Bangkok: The National Tourism Administration (NTTA) is urging the government to reevaluate the "free visa" policy following instances of fraudulent activities and an influx of low-quality tourists. This call to action comes amid concerns that the policy may be causing more harm than good for Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Vanus Hoasaengchai, a former candidate for Member of Parliament in Bangkok's District 2 from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, commented on the ongoing issues stemming from the "free visa" policy. While it has successfully increased tourist numbers, it has also led to rising concerns about the benefits Thailand receives in comparison to the costs incurred.
Mr. Vanus pointed out that prioritizing the "quantity" of tourists without assessing their "quality" could have negative implications across economic, social, and security dimensions. He emphasized the issue of "grey capital" where individuals, disguised as tourists, engage in illegal businesses or call center scams, exposing flaws in the current screening system.
Additionally, Mr. Vanus highlighted that some tourists enter the country illegally to work or without sufficient funds, becoming a societal burden. The overwhelming number of tourists also leads to overcrowded destinations, environmental degradation, and strains on city infrastructure. The public health system is similarly affected when uninsured tourists who fall ill or get injured become financial burdens on government resources.
To address these issues, Mr. Vanus proposed that Thailand should prioritize "quality" over "quantity" by implementing clearer and more concrete screening measures. This could include requiring proof of financial resources or travel plans to ensure genuine tourism intentions, along with mandatory travel insurance to mitigate costs of medical care for tourists.
He also recommended the introduction of an online pre-registration system, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), for conducting background checks, especially for criminal records, similar to systems used in other countries. Collecting entry fees was suggested to help revitalize tourist sites and develop tourism infrastructure in the long run.
Mr. Vanus warned that if Thailand continues to focus solely on increasing tourist numbers without regard for quality, it could face significant long-term costs economically, socially, and environmentally. He urged the government to seriously reconsider its "free visa" policy to ensure a balanced and sustainable future for the country.