Thailand warns of visa revocations over foreign tourist misconduct
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul says visas could be revoked over reports of inappropriate behaviour by some Israeli tourist groups in Phuket and Koh Samui.
- The Thai government has warned it is prepared to revoke the visas of foreign tourists who engage in misconduct or cause disruptions.
- This policy is a direct response to reports of inappropriate and disruptive behavior by some tourists in popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui.
- Officials stated that while all nationalities are welcome, visitors must respect Thai law and culture and will not be allowed to use the country as a "playground."
- The measure aims to protect Thailand's tourism image, ensure safety, and maintain a positive atmosphere for other tourists and local businesses.
Tourism in important economic areas such as Phuket province and Koh Samui is facing a new challenge.
There have been reports that some groups of foreign tourists, particularly groups of Israeli tourists, behaved inappropriately and caused trouble and disruption after entering the areas.
The reported behaviour has directly affected the tourism atmosphere, safety and the image of the local service sector as efforts are made to elevate the areas into global destinations.
In response, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul discussed measures for dealing decisively with the problem in an interview.
He said the behaviour was a matter of individual conduct and that the ministry would neither ignore the issue nor allow it to spread or escalate.
The government was ready to coordinate with the relevant agencies for immediate action to “revoke the visas” of tourists who caused trouble.
Surasak made clear that Thailand welcomes tourists from around the world, but those entering the country must respect Thai law and culture.
The government would not allow tourists of any nationality to use Thailand as a “playground” or use any area for symbolic expressions connected with any conflict.
Revoking the visas of individuals who cause problems before matters escalate is regarded as an important measure to preserve a positive atmosphere for Thailand’s tourism industry and reassure both business operators and tourists of other nationalities who travel to Thailand for holidays in the proper manner.
