Dramatic move by the Thai government: what will happen to the Israeli tourist
After months of rumors, the change in the East becomes official: starting September 15, visa-free tourist stays will be cut in half from 60 to only 30 days. All the details.
The dream vacation in the East is becoming much shorter: the Thai government has published in the official gazette the discussed reform in visa policy, which determines that the visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 countries, including Israel, will be cut in half and will stand at only 30 days. The regulations will come into effect on September 15, while those who land in the country by September 14 will still enjoy the extended 60-day exemption.
Travelers planning a long stay will now have to apply in advance to the immigration authorities in Thailand to request an extension of an additional 30 days. In addition, the reform puts an end to the "visa run" phenomenon via land: entry into Thailand through land border crossings will be limited to twice per calendar year, a restriction that does not apply to entries by flight. In Bangkok, they explain that the cut is intended to tighten security and economic oversight and prevent abuse of the visa for illegal work.
As recalled, Thai patience towards inappropriate behavior by tourists is running out, giving way to unusual protests and strict enforcement measures. Among other things, about 200 local residents at Patong Beach on the island of Phuket demonstrated under the title "Save Phuket" with a demand to show respect for local laws and culture.
Although the change in visa policy is not specifically aimed against Israel, it comes at the peak of a tense period in which several unusual incidents involving Israelis in Phuket and Koh Samui were covered in Thailand, which led to the cancellation of visas, local protests, and even a sharp warning from the Thai Ministry of Tourism, which clarified that it would not tolerate public disturbances or violations of the law.
