Considering the growing concerns over national security and visa-abuse issues in Thailand, authorities confirmed this week that Thailand has put more stringent immigration screening measures in place at its major international airports, including the scrutiny of visa-free travelers from China, Malaysia, and Russia.
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The new steps are after a high-level conference on December 11 between immigration officials and authorities at the airport, where improved screening measures were adopted in the whole country.
On December 1 and December 13, the immigration officers rejected 185 foreigners based on inconsistencies in their travel intentions, documents, or possible abuses of visa exemptions.
Increased Processing Times in Major Airports.
Those who travel to Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and other international gateways are being advised to expect longer queues, especially during the high arrival periods.
Immigration officials boast of an average processing time of 20 minutes to up to 40-45 minutes during busy times, even when the airports have fully staffed them, though.
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The officers have been directed to be efficient, and the average time spent on conducting normal passport checks has been reduced to about 45 seconds.
The in-depth checks are carried out on passengers who have been identified as being of a higher risk.
Target Visa-Free Nationalities of High Volume.
The increased screening is mostly used on the travelers of the countries that have great visa-free arrival volumes:
- China: It is estimated that there will be around 4.18 million visitors in 2025.
- Malaysia: More than 4 million visitors every year.
- Russia: Approximately 1.69 million visitors.
The officials emphasized that it was not a blanket ban but rather a genuine short-term tourists are not affected much. Nevertheless, passengers whose profiles indicate irregular travel habits, frequent long stays, or vague route plans can also be questioned further.
Immigration officials are also looking at travel history, hotel reservations, returning tickets, and evidence of funds, and liaising with intelligence services to determine those on watchlists or suspected of trying to enter the country to engage in illegal actions, including activity around border areas like Mae Sot in Myanmar.
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Part of a Broader 2025 Immigration Crackdown.
The screening at the airport is part of a wider immigration enforcement effort, which began in the first half of this year. Thai authorities have been enforcing since January 2025:
Turned back over 2,900 passengers who tried to make many visa runs without any place to visit.
Deported foreigners associated with a scam business and unlawful working.
Banned permanently for repeat offenders and overstayers.
According to the officials, the crackdown will help reduce cases of cyber crimes, unauthorized employment, overstays, and misuse of visa waivers, and maintain the reputation of Thailand as a destination for legitimate tourists.
Traveler Advice to Incoming Travelers.
The immigration officials are advising the visa-free travelers, especially those of specific nations, to come in with neat documents, with;
- Booked hotel information.
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A return or onward ticket
- A definite and standardized travel schedule.
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Although the checks have become tighter, the officials stressed that the number of daily international arrivals is still fixed at 75,000 to 80,000 passengers, which explains that the step is aimed at strengthening security without derailing the mainstream tourism.
Thailand will remain a safe and welcoming destination, authorities added, as it strengthens the integrity of its immigration regime in response to the changing security concerns in the region and the world. added, as it strengthens the integrity of its immigration regime in response to the changing security concerns in the region and the world.
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