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

[Samh]

On 1/21/2025 at 2:09 PM, Hawaiian said:

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.

I like you have visited Thailand once a year going back further than 20 years. Like you missed the covid period. Never, never until arriving in December have I been asked to show proof of onward travel. How long was I staying 60 days I said. Showed her onward booking to Singapore. My return to the UK was in 90 days times. Stamps the passport.

I deciced to give the trip to Singapore a miss and cancelled it and did an over night trio to Poi Pet. Then re-entered Thailand. How long are you staying? I leave on the 8th March. Show her itenary from the travel agent. She seems confused. Point to the Bkk to Lhr via Doha on the 8th March. Still confused. What about Singapore she asked, I cancelled it I said. Hell I am a tourist, we change our minds sometimes. When are you coming back to Thailand? I have no idea I said. Did I have a family in Thailand? No I don't.

I have never in the years coming here been made to feel so unwelcome and made to feel like I am some sort of a burdon on Thailand rather that somebody who puts thousands of pounds into the Thai economy. The first time ever I have actually come to Thailand twice in the same year. If this is going to be Thailand's attitude to anybody who dares to want to come more than once a year I think I need to find a country that is more welcoming.