The Thai Immigration Bureau will implement measures targeting so-called ‘visa runs’, in which travelers repeatedly exit and re-enter the country to extend their stay.
Acting on a directive from the Prime Minister’s Office, authorities will tighten vigilance against foreigners linked to crime. In Thailand, stays of up to 90 days are possible, and because living costs are relatively low, ‘visa runs’ have been common among backpackers and others.
At all air and sea ports of entry, foreigners who, without a reasonable explanation, have repeated ‘visa runs’ two or more times will be denied entry and instructed to apply for a visa appropriate to their actual purpose. Already this year, about 2,900 foreigners suspected of suspicious entry/exit patterns were refused entry at airports.
In addition, for foreigners who applied to extend their stay after repeating ‘visa runs’, screening will be tightened; extensions will be refused, and even previously approved extensions may be canceled, followed by deportation. A coordinated crackdown on foreigners overstaying their visas (overstay) will also be carried out.
Furthermore, foreigners listed on watchlists in areas such as border zones with neighboring countries that are considered bases for fraud groups will not be permitted to re-enter.
Due to these measures, immigration inspections for foreigners may take longer. Even during peak congestion, however, processing will be managed to take at most around 45 seconds per person, with waiting times kept within 40 minutes. All lanes at inspection booths will be staffed. Authorities say any negative impact on the tourism industry will be limited and that the measures will help attract higher-quality visitors.
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