The Thai Immigration Bureau has denied entry to more than 30 foreign individuals deemed suspicious after adopting heightened screening measures during the conflict in the Middle East.
A total of 870 foreigners have been interviewed over the past 13 days, Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, a spokesman for the bureau, said on Saturday.
In light of the ongoing situation in Middle East, the Thai public has expressed concern that the country could become a relocation hub, potentially affecting local communities, Pol Maj Gen Choengron said.
The concerns have been fanned by misinformation circulating online — most recently a widely shared claim that over 400,000 Israelis had settled in Thailand.
The bureau this week clarified that the figure quoted referred to all Israeli arrivals and departures throughout 2025, adding that about 30,000 Israelis currently reside in the Kingdom.
Still, Pol Maj Gen Choengron said the corrected figure was relatively high, prompting tourism agencies, local police and immigration officers to intensify checks in various areas.
There has been some backlash against Israelis in two destinations — Pai in Mae Hong Son and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani — that are particularly popular with tourists from that country.
At the same time, Israel has advised its nationals in Thailand to be careful about their personal safety and heightened risk of trouble.
Authorities in Thailand have been instructed to update local data focusing on foreign communities from 18 Middle Eastern nationalities and countries involved in the conflict.
Those entering under the visa-free scheme must undergo stricter screening, including checks on travel plans, accommodation and return itineraries. If officers have any suspicions, entry is denied immediately, Pol Maj Gen Choengron said.
The measures also include assistance for foreigners unable to return home due to airspace closures. Their overstay fines are waived, allowing them to extend stays for 30 days at a time, provided they obtain embassy certification.
Pol Maj Gen Choengron emphasised that the issue is not the quantity of foreign tourists but their quality.
In 2025 alone, 3,249 visas were revoked for foreigners who committed crimes or caused unrest, particularly in tourist areas such as Pattaya, Phuket, Samui and Phangan.
In the first two months of this year, 972 visas were revoked, he said.
Source: Bangkok Post