Thai Tourism Leaders Push for 30-Day Visa Limit to Address Loopholes, Unlawful Businesses, and Overstaying Tourists
PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai tourism industry is urging the government to reconsider the new visa exemption policy that allows travelers from 93 countries or territories to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism or business purposes, effective July 15, 2024. While initially seen as a boost to Thailand’s tourism and business sectors, the policy has raised concerns over legal loopholes, unlawful business activities, and national security risks.
Concerns Over Illegal Business Activities and Overstaying Tourists
Sittiwat Cheewarattanaporn, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA), expressed concerns that the visa exemption is being exploited for illegal business operations in Thailand. Some foreign tourists are overstaying their permitted stay and engaging in activities that compete with local businesses, particularly in the accommodation sector.
“For instance, Chinese tourists have been involved in scams linked to call centers in Myanmar, leading to a decline in arrivals. The number of Chinese travelers has dropped from 20,000-30,000 per day in 2019 to fewer than 10,000 per day currently,” said Sittiwat. He projected that the number of Chinese tourists may fall short of the government’s target of 8.5-9 million for 2025, which could negatively impact Thailand’s tourism-driven economy.
Sittiwat called for reducing the maximum stay for visa-exempt travelers from 60 to 30 days to curb these issues.
National Security Risks and Unlawful Investments
Thianprasith Chaipattaranan, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), also supported the proposal to shorten the visa exemption period. He highlighted concerns over illegal foreign investments in Thailand’s tourism-related businesses, which could pose national security risks. He noted that some foreign investors bypass laws by using nominees to hold shares in Thai companies, often exceeding the legal limit of 49%.
Thianprasith suggested that foreign investments should focus on creating new businesses in Thailand, rather than acquiring existing companies. He also emphasized the need for clearer regulations to prevent foreign ownership from distorting the local economy.
Regulations on Foreign Property Purchases
In addition to concerns about illegal business activities, Thianprasith called for stricter regulations on foreign property purchases. He expressed particular concern over foreigners buying entire housing or condominium projects in popular tourist areas such as Phuket and Pattaya, which could distort the local real estate market.
“The tourism sector has faced increasing issues with illegal short-term rentals, where tourists rent properties in excess of legal limits, causing disturbances to local residents,” Thianprasith added. He specifically mentioned problems in Phuket, particularly in Patong and Bang Tao, as well as in Bangkok. These illegal rentals undermine legitimate hotel and accommodation businesses.
Conclusion
The proposal to reduce the visa exemption period from 60 to 30 days is part of a broader effort by the tourism industry to address the growing concerns over illegal business operations, overstaying tourists, and potential risks to national security. The tourism sector, while supportive of visa exemptions, is calling for tighter regulations to protect the local economy and ensure that foreign investments benefit Thailand’s long-term development.
