Thailand is canceling the 60-day visa-free entry program for citizens of 93 countries, including Ukraine, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and most European countries.
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Now most tourists will be able to stay in the country without a visa for only 30 days, and citizens of some countries will have to obtain a visa upon arrival, writes the BBC.
The right to visa-free stay for up to 60 days was previously enjoyed by citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, the USA and other countries.
The country's Foreign Ministry stated that this is being done primarily for security reasons.
Thailand has recently seen a series of high-profile arrests of foreigners in drug and sex trafficking cases, as well as a rise in petty crimes ranging from shoplifting to public indecency.
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“Tourists bring benefits, such as supporting the economy. But the current system has allowed some people to abuse it,” said government spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek .
The government has decided to review visa policies to “better suit the current situation, both from an economic and national security perspective,” said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul .
As a reminder, a high-profile scandal has erupted in Thailand that has shaken the Buddhist community. A woman nicknamed “Mrs. Golf” was arrested for blackmailing monks with intimate photos and videos obtained after sexual contact with them.
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At least nine monks were victims of “Mrs. Golf,” who had sex with them, took photos and videos, and then extorted money by threatening to make the information public. Over three years, she received about 385 million baht (about $11.9 million).