The Thai government faces mounting pressure to adjust its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, a move prompted by concerns over transnational crime rings targeting visitors from China. Last year, Thailand expanded its visa-free policy to include tourists from 93 countries and territories, allowing Chinese visitors to stay in the country for up to 60 days. However, the rise of scams and kidnappings orchestrated by mainland crime rings has raised safety concerns, causing a decline in Chinese tourists and posing a threat to Thailand's tourism-dependent economy.
These crime rings have made Thailand's porous borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos lucrative areas for their operations. Scam compounds have emerged along these borders, where trafficked workers are coerced into participating in fraudulent investment schemes and illegal gambling activities. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, cybercriminals amassed US$37 billion in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for improved law enforcement to combat transnational crime.
Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit has called on the government to address immigration loopholes and has proposed the introduction of a visa-on-arrival initiative specifically for Chinese tourists. This proposed measure would require tourists to provide detailed information about their travel itinerary, aiming to enhance security and restore confidence among potential visitors.
The safety concerns have led many Chinese tourists to reconsider Thailand as a travel destination. This shift has significant implications for Thailand's economy, which relies heavily on tourism revenue. The decline in visitors from China, who are known to be major contributors to the country's tourism sector, threatens economic stability.
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