New prime minister Srettha Thavisin has specified that immigration reform will be a priority in the new government. Although Thailand in 2023 has already attracted over 17 million foreign visitors, she will need many more if the aim to boost tourism revenue to US$100 billion by the end of 2024. Entry policy in recent years has been set by the Cabinet and senior ministers with the immigration police bureau playing an enforcer rather than a policy-maker role.
The most urgent issue is to overhaul short-term tourist arrivals by simplifying the system. At present, the nationals of around 60 countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia) can receive 30 days visa exempt with a further 30 days on offer by visiting the local immigration office. The Tourist Authority of Thailand is urging that visa exempt…
