"Thailand is preparing to halve the visa-free stay period for tourists from 93 countries amid growing concerns over foreigners engaging in illegal business operations and criminal activities, officials said."
"Thailand's minister of foreign affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaeow, said on Tuesday he would submit a proposal to the cabinet seeking approval to reduce the visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 days to 30 days. The proposal would also review the eligibility criteria for investment visas, long-term residency permits, student visas, and digital nomad schemes as part of a broader overhaul of Thailand's liberal visa policies."
"The move comes as authorities face mounting pressure over allegations that foreign nationals - particularly Russians, Chinese and other expatriates - have been operating businesses illegally, often by registering companies under Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership laws. Thailand, whose economy heavily depends on tourism, welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global travel."
""Free visas are not about unconditional entry," Mr Anutin said on Monday. "We need to find the best balance." The prime minister is expected to visit Koh Phangan - famous for its monthly Full Moon Party at Haad Rin, white-sand beaches and nightlife - to oversee a crackdown on businesses operated by foreigners but registered as Thai-owned enterprises"
Thailand plans to halve visa-free stays for tourists from 93 countries from 60 days to 30 days. The proposal will also review eligibility criteria for investment visas, long-term residency permits, student visas, and digital nomad schemes as part of a broader overhaul of liberal visa policies. Authorities face pressure over allegations that foreign nationals, including Russians and Chinese, have operated illegal businesses by registering companies under Thai nominees to bypass foreign ownership rules. Tourism remains central to the economy, with nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, and visitor numbers have risen again after the pandemic. Local resentment has grown in tourist hotspots due to complaints about foreigners taking over businesses, raising prices, and displacing Thai workers. The government says it will not end visa-free entry and aims for a balance while preparing crackdowns in places like Koh Phangan.
Read at AOL.com
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