Improper parts could” snap” into the nation.
PUBLISHED: 4:56 on September 5, 2023.
According to the Immigration Bureau( IB ), the new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s proposal for a free-visa travel privilege for Chinese visitors could increase transnational crime.
The Mr. Srettha-promoted plan is scheduled to go into effect on October 1 to draw in more Foreign tourists, who had recently made up the majority of visitors. Despite Covid – 19’s ease, the number of Chinese visitors has no significantly increased.
Given the economic pressure and the weak yuan, many Chinese are not in the mood to travel abroad, according to Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents( Atta ), though it might not be a major concern given that the baht has also weakened.
According to Mr. Adith, there are unfavorable perceptions of Thailand on Chinese social media, particularly in terms of protection.
In contrast to large companies that can quickly change their operations, some Chinese travel companies have not recovered from a labor shortage and higher operating costs, according to The Atta.
As Mr. Srettha is apparently discussing the issue with security and related agencies, there are conflicting views on the plan to offer the free permits. Some tourism-related companies worry that a greater ease of access will lead to an influx of Chinese thieves.
An provide of a free card, according to IB main Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat Sajjapan on Monday and nbsp, may open the door for operators of call center gangs, illegal businesses, and other international crimes to enter the nation.
He claimed that once such factors entered the country, the IB would have to work harder to find them.
It is feared that the proposed policy may also make immigration counter gridlock worse. However, according to Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat, the commission was prepared to implement a free-visa plan.
Due to the anticipated increase in Chinese visitors, the IB would need to make measures to reduce airport crowding. For example, during peak arrival times, all immigration check-in registers must be fully operational.
For Chinese card holders, the IB wanted to show specific immigration lanes. The IB repeatedly requested that the Airports of Thailand dedicate more space for immigration gates at international flights, according to Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat.