PUBLISHED: 21 Jan 2025 at 05 :43
The Senate has called on the government to amend its visa-free scheme for Foreign nationals, citing threats of Thailand becoming a hub for legal actions.
Senator Pol Lt Gen Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised the concern during a recent Senate gathering chaired by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja.
The senator addressed how the legislation, initially intended to boost commerce, has been exploited by criminal groups, revealing instances of Chinese crime cartels using Thailand as a foundation for illegal functions.
Pol Lt Gen Wanchai proposed a comprehensive overview of the visa-free plan, especially for tourists from China and other countries linked to international crime, to similar immigration loopholes.
He expressed concerns that Thailand’s area and laws make it attractive for such actions, particularly as nearby countries like China, Myanmar and Cambodia crack down on organised crime.
Pol Lt Gen Wanchai even noted that some tourists exploit healthy border crossings to enter the country illegally, bypassing emigration balances.
He suggested replacing the visa-free policy with visa-on-arrival ( VoA ) requirements, which would mandate travellers to provide proof of hotel bookings and travel plans.
In response, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit acknowledged the concern but clarified that visa-free travel primarily serves as an economic strategy.
He assured the Senate that the government is working to mitigate risks, including tighter border controls and collaboration with neighbouring countries.
He also alleged that some Thai government officials have conspired with criminals, making the problem more difficult. However, he said his ministry is cooperating with authorities in neighbouring countries to combat the issue.
” As the Ministry of Defence is responsible for border security, it has engaged in discussions with neighbouring countries through available mechanisms,” said Gen Nattaphon. ” It has also tightened inspections of individuals crossing the borders, both through checkpoints and natural crossings. “
He also recommended the Thai government negotiate with third-party countries to address this issue.
Wanchai: Policy fuels crime