Composite courtesy of The Nation

The Thai Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has clarified the US decision to pause Immigrant Visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand. After meeting with Elizabeth J. Konig, US Minister-Counsellor for Consular Affairs, Sihasak stressed that the suspension targets those seeking long-term residency or citizenship, with tourists, businesspeople, and students unaffected. He urged understanding of the temporary nature of this measure, meant to review procedures.

Since hearing the news, concerns about the generalisation of affected countries have arisen. Sihasak pointed out that Thailand has fewer illegal residents in the US compared to others excluded from the list. He criticised the blanket approach and highlighted Thailand's positive economic contributions in sectors such as the restaurant industry. This announcement comes after a recent US visit, which aimed to strengthen ties.

Sihasak pressed for clarity, underlining the confusion about Thai-US relations and the challenges posed by the announcement. He referenced Thailand's status as the oldest US ally in the region, questioning the rationale for its inclusion on the list. The Thai Foreign Minister also emphasised past and potential Thai investments in the US, which contribute significantly to the American economy.

In response, Sihasak urged the US to align its policies internally, considering current trade and tax negotiations between the nations. He suggested that the visa suspension might contradict ongoing bilateral efforts and create unwarranted negative sentiment in Thailand. Awaiting further official clarification, Sihasak advised the Thai public to stay informed on the situation, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• The US suspended Immigrant Visa processing for 75 countries, affecting only long-term stays.

• Thailand questions its inclusion, highlighting its positive economic role in the US.

• Further clarification from the US is expected to resolve these diplomatic concerns.

Related Stories:

US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Thailand

MFA questions halt to US immigrant visas for Thais

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2026-01-17

 

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Sihasak stressed that the suspension targets those seeking long-term residency or citizenship, with tourists, businesspeople, and students unaffected. He urged understanding of the temporary nature of this measure, meant to review procedures.

So I guess the sky isn't falling after all.

He read the news in the Media since 2 days about it: US suspends immigrant visa processing for Thailand

He has received a communique about it

He had a meeting with a US Consular Affairs Official about it

...and he is still "Awaiting further official clarification" about it...

Sihasak, you truly are special

The Thai Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has clarified the US decision to pause Immigrant Visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand.

It didn't need clarification to those with an education.

Why isn't he concerned about China not giving Thais immigrant visas, as in almost zero over the past 22 years? Yet he doesn't question the PRC about it? And meanwhile, Thailand is buying up arms and letting tens of thousands of Chinese run wild in Thailand, with many of them involved in crime networks. But all this guy is worried about is if the US continues to issue 6000 to 10,000 Permanent residency approvals yearly for Thais while Thailand gives out less than 10 yearly to Americans.

1 hour ago, John Drake said:

Why isn't he concerned about China not giving Thais immigrant visas, as in almost zero over the past 22 years? Yet he doesn't question the PRC about it? And meanwhile, Thailand is buying up arms and letting tens of thousands of Chinese run wild in Thailand, with many of them involved in crime networks. But all this guy is worried about is if the US continues to issue 6000 to 10,000 Permanent residency approvals yearly for Thais while Thailand gives out less than 10 yearly to Americans.

Very true. Any immigrant in the USA gets access to a lot more than Thailand offers it's long term residents who jump through hoops for a visa. The joke from Thai wives of Americans is that once the get the Green Card and eventual citizenship, they can do a lot more than anyone who has reside here in Thailand for 20+ years, spending thousands of dollars, helping the Issan community with funds for our GFs, etc. But, God help us if we want to become a citizen or even think about applying for permanent residence.

When Thailand reciprocates the immigration to those of us who would like it, but have to jump through hoops, deal with all of the problems and have great funds then they can complain. It’s not a fair system and even worse you’ll most likely get rejected. Thais have had it too easy for too long. They want to be treated as an equal than anny up.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

The Thai Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has clarified the US decision to pause Immigrant Visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand.

It didn't need clarification to those with an education.

Spot on! 👍

The original article (and several of those following it in various media) mentioned Immigrant Visas so why the hell potential tourists were getting all wound up beats me.

I think many people read news articles and see what they want to see or what they fear seeing, rather than read and think about what the article actually states.

C'mon, people! BOYCOTT the US until this is over! And don't hold your breath...

Who is believing that? It is a fascists' country. Travel, they check your phone and a negative post about the dear leader you will return to your country. There is plenty of countries that welcome you and you choose fascist USA. Wake up.

1 minute ago, Sweet Swede said:

Who is believing that? It is a fascists' country. Travel, they check your phone and a negative post about the dear leader you will return to your country. There is plenty of countries that welcome you and you choose fascist USA. Wake up.

Pretty wide brush you are painting with. We have a fascist president who over 60% of the people oppose at this time. Perhaps Angry Swede might be better than Sweet.