Thailand has launched a major crackdown on illegal businesses and the purchase of nominee properties by foreign nationals.
Following reports of crimes and violations involving foreigners, the government has reduced the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days.
According to media reports, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently chaired a meeting of relevant government agencies and ordered a tougher response, saying illegal activities by foreigners had gone beyond acceptable limits.
Anutin said that since Thailand had provided generous entry privileges to foreign visitors, foreigners were also expected to comply with the law.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate individuals seeking to exploit Thailand.
The latest measures are part of efforts to tighten oversight of foreign nationals, tackle illegal businesses and prevent the misuse of Thailand’s visa-free entry arrangements and property ownership rules.
Earlier, Thailand introduced stricter entry requirements for Indian passport holders, prompting the Indian Embassy in Bangkok to issue an 11-point travel advisory urging visitors to ensure they meet all updated immigration rules before departure.
The revised measures include stricter verification of travel documents, financial proof and travel purpose for Indian nationals entering Thailand under visa-free or Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes.
The embassy also said all visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arriving in the country. The digital form generates a QR code that may be required during immigration clearance.
In addition, travellers entering Thailand through Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival facilities must carry a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht in cash per person. Immigration authorities may ask visitors to provide proof of sufficient funds during entry checks.
The advisory stressed that visitors travelling to Thailand for employment must obtain the appropriate work visa before departure, warning that using tourist entry routes for work could result in penalties under Thai immigration laws.
Transit passengers have also been advised to carry all required onward travel documents, including valid visas for their final destination where applicable.
The Indian Embassy urged all travellers to keep their documents readily available and ensure each individual in a group carries their own travel papers to avoid delays or entry-related issues at Thai immigration checkpoints.