Thailand Worries Over Japan’s Visa Policy

Thai officials fear Japan may revoke visa-free entry for Thais due to overstays. Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with Japanese embassy to address concerns regarding Thai nationals exceeding their 15-day visa-free stay in Japan.

Thai Deputy Foreign Minister, Jakkapong Sangmanee, assures Japanese embassy of Thailand’s commitment to resolving the issue. Discussions stem from Japan’s apprehension, hinting at a possible review of its visa policy.

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In talks, Jakkapong suggests identifying genuine tourists from those seeking illegal employment in Japan, focusing on the latter group. Japanese embassy welcomes the proposal, promising to convey it to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Japan’s visa waiver for Thais, in effect since 2022, may expire in early 2025. Last year, around 1 million Thai nationals visited Japan, with an expected increase to 1.5 million this year.

Thai officials emphasize collaboration among various stakeholders to prevent overstays, including public and private sectors, civil society, and media. Thai government warns citizens about penalties for illegal stays in Japan.

Thailand, known for its tourism-friendly policies, is a sought-after destination. The country continues to establish visa-free agreements, including a recent one with China, effective since March.