8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Police General Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General, reinforced that all officers involved are strictly prohibited from soliciting or accepting any benefits. Any violations will result in immediate criminal and disciplinary action.

 

😆😆🤣😆😆🤣 

Aren't most of the scam centres run by Chinese nationals? No way the Thais would target their (by far) most favourite tourist clientele... 😆 

3 hours ago, Expat68 said:

They don't want us

But they need our dosh!

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

hese foreigners do not visit Thailand for tourism. Many of them work or operate businesses with Thai nominees as fronts. They use the visa-free scheme to avoid official visa requests before travelling, and their data is not included in Thailand’s systems controlling occupations and taxation,”

 

Disgusting, many of them are probably Chinese nationals.

59 minutes ago, BoganBob said:

And what is with the repeated emphasis of not targeting any specific group? If the goal is to crack down on illegal labour, call center fraud, and human trafficking wouldn't you want to pay special attention to the specific groups that are involved in those activities? And if 99% of these problems are originated from countries X, Y, and Z wouldn't it be prudent to publicly announce you are giving them special scrutiny to deter them from trying in the first place and encourage them to move their operations elsewhere?

 

Because it's China and the Chinese. And the Chinese embassy several years ago already has warned the Thai government not to name its nationals in stories about crime.

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Immigration announced on 25 November, enhanced screening and verification measures for all foreign nationals entering and exiting Thailand.

 

What is there to enhance? Weren't they supposed to take pictures and fingerprints of everyone entering and exiting the country for many years?

2 hours ago, zyphodb said:

The government certainly don't...

 

But they love our money and thetax money.

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Officers are prohibited from accepting benefits, with strict penalties for violations.

 

I'd like to see thisl Esoecially from agents.

"It is genuinely confusing for an outsider because obviously they could just say no more than 150 days per calendar on ANY combination of TR or Visa Exem"

 

Any new law in Thailand must be open to 'interpretation' by authorities. That's how money is made!
 

4 hours ago, Mburo said:

And what about the roving BMWs ? 

Been in for repairs in the last year or more or stolen, striped and parts sent o/seas by the RTP.😁

7 hours ago, Homburg said:

Will this impact tourists who fly in to Thailand and then set out to explore neighboring countries before flying back from Thailand?  So these (genuine) tourists could find themselves blocked from re-entry and so unable to access their flights out of Thailand?

I don't think so. If that's what you plan to do, I believe you won't have any problems,as long as you stay within the limits of your Visa exemption. 

8 hours ago, thesetat said:

So no more unlimited exit/entries for tourist visa holders. The Immigration should never had allowed this to begin with. 

 

this is not something new. They have known this for many many years. Only now they are spouting it out like it is new knowledge. 

Most tourists do not come on holiday and then decide to stay again and again. They stay because there is something keeping them in the country other than just travelling to different places for tourism. Either illegal work or scam centers or other illicit activities. The average Joe would not be able to support their stay for more than a couple months without returning or doing some work to generate more income. (except for those who are rich playboys)..

Retirees do not need to return to their own country, you ever heard of a pension, either state pension or private. Dumbo

4 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

The ordinary legal meaning of resident includes a core element that Thailand deliberately and permanently denies foreigners:

For most 'developed countries' you have Security of status – You cannot be kicked out on a bureaucrat’s mood after living there 20–40 years.   Unless you commit a very serious offense.

In many countries you can even own land.

USA: Green card = permanent resident → own land, vote after 5 years, can’t be deported except for serious crimes.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Korea… all the same.

Even Malaysia you can own landed, property after a certain investment or time period and gives you permanent residency that isn’t revoked yearly.

 

“Settled purpose” in the UK (or “domicile” in many countries) still grants you the exact things Thailand deliberately withholds forever:

The right to vote in local and national elections after a few years.

The right to buy freehold land/houses without tricks or nominees.

A realistic, statutory path to citizenship (5–6 years in the UK, similar elsewhere).

Protection from arbitrary deportation once you hit indefinite-leave-to-remain/permanent residency.

Access to the full social-safety net and public funds after the qualifying period.

 

Thailand gives you none of that 

Paying £2,000–£10,000 a year for Elite or coughing up 1–3 million Baht in living costs to renew retirement/marriage extensions is cheap compared to London or Sydney, sure. But you’re still renting your right to breathe the air there, year after year, with zero security or stake. That’s not “ settles purpose”; that’s perpetual probation.Most countries let you graduate from guest → resident → citizen.
Thailand’s message is crystal clear and deliberate: you never graduate. You stay a guest until the day you leave or die.

Cheap? Yes.
Easy? Yes.
Real residency? Not even close.

Be careful what you romanticize. Some folks actually like owning the patch of earth they live on and having a say in the country that taxes them. Thailand’s bargain is fantastic — until you realize it’s a lifetime lease on life, not ownership of one.

Obviously you chose to ignore this statement " It is what any country wants to make it."

People choose to be here and then complain about the choice they made, forgetting that Thailand allows people to stay long term much easier than other counries. If you want to own land, have a vote and the delusion of "owning" your life, then there are other choices that would be more suitable.

It is all about choices, their country their choice, after 25 years I have no regrets over my choice.

4 minutes ago, Shocked farang said:

7 hours ago, Homburg said:

Will this impact tourists who fly in to Thailand and then set out to explore neighboring countries before flying back from Thailand?  So these (genuine) tourists could find themselves blocked from re-entry and so unable to access their flights out of Thailand?

I don't think so. If that's what you plan to do, I believe you won't have any problems,as long as you stay within the limits of your Visa exemption. 

I agree.

Furthermore a "genuine" tourist will have a confirmed ticket back home (or their country of work) at the end of their travels.

And there is still the option of getting SETV or METV before you set off  if you do want to stay longer or tour.

 

And to @Expat68 you opined that the average stay might be ".... more like one month"

Sure, that might be an average but, using myself as an example, I usually stay for about 58 days but then return to UK for several months. So far that means one VE is enough.

And to quote the OP I don't do "back-to-back visa-free requests" 

 

So I use myself as an example of a genuine tourist - if I'm fortunate enough to be able to come to Thailand twice in a year, each trip starts out in my home country and I have a return ticket.

I believe that profile will still be OK.

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

What ingenious programs have the RTP come up with to curb crime committed by the locals, the mafias, the officials, and the gangs? 

 

Are we the main culprits now? Leaves me with such a warm and fuzzy feeling. 

 

If it all gets too much, you know where the international airports are. Plenty other places to get a "warm and fuzzy" in.

40 minutes ago, Toby1947 said:

Retirees do not need to return to their own country, you ever heard of a pension, either state pension or private. Dumbo

Ok.. Duh! but i was talking about those on tourist visas... Dumbo!!

12 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

If it all gets too much, you know where the international airports are. Plenty other places to get a "warm and fuzzy" in.

Very lame. Nearly every time I see someone complaining, or observing a shortfall within Thailand, some lame guy, who has not taken the time to think things through, nor to devote any focus or effort to a reasonable reply, says something like "Perhaps Thailand is not for you", or maybe you should leave, or the top prize, "if you do not like it here, go back to your own country". Hard to even respond to such inane statements. Why? Because I have some issues with the place? Sorry to inform you, but the nature of a discerning mind, is to have issues. 

 

Though absolute contentment must be a beautiful state of mind, it is not something most of us are blessed with, in case you have not noticed. The fact that I complain, does not mean I do not love Thailand, nor most of it's people. I do. I love my life here. I have a very good life here. But, I do have some complaints, and there are some things I would love to see improved. I should leave because of that? 

 

Please. Next time you reply to a post, try to devote at least two moments of thought to it.

 

9 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Very lame. Nearly every time I see someone complaining, or observing a shortfall within Thailand, some lame guy, who has not taken the time to think things through, nor to devote any focus or effort to a reasonable reply, says something like "Perhaps Thailand is not for you", or maybe you should leave, or the top prize, "if you do not like it here, go back to your own country". Hard to even respond to such inane statements. Why? Because I have some issues with the place? Sorry to inform you, but the nature of a discerning mind, is to have issues. 

 

Though absolute contentment must be a beautiful state of mind, it is not something most of us are blessed with, in case you have not noticed. The fact that I complain, does not mean I do not love Thailand, nor most of it's people. I do. I love my life here. I have a very good life here. But, I do have some complaints, and there are some things I would love to see improved. I should leave because of that? 

 

Please. Next time you reply to a post, try to devote at least two moments of thought to it.

 

 

Are you, or have you ever been a victim of, let's see what upsets you so much today... Ah yes, "crime committed by the locals, the mafias, the officials, and the gangs?" If so, you may well have a case, but if it's just disgruntled gurning because some gild has fallen from your lily, please take a number. Or better still, an overseas vacation. You can do that from an international airport BTW.

 

I didn't suggest that you can't hack it, nor did I offer you should go home but it appears these options may have crossed your mind already so never mind.

59 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Obviously you chose to ignore this statement " It is what any country wants to make it."

People choose to be here and then complain about the choice they made, forgetting that Thailand allows people to stay long term much easier than other counries. If you want to own land, have a vote and the delusion of "owning" your life, then there are other choices that would be more suitable.

It is all about choices, their country their choice, after 25 years I have no regrets over my choice.

 

No, I didn’t “ignore” the phrase “It is what any country wants to make it.”
I directly addressed it: Thailand has deliberately chosen to define “resident” in a way that excludes the single most important element every single developed (and even most developing) country includes in permanent residency: security of tenure and a path forward.

Countries are free to set whatever rules they want, and the rest of us are equally free to point out that Thailand’s rules are uniquely regressive and hostile to the very concept of long-term settlement by foreigners. That’s not “complaining”; that’s accurately describing reality.

You call ownership of land and political rights a “delusion.”
Funny—hundreds of millions of people in Japan, Korea, Germany, Canada, Australia, etc., seem to manage that “delusion” just fine. They sleep at night knowing they can’t be thrown out because they criticized a minister or an immigration officer’s cousin didn’t like their face.

Thailand’s model is crystal clear: milk the farang cow for as long as possible, give just enough comfort to keep the complaints down, but never, ever let the cow own the farm or have any real say in how the farm is run.That’s a legitimate business model for Thailand.
It is not “residency” by any normal definition of the word, and pretending otherwise is just coping.

 

You have been in Thailand for 25 years and are happy and I say good for you, I agree with you its all about choices and you seem to have made the right one. 

Remember though, If you’re happy being a permanent guest who can be asked to leave at any moment, enjoy your golden handcuffs. Choice made. Consequences understood.

 

 

`All this is coming from Phuket, not the national organisation.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Biometric and international database checks have been strengthened at all Thai entry points. -  - Well on past performance, anything done by or IT involving the government doesn't work half the time so either queues or no checks

• Measures are preventive, applied to all nationalities, and respect human rights. - So this reveals they anticipate something they are doing actually infringes on human rights – something on which Thailand's record is patchy at best.

• Officers are prohibited from accepting benefits, with strict penalties for violations. - ONLY IN THAILAND!! - This is basically a tacit admission that corruption runs through all of immigration. I suspect that a large proportion on people on dodgy visas etc have had direct or indirect cooperation from an immigration office.

14 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

 

Immigration announced on 25 November, enhanced screening and verification measures for all foreign nationals entering and exiting Thailand. The initiative applies across all international airports and border checkpoints nationwide to prevent individuals disguising themselves as tourists from committing crimes or engaging in unlawful activities.

 

Police Major General Jaturapat Bhiromkaew, Deputy Spokesperson, stated that the measures are preventive and applied equally to all nationalities, without targeting any specific group. Screening focuses on identifying high-risk behaviours, such as unusually frequent entries and exits, misuse of visas, or suspicious information from INTERPOL and security intelligence agencies.

 

Operationally, immigration checkpoints have been instructed to increase inspection thoroughness using biometric systems and international databases. This approach aims to prevent document forgery, illegal entry, and movements of individuals potentially linked to human trafficking, illegal labour, call-centre fraud, money laundering, and emerging transnational crimes.

 

Despite the increased measures, authorities emphasise adherence to human rights standards, ensuring law-abiding tourists are not adversely affected. The measures are part of the government, Immigration and Royal Thai Police’s broader policy to strengthen tangible prevention of transnational crime while maintaining public and tourist confidence.

 

Police General Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General, reinforced that all officers involved are strictly prohibited from soliciting or accepting any benefits. Any violations will result in immediate criminal and disciplinary action.

 

Immigration will continue monitoring and refining screening procedures, ensuring effectiveness against high-risk individuals while safeguarding the travel experience of legitimate tourists. Regular assessments and collaboration with international law enforcement are expected to maintain robust prevention standards.

 

Thaitabloid also reported that Immigration police have also stated they are focusing on blocking foreigners, particularly scammers, who exploit Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme by making repeated “visa runs” to extend their stay. Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, said that officers would carefully question foreigners making a third consecutive visit with back-to-back visa-free requests to stay for up to 90 days each time. Officers would also examine those who had stayed at least 45 days during previous visits.

 

“These foreigners do not visit Thailand for tourism. Many of them work or operate businesses with Thai nominees as fronts. They use the visa-free scheme to avoid official visa requests before travelling, and their data is not included in Thailand’s systems controlling occupations and taxation,” the deputy commissioner said. Some visitors had made as many as seven visa runs in a row, with accumulated stays exceeding 200 days.

 

Immigration police would deny repeated entry to such visitors, preventing scammers fleeing suppression in neighbouring countries from relocating illicit businesses to Thailand, Pol Maj Gen Choengron said. He added that those cashing in on visa-run services had begun spreading false information, claiming immigration was targeting visitors from specific countries, including China.

 

The deputy immigration chief emphasised that the measures are applied fairly to all nationalities and do not affect genuine tourists. Real tourists typically stay in Thailand for an average of 15 days per visit, providing clear information about accommodation, trips around the country and departure dates, he said. Immigration police welcomed such visitors.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Biometric and international database checks have been strengthened at all Thai entry points.

• Measures are preventive, applied to all nationalities, and respect human rights.

• Officers are prohibited from accepting benefits, with strict penalties for violations.

 

Related Stories

 

Phuket-clamps-down-on-‘visa-runners’-with-new-measures/

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Thaitabloid 2025-11-26

 

 

any chance of finding red bull guy, kill a cop in most countrys and the full force of the police would be working on it instead of his wallet !

9 hours ago, thesetat said:

So no more unlimited exit/entries for tourist visa holders. The Immigration should never had allowed this to begin with. 

 

this is not something new. They have known this for many many years. Only now they are spouting it out like it is new knowledge. 

Most tourists do not come on holiday and then decide to stay again and again. They stay because there is something keeping them in the country other than just travelling to different places for tourism. Either illegal work or scam centers or other illicit activities. The average Joe would not be able to support their stay for more than a couple months without returning or doing some work to generate more income. (except for those who are rich playboys)..

in a 'nutshell' 100 percent correct,thanks

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Very lame. Nearly every time I see someone complaining, or observing a shortfall within Thailand, some lame guy, who has not taken the time to think things through, nor to devote any focus or effort to a reasonable reply, says something like "Perhaps Thailand is not for you", or maybe you should leave, or the top prize, "if you do not like it here, go back to your own country". Hard to even respond to such inane statements. Why? Because I have some issues with the place? Sorry to inform you, but the nature of a discerning mind, is to have issues. 

 

Though absolute contentment must be a beautiful state of mind, it is not something most of us are blessed with, in case you have not noticed. The fact that I complain, does not mean I do not love Thailand, nor most of it's people. I do. I love my life here. I have a very good life here. But, I do have some complaints, and there are some things I would love to see improved. I should leave because of that? 

 

Please. Next time you reply to a post, try to devote at least two moments of thought to it.

 

Everyone knows that Thailand has faults, name me a country which doesn't 

About time. When you arrive at any border control point to the country it doesn’t automatically guarantee you entry. It’s about time the scumbags, and the those operations involved in getting visa’s illegally are dealt with accordingly. 

I thought it was required for the visa. It is in most places.

2 hours ago, portisaacozzy said:

in a 'nutshell' 100 percent correct,thanks

I think immigration work for the government, it is them that make the rules 

19 hours ago, Expat68 said:

They don't want us

only our money IMHO lately though I still love living here

I wonder how many of the guys going on about how poorly Thailand treats them, have made any attempt at all to become legal residents, much less citizens. I only wish my country cared about who was coming in and destroying our culture. 

 

Mostly old pensioners that come here to live cheap and bang the local girls that bragging about how much money they pump into the economy while complain about everything. 

 

Rather than moaning on about it, why not get off the pity-pot and go through the process of becoming a citizen? 

 

 

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

Mostly old pensioners that come here to live cheap and bang the local girls that bragging about how much money they pump into the economy while complain about everything. 

 

you must know so man of these to make this claim. I tend to disagree with you on this. Mostly tourist men come here for this reason. But they are not complaining as much as the people that live here now. . 

 

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

I wonder how many of the guys going on about how poorly Thailand treats them, have made any attempt at all to become legal residents, much less citizens

If I chose to become a permanent resident in legal status. I would lose my pension. AS would some others I assume. So why would i bother to do this? 

11 hours ago, Expat68 said:

Everyone knows that Thailand has faults, name me a country which doesn't 

Totally agree. For those of us who are not very wealthy, or do not own a home free and clear, living back in the US or Europe is simply not an option. The quality of life is way, way too low. The cost of living is stupid. And the attitude of many people back there is sour, bitter, humorless, and poor. 

 

Here, some people seem to be struggling. But, they are still somewhat even minded, and many are quite pleasant. Many have maintained their light heartedness, and their sense of humor. And I can walk into a restaurant and (harmlessly) flirt with a gorgeous 23 year old waitress, and she is all smiles. And the restaurant does not cost me an arm and a leg. Life here is just so much more pleasant. As long as I keep my head in the sand over politics,  the major issues here caused by the goons doesn't effect me much.