Showing 1 - 10 of 1,243
Thailand reviewing visa-free stays as local complaints pile up
Gary Boyle, Published on 19/02/2026
» Thailand’s caretaker government is considering a reduction of the 60‑day visa‑free stay period, following numerous complaints that foreigners have been exploiting the system to engage in illegal activities or exploit local residents, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
'Buy property, get visa' plan upsets Phuket tourism operators
Gary Boyle, Published on 18/02/2026
» Phuket tourism operators oppose the government's policy allowing foreigners who buy real estate worth 3 million baht to qualify for a long‑stay visa, arguing the investment threshold is too low and could attract "non‑quality" visitors as well as risking an increase in property prices.
‘Biggest’ Israeli drug dealer on Koh Phangan arrested
Gary Boyle, Published on 16/02/2026
» A major Israeli drug dealer, who operated out of the restaurant he owned on Koh Phangan, was arrested on Friday with narcotics worth over 50 million baht.
Visa-free stays to be cut from 60 to 30 days
Gary Boyle, Published on 12/02/2026
» The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government's plan to reduce visa‑free stays from 60 to 30 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists on average stay for less than a month.
Visa changes aim to boost tourism
Gary Boyle, Published on 11/02/2026
» The cabinet on Tuesday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors and stimulate the economy.
French national arrested after cocaine sachets found at Phuket airport
Gary Boyle, Published on 06/02/2026
» A 46-year-old French man was arrested after 10 sachets of cocaine were found at on the floor at Phuket International Airport.
Cannabis shops face clampdown
Gary Boyle, Published on 07/01/2026
» The Ministry of Public Health is pushing for a new regulation on cannabis before the next government takes office, with the draft now under review by the Office of the Council of State.
32.9m foreigners visited Thailand in 2025
Gary Boyle, Published on 06/01/2026
» Thailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, a 7.23% fall from 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported.
Rude photographers under fire at Wat Arun
Gary Boyle, Published on 06/01/2026
» Local photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok have been accused of rudely shooing visitors away so they can take photos of their paying customers, many wearing rented Thai costumes.
Thai Immigration Bureau dismisses complaints
Gary Boyle, Published on 02/01/2026
» The Immigration Bureau (IB) has dismissed viral complaints about long queues at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, saying officers clear passengers within 30 minutes, even during peak holiday traffic.