The Immigration Bureau (IB) is implementing measures to ensure that immigration control at airports will take no longer than 45 seconds per person. This initiative supports the government’s expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors, which was launched on Monday.

 

Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, the IB deputy chief, announced on Tuesday that the bureau is prepared to align with the government’s policy. To alleviate long queues at immigration check-in booths during peak hours, the number of immigration officials will be increased.

 

“Our goal is to ensure that each arriving passenger will clear immigration within 45 seconds,” stated Pol Maj Gen Phanthana. He also mentioned that airports are incorporating biometric technology to enhance security against transnational criminals.

 

Furthermore, Section 38 of the Immigration Act mandates that house owners, heads of households, landlords, or hotel managers who accommodate foreign visitors must report their presence to immigration authorities within 24 hours of their arrival. This allows immigration authorities to monitor foreigners staying in the country.

 

The expanded visa-free scheme now allows citizens from 93 countries and territories to enter the kingdom without a visa, up from 57 previously. The details of this expansion were published in the Royal Gazette on Monday, and those arriving under this scheme can stay in the country for up to 60 days.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured that the immigration police and security authorities have made the necessary arrangements to accommodate this policy. “I believe the scheme will bring long-term benefits,” he remarked.

 

The Ministry of Interior spearheaded the expansion of the visa-free scheme, which includes extending the list of visa-exempt countries, increasing the number of countries eligible for visas on arrival, introducing the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote work and tourism, and extending stay durations for foreign students seeking employment post-graduation.

 

The DTV permits foreigners to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days at a time for tourism and remote work purposes. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years. Eligible individuals include remote workers, also known as digital nomads or freelancers, and those participating in activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders are also included.

 

 

Source: Bangkok Post

 

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