Multiple short-term entries: Thailand bars 2,900 foreigners

No fewer than  2,900 foreigners have been barred by Thailand so far this year due to their multiple short-term entries

This is as the country  has begun enforcing tougher controls on repeat visa-exempt entries.

Immigration officials say the move is not to target genuine tourism but to curb abuse by foreigners who overstay or operate illegal businesses or scams.

Immigration officers across Thailand have been instructed to scrutinise travellers who make multiple short-term visits under the country’s visa-free policy, following a nationwide order issued on November 12.

Officials said the new approach targeted foreigners whose travel patterns suggested they were not visiting for tourism, and instead were living, working or running businesses in Thailand for between 60 and 90 consecutive days – the period allowed under the policy – without having to apply for a long-stay visa.

“These individuals are not coming to Thailand for tourism,” said Choengron Rimphadee, deputy commissioner and spokesman for the Immigration Bureau, as quoted by Thai news outlet Khaosod on Tuesday. “Many work illegally, operate businesses or use Thai nominees to run companies while avoiding proper visa applications.”

Officials said the new approach targeted foreigners whose travel patterns suggested they were not visiting for tourism, and instead were living, working or running businesses in Thailand for between 60 and 90 consecutive days – the period allowed under the policy – without having to apply for a long-stay visa.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

“These individuals are not coming to Thailand for tourism,” said Choengron Rimphadee, deputy commissioner and spokesman for the Immigration Bureau, as quoted by Thai news outlet Khaosod on Tuesday. “Many work illegally, operate businesses or use Thai nominees to run companies while avoiding proper visa applications.”