7 hours ago, giants49 said:

They are their own worst enemies. Tourism is down and they're tightening things? Good way to keep people out if it's too much of a hassle. And yes they could certainly improve the digital arrival card system. I'll believe it when I see it.

Thai logic 101:
No customers? Increase prices.
Not enough people? Make it harder for the ones who want to come.

Never benefitted from colonisation so just push on with the whacky stuff - charming at 1st but gets old fast..

The galling comment has been 'indian numbers fell' after the announcement a few months ago. Firstly, this is an idiotic statement as Indians continued to arrive on visa free for 60 days, so the fall in Indian tourist numbers cannot be contributed to that - more likely it's just the normal low season.

However, the whole point of these new visa rules were to tackles unruly tourists, scammers, those who were causing criminal intent, Benidorm Brit type drunks, etc Then as a product of these measures, along with stricter policing, more deportations for unruly visitors, more quality tourists would come and stay in the country. The Chinese especially have put of by the lack of safety.

However, if you see a short fall in tourism numbers whilst you inact the policy, and immediately panic - then what is the point.

Remember the first goal of any government is to protect it's citizens. I have seen countless Thai's been scammed (mostly from Chinese scammers), topped up with unruly tourists that are making life hard and not pleasent for Thais - this is their first port of call.

But seeing them quickly row back to allow Indians visa free, shows they will panic at the first sight of a little drop in numbers.

No amendments to the DTV, bank letter and criminal record check is absolutely negligent from this government. We all know what’s going on.

11 hours ago, khunjeff said:

And a 30 day stay can't be used that way? Really?

yeah... would've thought it's easier to overstay a 30 days visa than a 60 days one..

13 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Indians entering without a visa makes a mockery of the whole 'pivoting to quality tourism'.

Indians may well say the same thing about people from your own home country.

Why do you racist-types even bother leaving your countries as you believe you're God's gift to humanity.

They are trying to boost the declining tourist numbers by giving Indians visa free entry.

2 hours ago, connda said:

Indians may well say the same thing about people from your own home country.

Why do you racist-types even bother leaving your countries as you believe you're God's gift to humanity.

Most of the world has visa entry for Indians. Even Vietnam make Indians get a visa. Thailand is one of the few countries that gives them visa free. There are many Indian families - middle class - who do come to Thailand, spend money and enjoy. They would have had no issues with visas at the airport.

But there is a massive element who have very little funds. Who come on zero dollar trips laid on by their companies, who behave appallingly, group up and solicitate openly for discounts with women, countless hotels complaining many are circumventing the rules by sleeping alot of them in one room, many don't spent money in malls or anywhere. It would have been prudent for them to show funds, and proof of accomodation - some basic checks.

Their behaviour turns away alot of other tourists.

Edited Wednesday at 04:12 PM5 days by DonniePeverley

14 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Nothing had or has changed for Indian visitors since the previous annoucement - as that's all it was an announcement. Indians were still visiting visa free - so this makes no sense.

Nothing had or has changed for ANYONE. The 60 to 30 cut is unpromulgated for EVERYONE.

When the changes were first floated last May, India were going to be OFF the visa-exempt bus. The latest announcement, still unpromulgated, simply puts the Indians back on the 30-day visa exempt bus, once it comes along.

23 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

So now another cabinet meeting, and the major change appears to be to allow Indians to enter without a visa.

Indians entering without a visa makes a mockery of the whole 'pivoting to quality tourism'.

Yes, they will now get the same deal as the Brits, Ozzies and EEC countries.

10 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

The galling comment has been 'indian numbers fell' after the announcement a few months ago. Firstly, this is an idiotic statement as Indians continued to arrive on visa free for 60 days, so the fall in Indian tourist numbers cannot be contributed to that - more likely it's just the normal low season.

However, the whole point of these new visa rules were to tackles unruly tourists, scammers, those who were causing criminal intent, Benidorm Brit type drunks, etc Then as a product of these measures, along with stricter policing, more deportations for unruly visitors, more quality tourists would come and stay in the country. The Chinese especially have put of by the lack of safety.

However, if you see a short fall in tourism numbers whilst you inact the policy, and immediately panic - then what is the point.

Remember the first goal of any government is to protect it's citizens. I have seen countless Thai's been scammed (mostly from Chinese scammers), topped up with unruly tourists that are making life hard and not pleasent for Thais - this is their first port of call.

But seeing them quickly row back to allow Indians visa free, shows they will panic at the first sight of a little drop in numbers.

You managed again to slip the 'Benidorm Brits' in again, nice one 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.

Just now, roo860 said:

You managed again to slip the 'Benidorm Brits' in again, nice one 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.

There will be a few crying into the gutters this morning!

2 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

There will be a few crying into the gutters this morning!

Probably not Scottish or Welsh.😀

21 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

It only needs a few downward blips on their tourist visitors entries, and then everything will be back to normal.

The Visa Waiver Program has been in place for decades, so what would be the "normal" number of days.

3 hours ago, sandyf said:

The Visa Waiver Program has been in place for decades, so what would be the "normal" number of days.

Not referring to the visa waiver as much as to them backtracking or reversing any policies they come up with as soon as they get negative tourism data.

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

Not referring to the visa waiver as much as to them backtracking or reversing any policies they come up with as soon as they get negative tourism data.

The bulk of the OP is addressing the visa waiver programe, only one sentence regarding visa on arrival.

Maybe something I missed on other visa categories.

When it comes to backtracking, never forget the book was written in the West, you cannot blame the student.

On 7/15/2026 at 8:24 AM, Rams86 said:

This problem is so easily fixed, give a set list of any behavior that is unacceptable in Thailand. Stop all the talk and get really tough for a change. If a person crosses the line here then it's 30 days in the detention center as a reminder why they were permanently barred from entering Thailand again.

Thailandtravel guides

Maybe change the color of the stationary, I wouldn't venture to Phuket or Pattaya these days, used to be fun for a week or two visit, the main problems in Thailand seem to be coming from these places it needs to be cleaned up but it's never going to happen. Gangsters paradise, uncontrolled dope shops, Russian and Chinese mafia, people in other countries are talking about this, the driving from motorcycles is scary, I won't drive at night anymore even daytime is dangerous, bikes coming at you in the middle of the road and cutting in front of you from the left, with no helmets and babies on bikes is insane.

As my mum used to say you need eyes in the back of your head