thailand tightens borders

Thailand Tightens Borders with Enhanced Biometric Screening to Combat Crime

In a significant move to bolster national security, Thai Immigration announced on 25 November enhanced screening and verification measures for all foreign nationals entering and exiting the kingdom. The initiative, which applies across all international airports and land border checkpoints, is designed to prevent individuals from disguising themselves as tourists to commit crimes or engage in unlawful activities.

Thailand Launches National Crackdown on Foreigners Abusing Visa-Free Entries

Police Major General Jaturapat Bhiromkaew, the Deputy Spokesperson, stated that these are preventive measures applied equally to all nationalities without targeting any specific group. The screening process will focus on identifying high-risk behaviours, including unusually frequent entries and exits, the misuse of visas, or individuals flagged by INTERPOL and other international security intelligence agencies.

Operationally, immigration officers have been instructed to increase the thoroughness of inspections by leveraging advanced biometric systems and international databases. This technological approach aims to prevent document forgery, illegal entry, and the movements of individuals potentially linked to serious transnational crimes such as human trafficking, illegal labour, call-centre fraud, and money laundering.

Authorities have emphasised that despite the increased scrutiny, the measures will adhere to human rights standards to ensure law-abiding tourists are not adversely affected. Police General Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, reinforced this by stating that all officers are strictly prohibited from soliciting or accepting any benefits, with any violations resulting in immediate criminal and disciplinary action.

A key focus of the new protocol is to block foreigners, particularly scammers, who exploit Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme by making repeated “visa runs” to extend their stay indefinitely. Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, explained that officers will now carefully question foreigners making a third consecutive visit with back-to-back visa-free stays. Individuals who have remained in the country for extended periods, such as 45 days or more per visit, will also face greater examination.

“These foreigners do not visit Thailand for tourism. Many of them work or operate businesses with Thai nominees as fronts,” said Pol Maj Gen Choengron. He revealed that some visitors have made as many as seven visa runs in a row, accumulating stays exceeding 200 days while avoiding official visa channels that would place them within Thailand’s systems for occupational and tax control.

The deputy commissioner added that immigration police would deny repeated entry to such visitors to prevent scammers from relocating their illicit businesses to Thailand. He also addressed misinformation, noting that those profiting from visa-run services have begun spreading false claims that immigration is targeting specific nationalities.

Thai Officials Assess 60-Day Visa-Free Policy’s Economic and Security Impacts

The Immigration Bureau has affirmed its commitment to continuously monitor and refine the screening procedures to ensure they effectively target high-risk individuals while safeguarding the travel experience of genuine tourists, who are always welcomed.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • | |

    AJK polls begin with 19,000 security personnel

    The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections is being held today across the Mirpur division, with authorities completing extensive arrangements for polling and security. The first phase covers Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts. Officials said all polling material has been delivered to the designated polling stations ahead of voting. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel said the authorities were committed to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. They urged voters to exercise their democratic right peacefully. They also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt polling or create a law and order situation. Officials advised voters and political workers to avoid spreading or believing unverified information circulating on social media. They said all stakeholders must follow the election code of conduct. The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. Polling in the Mirpur division is taking place today. The second phase will be held in Muzaffarabad on August 2, followed by the third phase in Poonch on August 10. Security has been significantly increased across the three districts. Mirpur police authorities said a detailed security plan has been prepared to protect voters, election staff and polling stations. Mirpur SSP Khurram Iqbal said security forces have adopted a three-layer strategy. Polling stations have been divided into highly sensitive, sensitive and normal categories. Security personnel and resources have been assigned according to the level of risk. The district has also been divided into 56 security sectors. Each sector is being supervised by a deputy superintendent of police. Monitoring and rapid-response teams will remain active throughout the voting process. Authorities have also prepared additional contingency arrangements to deal with emergencies. A second response force will be available if required, while a third security layer will operate under zonal commanders. More than 1.4 million registered voters are expected to participate in the first phase across 13 constituencies. Authorities have established 2,454 polling stations containing 3,701 polling booths. Around 3,500 election officials have been assigned duties for the polling process. Voting will take place from 8am to 5pm. The 13 constituencies include four in Mirpur district, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. Of the total polling stations, 1,965 have been classified as sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel have been deployed across the division. The force includes around 17,000 police officers, while approximately 2,100 army personnel will remain available as a backup force. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats. The main political competition is expected to involve the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, along with several influential independent candidates. Authorities have appealed to voters, candidates and political workers to cooperate with security personnel and maintain peace throughout polling.

  • | |

    Rosie O’Donnell names Mounjaro as part of why sh…

    Rosie O’Donnell is opening up about a major change in her health journey, revealing that Mounjaro has played a role in helping her feel healthier and more comfortable at 64. The comedian and former talk-show host discussed her experience during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast. O’Donnell said she has reached a point where she feels better than she ever has, while reflecting on how her health has changed in recent years. (Business Insider⁠) O’Donnell’s unexpected weight-loss experience O’Donnell explained that her doctor initially prescribed Mounjaro about three years ago to help manage her diabetes. According to the actress, weight loss was not the reason she was given the medication. She said her doctor was focused on improving her health numbers rather than changing her appearance. However, O’Donnell soon noticed a significant change in her appetite and weight. The weight loss happened quickly enough to surprise her. O’Donnell recalled losing 12 pounds within two weeks without intentionally changing her lifestyle. The sudden change initially concerned her, and she said she even worried that an underlying illness could be responsible. For O’Donnell, the experience was particularly unexpected because she had struggled with losing weight in the past, even when she was actively trying. Feeling healthier at 64 While discussing her current health with Poehler, O’Donnell said she has never felt better. She acknowledged that it took until age 64 to reach this point, adding that Mounjaro was one part of the change. Her comments highlight how her experience with the medication began as part of diabetes care rather than a cosmetic weight-loss plan. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and was approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes in 2022. The same active ingredient was later approved for chronic weight management under the brand name Zepbound. (Business Insider⁠) A personal health conversation O’Donnell is among several public figures who have spoken publicly about their experiences with GLP-1 medications. However, responses to these medications can vary, and they can cause side effects including gastrointestinal problems. For O’Donnell, the discussion was less about a dramatic transformation and more about how she feels today. Her conversation with Poehler offered a personal look at a health journey that began with diabetes treatment and unexpectedly affected her weight as well. At 64, O’Donnell says she feels more comfortable and healthier, describing this period of her life as one in which she has finally found a better sense of well-being.

  • | |

    Duki road renamed after acid attack survivor Dr Ma…

    Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced that a major road in Duki district will be renamed after Dr Mahnoor Nasir, a female doctor who survived a severe acid attack earlier this year. The decision has been taken to honour Dr Mahnoor’s courage, resilience and dedication to her profession. The chief minister said her determination and commitment to duty had made her an example for women across Balochistan. Under the notification issued by the provincial government, Haji Amanullah Masjid Road near Damani Chowk in Duki will now be known as Dr Mahnoor Nasar Road. The new name will take effect immediately. Dr Mahnoor, a 29-year-old doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta, was seriously injured in an acid attack in June. She suffered extensive burns to her face, chest, legs and other parts of her body. According to police, the alleged attacker was a hospital employee identified as Humayun Shah. Law enforcement officials later traced him while he was attempting to escape on a bus. Police said he was killed during an encounter. Chief Minister Bugti praised Dr Mahnoor for continuing to demonstrate courage despite the severe injuries she suffered. He said recognising citizens who show bravery and remain committed to their responsibilities was a duty of the government. The acid attack triggered strong condemnation across Balochistan. Members of the medical community, government officials and other sections of society called for strict action against those responsible. Doctors in Quetta also staged a strike following the incident. They demanded a transparent investigation and stronger measures to ensure the safety of medical professionals, particularly women working in hospitals. The case also came amid wider legal and social concern over acid attacks in Pakistan. In a significant ruling issued days after the incident, the Supreme Court described acid violence, or vitriolage, as a particularly heinous offence and said its gravity could exceed that of homicide. The renaming of the road is being presented by the Balochistan government as a public tribute to Dr Mahnoor’s resilience. Officials said the initiative is also intended to highlight the importance of recognising women who continue to serve their communities despite facing serious challenges.

  • | |

    Five killed in Michigan shooting as suspect found …

    MICHIGAN: Five people were killed in a shooting in northern Michigan on Friday, while a suspected gunman was later found dead after police launched a manhunt, authorities said. Michigan State Police said troopers were dispatched at around 11:40am to a home in Missaukee County following reports of gunfire. Officers arriving at the scene discovered three people dead and a fourth victim seriously wounded. The injured person was taken to hospital and remained in critical condition, police said. Investigators identified the suspected shooter as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, who allegedly fled the area before officers arrived. His disappearance triggered an extensive search across the surrounding area as law enforcement teams worked to locate him. During the manhunt, investigators discovered another deceased victim at a second residence, bringing the reported death toll to five. Police later found Hickman’s vehicle near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake. When officers searched the area, they found Hickman and another person dead, according to the state police statement. Authorities have not yet provided details about how Hickman or the other person died, and the circumstances surrounding the additional death remain under investigation. “This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved,” Lieutenant Ashley Miller said in a statement cited by police. Police have withheld the names, ages and genders of the victims while officials work to notify their next of kin. The incident has left the northern Michigan community shaken as investigators continue examining the shooting, the second residence and the circumstances that led to the suspect’s death. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation progresses.

  • | | |

    ECC to review Rs1.34 hike in dealers’ margin

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is set to consider a proposal to increase the margin of petroleum dealers. The meeting will be held on Friday evening. Federal Finance Minister will chair the session. The meeting is scheduled for 6pm. According to sources, the increase in petroleum dealers’ margins is the only item on the agenda. The committee will examine a proposal for a Rs1.34 per litre increase. Petroleum dealers currently receive a margin of Rs8.64 per litre on petroleum products. If approved, the proposed increase will raise the margin to Rs9.98 per litre. The proposal comes after discussions between the government and representatives of petroleum dealers. During those talks, the government had assured dealers that their margin would be increased. Dealers have been seeking an adjustment in their margin amid rising operational expenses. They argue that higher costs have affected the profitability of their businesses. The ECC will review the proposal and decide whether the increase should be approved. The committee’s decision will determine the next steps for implementing the proposed adjustment. Any increase in the dealers’ margin could also affect the overall pricing structure of petroleum products. The final impact will depend on how the government incorporates the additional margin into the pricing mechanism.

  • | |

    Hilaria Baldwin shares hilarious parenting mix-up …

    Hilaria Baldwin is embracing the chaos of life as a mother of seven, admitting that raising a large family often leads to funny and unforgettable moments. During a recent interview, the wellness entrepreneur shared that keeping track of seven children can sometimes become so overwhelming that she occasionally mixes up their names, something many parents can relate to. Speaking candidly about family life, Hilaria laughed as she confessed that there are days when she accidentally calls one child by another’s name. She explained that with so many busy schedules, school activities and daily routines, moments of confusion are almost inevitable. “It’s just part of having a big family,” she joked, adding that her children have learned to laugh about the mix-ups rather than take them seriously. According to Hilaria, the occasional mistake has become a normal part of life in the Baldwin household. The 42-year-old shares seven children with actor Alec Baldwin, and together they have built a lively home filled with constant activity. While caring for such a large family may seem overwhelming from the outside, Hilaria says she and Alec have found a system that works well for them. She revealed that parenting is very much a team effort. Rather than assigning one parent to every responsibility, the couple divides tasks depending on the day’s schedule. Whether it’s preparing meals, helping with homework, attending school events or putting the children to bed, they support each other to ensure everything gets done. Hilaria explained that flexibility has become the key to managing their household. Some days Alec takes on more responsibilities, while on other days she steps in to handle the majority of the family’s needs. Their ability to communicate and adapt has helped them navigate the demands of raising seven children together. The author also acknowledged that parenting is rarely perfect. She said there are moments of exhaustion, unexpected challenges and plenty of laughter along the way. Instead of striving for perfection, she believes it’s more important to create a loving environment where children feel supported and understood. Her honest comments resonated with many parents online, who praised her willingness to discuss the realities of family life rather than presenting an unrealistic image of perfection. Many social media users admitted they also mix up their children’s names, even in much smaller families. Hilaria has frequently shared glimpses of her home life on social media, offering followers a look at both the joyful and challenging moments of parenting. Her latest interview continues that tradition, highlighting the humor that often comes with raising a large family. Despite the occasional name mix-up, Hilaria made one thing clear: every moment with her children is meaningful. While life with seven kids can be hectic, she says the laughter, love and unforgettable memories make every challenge worthwhile. Her candid reflections offer a reminder that even celebrity families experience the same everyday parenting moments as everyone else.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *