Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV

 

People's Party MP, Rangsiman Rome, has urged the Thai government to reassess its visa-free entry policy to combat the rise of scam gangs allegedly operating across the Thai-Myanmar border. During a trip to the border town of Mae Sot in Tak province, Rome shared his concerns over the current border security measures' efficacy in preventing illegal activities.

 

As the Chair of the House Committee on Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies, and National Reform, Rome met with the Rajamanu Task Force to discuss cross-border crime and call centre scams. The filter system in place has been deemed insufficient to deter foreign nationals either joining or being trapped into scam operations based in Myawaddy township.

 

Rome pinpointed the need for heightened scrutiny over the visa-free entry system, as current measures cannot fully block foreigners intent on crossing over illegally. He emphasised the necessity for more extensive investigative strategies, possibly requiring individuals to obtain specific permission for entry into border areas.

Though the Thai authorities have initiated strict measures since February 5, cutting off electricity, internet, and fuel to nearby Myanmar border towns like Myawaddy, these efforts may not suffice. Officials have imposed checkpoints at airports and border roads, yet natural crossing channels at night remain a viable escape route for those determined to breach borders.

 

Rome also stressed the importance of international cooperation, mentioning a need for stronger actions against the Karen Border Guard Force leader, Saw Chit Thu. Despite the release of scam workers from complexes like Shwe Kokko and KK Park in Myawaddy, a substantial number remain trapped within these crime networks, potentially numbering in the tens of thousands.

 

To sustain the pressure, Thai authorities are also looking into the prevention of critical supplies, such as solar panels and satellite internet services, from reaching the scam gangs. Collaboration across various agencies is underway to disrupt these illegal operations effectively.

 

This ongoing issue underscores the significance of a robust and coordinated approach between Thai and Myanmar authorities while adapting existing entry policies to incorporate tighter security measures. As Thailand balances its thriving tourism sector with national security responsibilities, ensuring legal and safe entry becomes more crucial than ever, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-02-17

 

 

The visa-free entry thing is a red herring.

A career criminal will come in on any visa, go straight to Burma and then he/she is not an overstay.

It's being able to do a background check that is important, and I do not believe that Thailand did that on the normal tourist visas pre visa-free.

12 million Chinese tourists in 2019. All on visas

 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1048386/thailand-tourist-arrivals-from-china/

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Rome shared his concerns over the current border security measures' efficacy in preventing illegal activities.

I thought they removed the dodgy police?

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Rangsiman Rome, has urged the Thai government to reassess its visa-free entry policy

 

A long awaited measure. Probably, he is reading my posts on Aseannow Forum 

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

The visa-free entry thing is a red herring.

A career criminal will come in on any visa, go straight to Burma and then he/she is not an overstay.

It's being able to do a background check that is important, and I do not believe that Thailand did that on the normal tourist visas pre visa-free.

12 million Chinese tourists in 2019. All on visas

 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1048386/thailand-tourist-arrivals-from-china/

 

That's right.

 

 

I actually agree that tinkering with visa free entry will have no effect on organised crime involving Chinese.

 

However, there are too many constantly frying stuff in my apartment block so I would like to see it made more difficult for them to enter Thailand.

I was really surprised at the breakdown of nationalities of those 'rescued' from the Burmese scam centre.

Way out front by a factor of six plus were Ethiopeans!

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2d3w90x86po

As long as people believe they can make a fast buck these schemes will prevail. The government needs to hammer home the fact that if something sounds too good to be true then it's a scam. Every time I check my junk mail there is half a dozen of them in there, more often in my business mail . I check one out once in a while, some of them are quite convincing. I think some kind of TV campaign would be the way to go.

Visa  Waiver Scheme: From the Current 93 to Former 57?

4 hours ago, The Old Bull said:

 something sounds too good to be true then it's a scam. Every time I check my junk mail there is half a dozen of them in there, more often in my business mail .

 

Same on Youtube.

Just like:

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No way Thailand is going to remove visa free status for China tourists. Already lost to Malaysia last year as Southeast Asia's no. 1 tourist destination. Some years back, Malaysia tourist numbers were higher than Thailand's, but it lost the title to Thailand after some stupid Malaysian politicians got rid of the visa-free status for China tourists. And now Malaysia had beaten Thailand again after the visa-free status were reinstated for China tourists.