In the latest visa run crackdown, foreigners who exit and immediately return to Thailand at land border crossings to extend their stay by 15-30 days will be refused entry stamps.
The move comes after the police investigation into the bomb blasts at Erawan Shrine and Sathorn pier discovered immigration police were bribed by a group linked to the suspects.
The order only applies to foreigners on visa exempt entries who have to complete a border run every 15 or 30 days.
“The order is not new. Originally, officers were authorised to consider giving permits. But in this current situation of heightened security, all officers have to step up restrictions,” said an immigration official.
From now on, foreigners who are re-entering Thailand will need to provide information to prove they are in the country as tourists.
Those wishing to enter Thailand from Cambodia will have to go to Phnom Penh to apply for a visa at the Thai embassy, reported the Bangkok Post.
Unlawful practices such as accepting bribes reportedly made about THB2 million in profit for the immigration police every day under the current bureau chief.
Photo: Sarah Cuiksa
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