Thailand: opposition is rising against the 60‑day visa‑free entry

An increasing number of voices in Thailand are calling to review the ’visa‑free entry policy of 60 days.

They invoke growing concerns about security, d’illegal immigration and control of foreign visitors.

A debate between security and tourist attractiveness

Pages of a passport filled with visa stamps. Photo: Jakarta Post

Nantiwat Samart, former deputy director of the ’Thai National Intelligence Agency, advises the government to focus more on national security and public safety than on the number of ’tourist arrivals.

He emphasized that calls are multiplying on social media for the government to repeal the visa‑free entry policy.

Introduced under the government of l’former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, this measure is criticized because of various problems that may have been caused by Israeli tourists.

Visa-free entry in Thailand is currently available to nationals of 93 countries, allowing them to visit, conduct business or stay temporarily in Thailand for a maximum of 60 days, with the possibility of a 30‑day extension.

Nantiwat stated that Thais are not anti‑Semitic and do not oppose any nationality in particular, emphasizing that Thailand welcomes foreign tourists.

He nevertheless added that the authorities should start monitoring incoming visitors to s’ensure that they are tourists « de qualité » and not d’individuals intending to work illegally or to s’settle permanently in the country.

Nantiwat explained that the pre-travel visa procedure would help control visitors before their arrival, ensuring, among other things, that tourists have sufficient funds for their stay and preventing any unrestricted entry.

The government should also be more aware of the implications for national security, it said, citing potential threats such as terrorism, scam ’gangs, foreign mafia groups and cybercrime.

Tourists of any nationality who exceed the validity period of their visa should be asked to leave the country, he said, adding that the l’immigration police should strictly enforce the law.

Amplified criticism on social networks

The president of the Koh Phangan hoteliers' association, Naruemon Maisopa (second from the right), asked for the help of Rabbi Dovber Deutsch, director of the Chabad center, in October 2025 in order to encourage Israeli tourists to respect Thai laws and local customs.

Thai internet users have also complained about Israeli tourists who would be working illegally and setting up businesses locally.

Some also claim that qu’they would purchase land with l’help of Thai frontmen.

These visitors would be particularly present in popular tourist destinations such as Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket or also the city of Pai, in the province of Mae Hong Son.

In Pai, for example, internet users claim that Israeli tourists number more than 4,000 at any given time, that they have their own place of worship and maintain a community there.

Some even accuse them of ’using de facto Thailand as a secondary residence.

Calls for the revocation of the policy d’entry without visa would become increasingly urgent on social media, especially following the attack américano‑israélienne against the Iran.

In this context, the debate on the ’balance between tourism openness and national security could continue to ’intensify in the coming months.

See also:

Thailand strengthens control of foreign nationals « suspects »

Tourism: Thailand could attract foreigners fleeing war zones

Thailand: Disrespectful Israeli tourists cause chaos in Pai

Thailand: Tensions between residents and Israelis on the island of Koh Phangan

Source: Thai PBS World