Thailand’s visa waiver facility for Chinese travellers may be downgraded or even halted.
It comes after a high-profile incident of the kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Northern Thailand.
The incident has led to a drop in visits from China, and triggered a personal plea from Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra that the country is safe for Chinese travellers.
The kidnapping of Wang Xing was widely reported in China.
It is one in several incidents of organised criminal operations in Thailand’s border regions with Laos and Myanmar, like online scam centers and illegal gambling, said Thai Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit.
Chinese nationals were granted visa free entry in 2023 which has led to a large jump in arrivals, although it is still down on pre-pandemic levels.
Along with the increased tourist numbers, there has been more criminal activity targeting tourists.
“The visa-free policy has increased transnational crime, partly from Chinese criminals who use Thailand as a base,” Wanchai said
“We are becoming a hub for criminal activity and it is impacting national security and tourism.”
Some Thai tourism industry groups have proposed reducing the visa-free stay period for Chinese nationals from 60 days to 15 days, as this wouldn’t impact genuine travellers.
“Chinese tourists spend about 7-8 days so it will not affect tourism,” said Adith Chairattananon, of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.
