammer]

Ban visa free entry for  Chinese, Russians, Pakistani, Indians, Nepalese, and African countries.  These are the countries where most of the problems lay.  Or go back to the old way everyone to apply for a visa, that includes me

[mikeymike100]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

They must have been blind or completely stupid when they put this plan together in the first place.

They were 'blinded' by the money ??

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is reconsidering its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists amid growing concerns over potential misuse by criminal elements. This scrutiny stems from increasing worries that the policy, initially designed to revitalise tourism, might inadvertently position Thailand as a hotspot for illicit activities.

As usual a tad late

[ignore it]

Well, looking on the bright side, nobody is complaining about deserted streets and idle busses sitting parked everywhere like during the covid lock-up.

[tomazbodner]

1 hour ago, wensiensheng said:

Visas are given out like confetti once a form is filled in and two passport photos provided. it’s hardly a big barrier. And who knows, maybe the criminal elements might learn that they can go to a visa agent and for a few thousand baht get extended visas?

Be careful what you wish for or this forum could be empty soon... or rather filled with b***hing from abroad...

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

FILE photo: Chinese tourists arrive at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

 

Thailand is reconsidering its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists amid growing concerns over potential misuse by criminal elements. This scrutiny stems from increasing worries that the policy, initially designed to revitalise tourism, might inadvertently position Thailand as a hotspot for illicit activities.

 

Senator Pol Lt Gen Wanchai Ekpornpichit has brought these concerns to the forefront during a Senate meeting presided over by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja.

 

The senator emphasised that organised crime syndicates, particularly those from China, have been exploiting the visa-free entry to infiltrate Thailand for unlawful operations.

 

This exploitation raises substantial security concerns, especially as neighbouring nations like China, Myanmar, and Cambodia intensify their crackdowns on such groups.

 

Despite these concerns, Deputy Defence Minister, Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, highlighted that the visa-free policy is fundamentally an economic manoeuvre intended to rejuvenate tourism.

 

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the potential risks and assured the Senate of ongoing efforts to bolster border security and regional collaborations to curtail criminal infiltrations.

 

Senator Wanchai proposed an alternative approach: replace the current system with visa-on-arrival requirements.

 

Under this model, tourists would need to present proof of accommodation and travel itineraries, thereby offering authorities an added layer of scrutiny and control. This, he argued, could plug certain immigration loopholes presently open to exploitation.

 

Furthermore, the senator pointed out that some tourists exploit natural border crossings to circumvent formal immigration checks, complicating efforts to monitor and control visitor entry. Heightened surveillance at these informal crossings has thus become imperative.

 

Inside sources reveal an additional complication—some Thai officials might be complicit in these activities, further entrenching the problem. Gen Nattaphon assured the Senate that his ministry is actively cooperating with neighbouring countries to address these concerns robustly.

 

Community safety and public trust remain priorities as Thailand grapples with these challenges. The government is urged to balance economic benefits with stringent security measures, ensuring the nation's hospitality does not become a conduit for criminal enterprise.

 

The ongoing discourse highlights the intricate balance between fostering tourism and safeguarding national security—a complex yet crucial endeavour for Thailand as it redefines its travel policies, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-21

 

 

Do it for ALL foreigners, not only Chinese

[spicy50210]

Hi everyone, let's be honest there's too much chineses in Thailand and they also do business by using nominees. It's good to see a limit. Also to keep Thai culture and what makes thai people what they are. I came back to Chiang Mai after 10 years of absence and it's way different. the balance of a society is when a foreign community does not take over the one that welcomes it. 

 

e.g. In France we have too much muslim from north Africa even Asian, i mean asian tourists ask where the french people are !!

[Aussie999]

5 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

They must have been blind or completely stupid when they put this plan together in the first place.

I'm going with you second option.

[Hawaiian]

1 hour ago, Jack Hammer said:

Ban visa free entry for  Chinese, Russians, Pakistani, Indians, Nepalese, and African countries.  These are the countries where most of the problems lay.  Or go back to the old way everyone to apply for a visa, that includes me

For the past 20 years, with the exception of 2 years during COVID, I have been visiting Thailand once or twice a year.  Always on a visa exempt entry.  I see no good reason to cancel the visa exempt category for the majority of countries that now qualify.

[JimHuaHin]

Those in power who love the PRC and the CCP pushed it; and now they realise that it is killing Thailand.

[harryviking]

🤣🤣No, you don't say! 🤣

[thailand49]

Too late, Triads been here long time visa free just allow them to take over sold by the Thai Leader.😆😊

[DonniePeverley]

Visa controls can stop unruly criminal element entry into Thailand.

 

Those staying long term are starting to work here, and involved in many illegal activities. You cannot just have an OPEN BORDER. 

[findlay13]

Surprise Surprise

[Andycoops]

I predicted that upon the start of visa free entries the flood gates would open for criminals to take advantage of the situation.

And the policy is only about numbers as usual and not national security.

[biggles45]

22 hours ago, thesetat said:

why were they not thought of before they enacted the free visa?

Most likely someone at a lower level in a govt dept realized when this was first proposed that it would present criminals with an opportunity. 

Unfortunately Thai culture does not appreciate those who criticize their superiors. They would want to keep quiet about it. 

[Ctkong]

On 1/21/2025 at 12:40 PM, wensiensheng said:

But if Chinese nationals have to apply for a visa, what’s to stop criminal elements doing just that?

 

Visas are given out like confetti once a form is filled in and two passport photos provided. it’s hardly a big barrier. And who knows, maybe the criminal elements might learn that they can go to a visa agent and for a few thousand baht get extended visas?

 

put back in visa requirements, sure, but it has to have some teeth rather than just be a form filling exercise

Visas would not be a problem for those Chinese criminals as I knew of some Chinese who entered with new passports even though they were deported recently. How they managed to evade the scrutiny is remarkable. There must be an underground network with set up businesses to facilitate these people. I also knew of some Thais who ventured into Cambodia often to work for their bosses in scams. They just come and go across the border. Seem to have no problem doing that. 

[Ctkong]

On 1/21/2025 at 2:51 PM, Aussie999 said:

I'm going with you second option.

They are neither blind or stupid. They are just not caring for the ensuing problems when they cropped up because it is not their business to take care of. The problems go to other departments to resolve while they reap the benefits of open borders. 

[Ctkong]

In Malaysia and other countries, the police are not so energetic in smashing crime syndicates in cyber scams so long as the victims are not from their (police) own countries. That is why Chinese scammers in foreign land scam their own country folks. Without the pressure of locals filing police reports, the police would only act upon the pressure from interpol or embassies . That is why there are Malaysians scammers operating  out of myanmar or Cambodia to scam Malaysians, Chinese scammers operation out of Thailand , myanmar or Cambodia to scam fellow Chinese. 
thai scammers operating out of myanmar or Cambodia to scam Thais. Never or rarely do syndicate scammers scam within their own country. Thus scammers operating in Cambodia do not scam Cambodians, those in Myanmar do not scam myanmar citizens and so on. There seem to be an unwritten rule that you do not shxx onto the place you eat or sleep.

[pub2022]

They have no idea what long-term planning is
and they are sloppy in everything they do.