Minister scrambles to offer 15 day visa on arrival to smaller markets with reports of losses to Vietnam

October 28, 2026 at 1:26 am

in Economy , Living , Media , Politics , Thailand

Thailand is losing tourists to Vietnam as a visa crackdown backfires, leaving passengers unable to board flights and travel agents cancelling Thai holidays. Emirates has reportedly complained after Mexican passengers missed flights, while Uzbek operators are switching bookings to Vietnam. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul is scrambling to restore 15-day visa-free entry for Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan. However, his proposals face a 9 November hearing, with no immediate relief. Meanwhile, Thailand’s foreign arrivals have plunged 4.12%, while Vietnam has surged 14.5%, including a staggering 55% rise in European visitors. The crisis comes ahead of Thailand’s vital winter tourism high season.

Thailand’s visa crackdown backfires! Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul seeks relief as Mexicans miss flights, Uzbek agents turn to Vietnam and arrivals fall. ( Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports )

Thailand is losing tourist business to Vietnam as visa delays leave passengers stranded and overseas travel agents cancelling holiday packages. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul is seeking fresh entry exemptions for Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

However, his proposals will not reach the Visa Policy Committee until 9 November. The intervention follows complaints from Emirates and reports of cancelled bookings. Meanwhile, foreign arrivals have fallen 4.12% this year, while Vietnam has seen strong growth.

The dispute follows Thailand’s sweeping visa overhaul on 15 September. The changes removed existing entry privileges from several smaller tourism markets. As a result, travellers previously exempt from advance visa requirements must now obtain approval before departure. The resulting delays have affected airline bookings and overseas tour operators. Some agencies have reportedly responded by transferring customers to Vietnam.

Mexican passengers miss flights as visa delays hit airlines and Uzbek tour operators switch to Vietnam

Emirates has raised concerns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand over Mexican passengers missing scheduled flights. Industry reports indicate between 20 and 30 passengers failed to board some affected services.

Their visas had reportedly not been issued before departure. Separately, other accounts described passenger attendance falling by 20–30% on certain flights. The precise routes and passenger totals were not consistently identified.

The problems have surfaced during Thailand’s approaching winter tourism season. International travel companies are arranging flights, accommodation and holiday packages for the final quarter. Yet uncertainty over visa approvals has complicated those arrangements.

In Uzbekistan, some agents have reportedly cancelled Thai packages and substituted Vietnam. Tourism officials have acknowledged the disruption involving applications handled through Thailand’s embassy in Moscow.

The wider figures underline the pressure facing Thailand’s tourism industry. Official statistics released on 19 October recorded 24,423,680 foreign arrivals between 1 January and 17 October. That represented a 4.12% annual decline.

Thailand loses tourism revenue as September visa overhaul strips entry privileges from smaller markets

Tourism receipts reached approximately ฿1.19 trillion. By comparison, Vietnam received 17.68 million international visitors during January–September, up 14.5%. European arrivals increased 55%, while arrivals from the Americas rose 20%.

Thailand’s visa overhaul was approved by the Cabinet in May. Subsequently, the revised regulations appeared in the Royal Gazette on 31 August. They took effect on 15 September. The government abolished the previous 60-day visa-exemption scheme covering 93 countries and territories. It also reorganised shorter exemptions and reduced the nationalities eligible for visas on arrival.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the review considered national security, economic interests and reciprocal entry arrangements. Officials also cited overlapping privileges and the availability of electronic visas.

The ministry maintained that the changes would simplify procedures and reduce confusion. Nevertheless, their implementation introduced new requirements for visitors from several established tourism markets.

Mexican passport holders previously enjoyed visa-free entry for up to 60 days. From 15 September, they were required to obtain visas before travelling. Similar changes affected Guatemala and Cuba. Colombia also lost its previous exemption. On another front, Uzbekistan lost both its 60-day exemption and its 15-day visa-on-arrival entitlement.

New electronic visa requirements disrupt high-season bookings and leave travellers awaiting approval

The changes coincided with preparations for Thailand’s high season. Previously, eligible visitors could book flights and accommodation without securing advance visa approval. Under the revised arrangements, they must complete electronic applications before departure.

However, submitting an application online does not automatically authorise travel. The relevant Thai embassy or consulate must still examine the documents and approve the request.

Applicants must provide personal details, upload supporting documents and pay the relevant fee. Afterwards, they must wait for their visas to be issued. Consequently, passengers can hold confirmed tickets and hotel reservations without permission to board their flights. The distinction has become central to complaints from airlines and travel agents.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico City advises that processing normally takes five to ten working days. That period applies to applications containing complete and satisfactory documentation. Even so, the embassy recommends applying at least one month before arrival. Incorrect information or missing documents can result in cancellation. Applicants may then have to submit fresh applications, with additional delays.

Mexican name rules add fresh visa obstacles as embassy staff work overtime to clear applications

The requirements concerning personal names are particularly relevant to Mexican citizens. Many use two given names and two family names. Accordingly, the embassy has published detailed instructions explaining how those names must appear in applications. Errors cannot necessarily be corrected after submission. Instead, an incorrect application may be cancelled, requiring the traveller to begin again.

These procedures have become significant as reports emerge of passengers missing flights. Tourists may have completed their bookings and paid for accommodation before receiving visa approval.

In some cases, applications remain pending when scheduled departure dates arrive. Industry sources have described the disruption as processing delays rather than widespread visa refusals. Nonetheless, the outcome can be the same for passengers unable to travel.

On 5 October, the Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico City issued an announcement addressing pressure on its visa operations. Staff had been working continuously, including outside normal office hours.

They had also prioritised applications from travellers whose departures were approaching. However, the embassy announced a different processing arrangement from 15 October.

Mexico embassy ends departure-date priority as Emirates reports passengers missing scheduled flights

Under the revised procedure, applications would be handled strictly in the order received. The embassy said the change would ensure fairness and accelerate processing. Accordingly, passengers with imminent departures would no longer receive the previously described priority treatment. The announcement also warned that incorrect or incomplete applications could be cancelled immediately. Visa fees would remain non-refundable.

The statement came less than three weeks after the new requirements took effect. By that stage, embassy staff had already been working additional hours to process applications.

Despite those efforts, the mission introduced a system based strictly on submission order. Passengers with confirmed flights therefore had no assurance that approval would arrive before departure.

The commercial consequences were reported on 27 October. Emirates had reportedly complained to the Tourism Authority of Thailand about Mexican passengers failing to board scheduled services. According to industry accounts, between 20 and 30 passengers were absent from some affected flights. Their visas had not arrived in time. Other reports described passenger attendance falling by 20–30% on certain services.

Airlines face empty seats and cancelled bookings as overseas agents divert Thai holidays to Vietnam

Those figures concern reported disruption on affected flights, not a verified decline across all Latin American arrivals. Nevertheless, they indicate difficulties affecting airline operations and holiday bookings.

Empty seats can result when passengers holding reservations cannot travel. Furthermore, last-minute cancellations complicate airline scheduling, passenger handling and commercial arrangements.

The consequences also extend to individual travellers. International tickets, hotel deposits and connecting services may already have been purchased. Yet a pending visa application can prevent the journey from proceeding. Travel agents face similar difficulties when customers cannot obtain approval before departure. In response, some operators have reportedly cancelled Thai packages and offered Vietnam instead.

The reported changes affect a business built around advance arrangements. Overseas agencies negotiate airline allocations, hotel accommodation and other services months before customers travel. Subsequently, they market those packages and accept reservations. Delays in securing entry documents disrupt that process. In particular, Uzbekistan has emerged as a market where agents have redirected business to Vietnam.

Uzbek tourists lose two entry privileges as visa delays prompt travel agents to abandon Thai packages

Until 15 September, Uzbek passport holders enjoyed two routes into Thailand without advance visa approval. They could enter under the 60-day exemption or obtain a 15-day visa upon arrival. Both arrangements were withdrawn. Consequently, Uzbek travellers must now secure approved electronic visas before departure.

Applications are handled through arrangements involving the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow. The embassy recommends allowing at least 14 working days for processing. Applicants are also advised to wait until approval before travelling.

The changes have altered the procedures used by Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism industry. Previously, agents could arrange Thai holidays without awaiting individual advance approvals.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor Chiravadee Khunsub has highlighted the difficulties. She oversees international marketing across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. According to reports on 27 October, she identified problems involving the Thai embassy in Russia. Some Uzbek travel agents had consequently cancelled Thai holiday packages and substituted Vietnam.

Uzbek travel agents switch business to Vietnam while Belarus retains its 15-day visa-on-arrival facility

The cancellations represent a reported transfer of tourism business following Thailand’s visa changes. Unlike broader comparisons of national arrival figures, the accounts identify a specific change in tour operators’ arrangements. They also involve a market where visitors previously enjoyed two separate entry privileges. Both were removed under the September regulations.

Belarus, however, retained a different arrangement. The Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow confirmed that Belarusian passport holders could continue obtaining 15-day visas on arrival. The facility remains available at designated Thai immigration checkpoints. Applicants must meet the relevant conditions and pay ฿2,000.

Unlike Uzbek visitors, Belarusian tourists do not require advance electronic visas for qualifying short stays. They must still apply for entry permission upon arrival. The arrangement is therefore different from visa-free entry. Notably, the available reports contain no confirmed evidence of comparable Belarusian processing delays or cancelled packages.

The distinction places Belarus and Uzbekistan under different entry arrangements despite their shared consular connection with Moscow. Uzbekistan lost both its exemption and visa-on-arrival entitlement. Belarus retained the shorter visa-on-arrival facility. Surasak’s proposed changes would address Uzbekistan’s position without altering the existing Belarusian arrangement.

Minister seeks 15-day visa exemptions for three countries but approval and implementation remain pending

The minister has acknowledged persistent visa-processing problems affecting Mexico and other Latin American markets. His ministry now intends to seek fresh exemptions through the Visa Policy Committee. The proposals cover Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Under the plan, eligible visitors could enter Thailand without advance visas for stays of up to 15 days.

Surasak said national security and economic considerations must be assessed before approval. At the same time, he indicated that exemptions should extend to suitable countries presenting limited security risks.

The proposed 15-day period reflects the typical duration of visits from the affected markets. However, the changes remain subject to government procedures.

Crucially, the proposal concerns visa exemptions rather than visas issued upon arrival. Under an exemption, eligible tourists can travel without obtaining a visa beforehand. They must still satisfy the applicable immigration conditions. By contrast, visa-on-arrival arrangements require applications at designated checkpoints, with possible documentation and fees.

The proposed changes would therefore remove the advance approval requirement for qualifying visitors from the three countries. However, the Visa Policy Committee must first consider the measures on 9 November. Further government approval and formal regulatory changes may follow. No implementation date has been announced.

No immediate visa relief announced as Thailand reports falling arrivals despite weekly tourism gains

The earlier overhaul demonstrates the timetable involved. Although Cabinet approval came in May, the revised regulations were not published until 31 August. They subsequently took effect on 15 September. In the current case, no confirmed timetable exists beyond the committee meeting. Affected travellers must therefore continue using the existing visa system.

Surasak has not announced an immediate fast-track procedure for applications already awaiting approval. Nor do the available reports confirm additional consular staff or guaranteed processing periods. Accordingly, passengers with approaching departures remain subject to existing arrangements. Airlines and tour operators must continue planning around uncertain approval dates.

The dispute comes amid a wider decline in Thailand’s tourism performance. Foreign arrivals reached 24,423,680 between 1 January and 17 October, down 4.12%. Receipts totalled approximately ฿1.19 trillion. The figures were released by Surasak on 19 October, alongside the latest weekly arrival statistics.

China remained Thailand’s largest source market, with 4.14 million visitors. Malaysia followed with 3.10 million, while India contributed 1.84 million. Russia accounted for 1.33 million and South Korea approximately 896,000. During 11–17 October, total arrivals increased 0.83% compared with the previous week. Long-haul arrivals rose 10.55%.

Kasikorn forecasts falling tourism revenue as Vietnam records sharp growth from Europe and the Americas

Despite that weekly improvement, annual visitor numbers remained lower. Kasikorn Research Centre forecasts 31.36 million foreign arrivals for 2026, a decline of 4.9%. It also expects international tourism revenue to fall 3.2% to approximately ฿1.54 trillion. Average spending per visitor is forecast at around ฿49,000, up 2%.

The research centre has identified several pressures on Thailand’s tourism industry. These include regional competition, changing travel preferences and international aviation disruptions. It has also highlighted weaker demand from several Asian markets and reduced flight schedules. In contrast, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia have continued attracting growing numbers of international visitors.

Vietnam’s expansion has been particularly strong among long-haul travellers. Official statistics recorded 17,680,714 international arrivals during January–September 2026, up 14.5%. European arrivals increased 55%, while visitors from the Americas rose 20%. Arrivals from Oceania also increased 21%.

Among European markets, Vietnam recorded growth from Britain, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland. Additionally, Russian arrivals exceeded one million during the first nine months. The expansion has broadened Vietnam’s international tourism market while Thailand faces declining overall arrivals.

Vietnam expands luxury tourism and longer visa access as Thai entry restrictions disrupt foreign travel

Vietnamese tourism authorities have credited favourable visa arrangements, improved international air connections and expanded accommodation capacity. The country has also developed luxury resorts, hotels, restaurants and other tourism facilities. Alongside those investments, lower accommodation, dining and transport costs have strengthened its appeal.

The growth places Vietnam in direct competition with Thailand for affluent Western and other international visitors. Its tourism offering increasingly combines developed accommodation with comparatively lower prices. Furthermore, Vietnam’s electronic visa system permits stays of up to 90 days, including multiple-entry arrangements. Selected nationalities also benefit from extended visa-free entry.

Thailand’s September changes moved several smaller markets towards advance visa requirements. Mexico and Uzbekistan illustrate the immediate differences. Visitors who previously enjoyed simplified entry must now obtain approval before travelling. In Uzbekistan, tour operators have reportedly responded by switching packages to Vietnam.

The reported Mexican passenger problems demonstrate another consequence. Airlines can accept reservations without passengers having secured the documents needed for departure. Subsequently, processing delays can prevent customers from travelling. The complaints involving Emirates show how immigration procedures can affect international airline operations.

Thailand faces winter high-season uncertainty as visa reform stalls and tourism business moves to Vietnam

The timing adds pressure ahead of Thailand’s winter high season. Hotels, airlines and tour operators depend on reservations made well before departure. However, the current application requirements remain in force until formally changed. The proposed exemptions offer no confirmed immediate relief to passengers already awaiting approval.

There is also a difference between the proposed 15-day exemption and Vietnam’s 90-day electronic visa. The Thai proposal would remove advance applications for qualifying short visits. Vietnam’s system permits considerably longer stays, although applicants must obtain electronic visas where required. These arrangements form part of the competition for long-haul travellers.

For now, the Tourism Ministry is preparing to restore simplified entry arrangements for selected nationalities. Those privileges were withdrawn only weeks earlier. The September overhaul was intended to reorganise immigration procedures and remove overlapping facilities. Instead, its implementation has coincided with airline complaints, missed flights and reports of holiday business moving to Vietnam.

Thailand’s international arrivals remain more than 4% below last year’s level. Vietnam, meanwhile, continues recording strong growth across European and other overseas markets. The contrast comes as Thailand’s government prepares another adjustment to its visa policy.

Surasak’s proposals will reach the Visa Policy Committee on 9 November. Until any exemptions are approved and implemented, Mexican, Colombian and Uzbek visitors remain subject to advance visa requirements. Airlines and overseas tour operators must continue working within those rules during the approaching high season.

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Joseph Anthony is an expat from Ireland who has lived in Thailand for the last decade. He has worked extensively in the media including editorial positions in Ireland and Thailand. He is focused on economic and business stories in Thailand as well as the expat lifestyle.

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2026年10月28日凌晨1点26分

经济、生活、媒体、政治、泰国

泰国签证政策收紧适得其反，导致大量游客流失到越南，乘客无法登机，旅行社也纷纷取消泰国旅游行程。据报道，阿联酋航空已就墨西哥乘客错过航班一事提出投诉，而乌兹别克斯坦的旅行社则将预订转至越南。旅游与体育部长素拉萨·潘查伦沃拉库尔正努力恢复墨西哥、哥伦比亚和乌兹别克斯坦15天免签入境政策。然而，他的提案将于11月9日接受听证，短期内无法得到缓解。与此同时，泰国外国游客入境人数骤降4.12%，而越南游客入境人数则激增14.5%，其中欧洲游客更是惊人地增长了55%。这场危机正值泰国冬季旅游旺季来临之际。

泰国签证管制措施适得其反！墨西哥人错过航班，乌兹别克斯坦的旅行社转向越南，入境人数下降，旅游与体育部长素拉萨·潘查伦沃拉库尔寻求缓解措施。（来源：旅游与体育部）

由于签证延误导致游客滞留，海外旅行社纷纷取消旅游套餐，泰国旅游业正遭受越南的冲击。旅游与体育部长素拉萨·潘查伦沃拉库尔正在寻求对墨西哥、哥伦比亚和乌兹别克斯坦给予新的入境豁免。

然而，他的提案要到11月9日才能提交签证政策委员会审议。此前，阿联酋航空提出投诉，并有报道称部分航班预订被取消。与此同时，今年外国游客入境人数下降了4.12%，而越南游客入境人数则实现了强劲增长。

此次争议源于泰国9月15日实施的全面签证改革。改革取消了部分小型旅游市场此前享有的入境特权。因此，此前无需提前申请签证的旅客现在必须在出发前获得签证批准。由此造成的延误影响了航空公司的预订和海外旅行社的运营。据报道，一些旅行社已将客户转至越南旅游。

墨西哥乘客因签证延误错过航班，乌兹别克斯坦旅行社转而前往越南旅游，乌兹别克斯坦旅行社则因签证延误而转向越南旅游。

阿联酋航空已就墨西哥乘客错过预定航班一事向泰国旅游局提出关切。业内报告显示，约有20至30名乘客未能登上部分受影响的航班。

据报道，他们的签证在出发前并未签发。另一些报道称，某些航班的乘客人数下降了20%至30%。具体航线和乘客总数并未得到一致确认。

这些问题在泰国冬季旅游旺季即将到来之际浮出水面。国际旅行社正在为最后一个季度安排航班、住宿和度假套餐。然而，签证审批的不确定性使这些安排变得复杂。

据报道，乌兹别克斯坦一些旅行社取消了泰国旅游套餐，转而提供越南旅游套餐。旅游官员已承认，通过泰国驻莫斯科大使馆办理的申请受到了影响。

更广泛的数据凸显了泰国旅游业面临的压力。10月19日公布的官方统计数据显示，1月1日至10月17日期间，外国游客入境人数为24,423,680人次，同比下降4.12%。

泰国因9月份签证改革取消小型市场的入境特权而损失旅游收入

旅游收入约为1.19万亿泰铢。相比之下，今年1月至9月，越南接待国际游客1768万人次，同比增长14.5%。其中，欧洲游客数量增长55%，美洲游客数量增长20%。

泰国签证改革方案于五月获得内阁批准。随后，修订后的法规于8月31日刊登在皇家公报上，并于9月15日生效。政府废除了此前涵盖93个国家和地区的60天免签政策，同时调整了较短的免签期限，并减少了可享受落地签的国籍范围。

据外交部称，此次审查考虑了国家安全、经济利益和互惠入境安排。官员们还提到了重叠的特权以及电子签证的普及。

该部坚称这些改革将简化程序，减少混乱。然而，改革的实施却给来自几个成熟旅游市场的游客带来了新的要求。

墨西哥护照持有者此前享有免签入境最多60天的待遇。自9月15日起，他们必须提前办理签证才能前往。危地马拉和古巴也面临类似的政策变化。哥伦比亚也失去了之前的免签待遇。另一方面，乌兹别克斯坦失去了60天的免签入境待遇和15天的落地签待遇。

新的电子签证要求扰乱了旺季预订，导致旅客等待审批。

这些调整恰逢泰国旅游旺季来临之际。此前，符合条件的游客无需提前获得签证批准即可预订机票和住宿。根据修订后的规定，他们必须在出发前完成电子申请。

但是，在线提交申请并不意味着自动获得旅行许可。相关的泰国大使馆或领事馆仍需审核文件并批准申请。

申请人必须提供个人信息、上传证明文件并支付相关费用。之后，他们必须等待签证签发。因此，乘客可能持有已确认的机票和酒店预订，却无法登机。这一区别已成为航空公司和旅行社投诉的焦点。

泰国驻墨西哥城大使馆表示，申请处理通常需要五到十个工作日。此期限适用于文件齐全且符合要求的申请。即便如此，大使馆仍建议至少提前一个月提交申请。信息不完整或文件缺失可能导致申请被取消。届时，申请人可能需要重新提交申请，从而造成进一步的延误。

墨西哥的姓名规定给签证申请增添了新的障碍，使馆工作人员加班加点处理申请。

关于姓名的要求与墨西哥公民尤为相关。许多墨西哥公民使用两个名字和两个姓氏。因此，大使馆发布了详细说明，解释申请表上姓名的填写方式。提交后，错误信息可能无法更正。错误的申请可能会被取消，申请人需要重新申请。

随着乘客错过航班的报道不断出现，这些程序变得尤为重要。游客可能在签证获批前就已经完成了预订并支付了住宿费用。

在某些情况下，即使到了预定出发日期，申请仍处于待处理状态。业内人士将这种情况描述为处理延误，而非大规模拒签。然而，对于无法出行的旅客来说，结果可能是一样的。

10月5日，泰国驻墨西哥城大使馆发布公告，回应签证业务面临的压力。工作人员一直在持续工作，包括在正常办公时间之外。

他们此前优先处理临近出发日期的旅客的申请。然而，大使馆宣布自10月15日起实行不同的处理安排。

墨西哥大使馆取消了出发日期优先政策，此前阿联酋航空报告称有乘客错过预定航班。

根据修订后的程序，申请将严格按照收到顺序处理。大使馆表示，此举旨在确保公平并加快处理速度。因此，即将出发的旅客将不再享受此前所述的优先待遇。公告还警告称，不完整或不正确的申请可能会被立即取消。签证费仍不予退还。

新规生效不到三周后，该声明便发布了。当时，使馆工作人员已经开始加班加点处理申请。

尽管做出了这些努力，但该任务引入的系统仍然完全基于提交顺序。因此，即使航班已确认，乘客也无法保证在出发前一定能获得批准。

10月27日，有关此次事件的商业影响被曝光。据报道，阿联酋航空曾向泰国旅游局投诉，称有墨西哥乘客未能按计划登机。业内人士透露，部分受影响航班有20至30名乘客缺席，原因是他们的签证未能及时送达。另有报道称，部分航班的乘客出席率下降了20%至30%。

由于海外旅行社将泰国假期转移到越南，航空公司面临空座和取消预订的困境。

这些令人担忧的数据反映的是受影响航班的延误，而非所有拉丁美洲入境旅客人数的经核实下降。尽管如此，这些数据仍然表明航空公司运营和度假预订受到了影响。

当持有预订机票的乘客无法出行时，就会出现空位。此外，临时取消航班也会使航空公司的航班安排、乘客服务和商业安排变得复杂。

个人旅行者也面临着同样的困境。他们可能已经购买了国际机票、酒店订金和转机服务，但签证申请尚未获批却可能导致行程无法成行。旅行社也面临着类似的难题，因为客户在出发前无法获得签证批准。据报道，一些旅行社因此取消了泰国旅游套餐，转而提供越南旅游套餐。

据报道，这些变化影响的是以提前预订为核心的业务模式。海外旅行社在客户出行前数月就与航空公司协商机票、酒店住宿和其他服务。随后，他们推广这些旅行套餐并接受预订。入境文件办理延误会扰乱这一流程。尤其值得注意的是，乌兹别克斯坦市场已成为代理商将业务转移到越南的市场。

签证延误导致旅行社放弃泰国旅游套餐，乌兹别克斯坦游客失去两项入境特权。

9月15日之前，乌兹别克斯坦护照持有者无需提前获得签证即可通过两种途径进入泰国：一是享受60天免签入境，二是落地签（有效期15天）。这两项安排均已取消。因此，乌兹别克斯坦旅客现在必须在出发前获得电子签证。

申请事宜需通过泰国驻莫斯科大使馆办理。大使馆建议至少预留14个工作日的处理时间。申请人还被建议在申请获批后再出行。

这些变化改变了乌兹别克斯坦出境旅游业的运作流程。此前，旅行社无需事先获得个人批准即可安排泰国旅游行程。

泰国旅游局副局长奇拉瓦迪·昆苏布强调了遇到的困难。她负责欧洲、美洲、中东和非洲的国际市场营销。据10月27日报道，她发现泰国驻俄罗斯大使馆存在一些问题。一些乌兹别克斯坦旅行社因此取消了泰国旅游套餐，转而选择越南旅游。

乌兹别克斯坦旅行社将业务转移到越南，而白俄罗斯则保留了15天的落地签证政策。

这些取消订单反映出泰国签证政策调整后，旅游业务出现了转移。与对全国入境人数的总体比较不同，这些案例具体指出了旅行社安排的变更。此外，这些订单还涉及一个此前游客享有两种入境特权的市场，而这两种特权均已在9月份的新规中被取消。

然而，白俄罗斯的签证政策有所不同。泰国驻莫斯科大使馆确认，白俄罗斯护照持有者仍可在抵达泰国时获得15天有效签证。该签证服务在指定的泰国入境检查站仍然有效。申请人必须符合相关条件并支付2000泰铢。

与乌兹别克斯坦游客不同，白俄罗斯游客符合条件的短期停留无需提前申请电子签证。他们仍需在抵达时申请入境许可。因此，这与免签入境有所不同。值得注意的是，现有报告并未提供任何确凿证据表明白俄罗斯存在类似的签证处理延误或签证取消情况。

尽管白俄罗斯和乌兹别克斯坦都与莫斯科保持着领事联系，但由于两国入境安排不同，因此存在差异。乌兹别克斯坦失去了免签和落地签待遇，而白俄罗斯则保留了较短的落地签政策。苏拉萨克提出的修改方案旨在解决乌兹别克斯坦的入境问题，同时又不改变白俄罗斯现有的入境安排。

部长寻求对三个国家实行15天签证豁免，但审批和实施仍待定。

部长承认，签证办理方面持续存在问题，影响着墨西哥和其他拉丁美洲市场。他的部门现在打算通过签证政策委员会寻求新的豁免。这些提案涵盖墨西哥、哥伦比亚和乌兹别克斯坦。根据该计划，符合条件的游客无需提前申请签证即可入境泰国，停留时间最长可达15天。

苏拉萨克表示，批准前必须评估国家安全和经济因素。同时，他也指出，豁免范围应扩大到安全风险有限的合适国家。

建议的15天期限反映了受影响市场访客的典型访问时长。然而，这些变更仍需遵循政府程序。

关键在于，该提案涉及的是免签政策，而非落地签。根据免签政策，符合条件的游客无需事先申请签证即可旅行，但仍需满足相关的入境条件。相比之下，落地签政策则需要在指定检查站申请，可能需要提交相关文件并缴纳费用。

因此，拟议的变更将取消来自这三个国家的合格访客的提前审批要求。然而，签证政策委员会必须首先在11月9日审议这些措施。之后可能还需要政府的进一步批准和正式的监管变更。目前尚未公布实施日期。

尽管泰国每周旅游业有所增长，但入境人数却出现下降，因此泰国并未立即宣布签证方面的宽松政策。泰国报告称入境人数下降，而入境人数却有所下降。目前，泰国尚未宣布任何立即放宽签证规定的措施。

此前的改革已展现了其时间表。尽管内阁于5月批准，但修订后的法规直到8月31日才公布，并于9月15日生效。而目前，除委员会会议外，尚无确定的时间表。因此，受影响的旅客必须继续使用现有的签证系统。

苏拉萨克尚未宣布针对已在等待审批的申请采取快速通道程序。现有报告也未证实会增加领事人员或保证审批时间。因此，即将出发的旅客仍需遵守现有安排。航空公司和旅行社必须继续根据不确定的审批日期制定计划。

这场争端正值泰国旅游业整体下滑之际。1月1日至10月17日期间，外国游客入境人数为24,423,680人次，同比下降4.12%。旅游收入总计约1.19万亿泰铢。这些数据由素拉萨克于10月19日发布，同时发布的还有最新的每周入境游客统计数据。

中国仍然是泰国最大的客源市场，游客人数达414万人次。马来西亚紧随其后，游客人数为310万人次，印度游客人数为184万人次。俄罗斯游客人数为133万人次，韩国游客人数约为89.6万人次。10月11日至17日期间，入境游客总数较前一周增长0.83%，其中长途入境游客人数增长10.55%。

开泰银行预测，尽管越南来自欧洲和美洲的游客数量大幅增长，但旅游收入仍将下降。

尽管每周游客数量有所改善，但年度游客数量仍然偏低。开泰研究中心预测，2026年外国游客到访泰国的人数将为3136万人次，同比下降4.9%。该中心还预计，国际旅游收入将下降3.2%，至约1.54万亿泰铢。预计每位游客的平均消费约为4.9万泰铢，增长2%。

该研究中心指出，泰国旅游业面临多项压力，包括区域竞争、旅行偏好变化和国际航空运输中断。此外，来自部分亚洲市场的需求疲软以及航班减少也是一大问题。相比之下，越南、马来西亚和印度尼西亚的国际游客数量持续增长。

越南旅游业的增长在长途旅客群体中尤为强劲。官方统计数据显示，2026年1月至9月，越南国际入境游客人数达到17,680,714人次，同比增长14.5%。其中，欧洲游客增长55%，美洲游客增长20%，大洋洲游客也增长了21%。

在欧洲市场中，越南来自英国、法国、德国、波兰、瑞典和瑞士的游客数量均有所增长。此外，前九个月俄罗斯游客数量超过一百万。这一增长扩大了越南的国际旅游市场，而泰国则面临整体游客数量下降的局面。

泰国入境限制扰乱外国游客出行，越南扩大豪华旅游并延长签证期限。

越南旅游部门认为，优惠的签证政策、不断改善的国际航空连接以及不断扩大的住宿能力是其旅游业蓬勃发展的重要因素。该国还开发了豪华度假村、酒店、餐厅和其他旅游设施。此外，较低的住宿、餐饮和交通成本也增强了越南的吸引力。

这一增长使越南与泰国在吸引富裕的西方游客和其他国际游客方面展开直接竞争。越南的旅游产品日益注重将完善的住宿设施与相对较低的价格相结合。此外，越南的电子签证系统允许停留最多90天，并允许多次入境。特定国家的公民还可享受延长的免签入境待遇。

泰国9月份的政策调整导致一些较小的市场也开始实行提前签证要求。墨西哥和乌兹别克斯坦的情况最为明显。此前享受简化入境政策的游客现在必须在出行前获得批准。据报道，乌兹别克斯坦的旅行社已将旅游线路调整为越南线路以应对这一变化。

据报道，墨西哥乘客遇到的问题揭示了另一个后果。航空公司可以在乘客未获得离境所需文件的情况下接受预订。随后，处理延误可能导致乘客无法出行。涉及阿联酋航空的投诉表明，入境程序会对国际航空公司的运营造成怎样的影响。

由于签证改革停滞不前，旅游业转向越南，泰国冬季旅游旺季面临不确定性。

在泰国冬季旅游旺季来临之际，这一时机无疑会加剧压力。酒店、航空公司和旅行社都依赖于提前预订的旅客。然而，目前的申请要求在正​​式更改之前仍然有效。拟议的豁免措施并不能为已经等待批准的旅客提供任何即时的帮助。

拟议的15天免签政策与越南的90天电子签证政策也存在差异。泰国的提案将取消符合条件的短期访问的提前申请。越南的制度允许更长的停留时间，但申请人仍需在必要时获得电子签证。这些安排构成了对长途旅行者的竞争的一部分。

目前，旅游部正准备恢复对特定国籍人士的简化入境安排。这些优惠政策几周前才被取消。9月份的改革旨在重组入境程序并取消重复的设施。然而，改革的实施却引发了航空公司的投诉、航班延误以及旅游业务转移至越南的报道。

泰国国际游客入境人数仍比去年同期下降超过4%。与此同时，越南在欧洲和其他海外市场继续保持强劲增长。这种鲜明对比的是，泰国政府正准备对其签证政策进行又一次调整。

苏拉萨克的提案将于11月9日提交签证政策委员会审议。在任何豁免获得批准和实施之前，墨西哥、哥伦比亚和乌兹别克斯坦的游客仍需提前办理签证。航空公司和海外旅行社在即将到来的旅游旺季期间必须继续遵守这些规定。

越南正大量吸引泰国的优质游客，而曼谷却在打击非法游客的行动中束手无策。

泰国曾经强大的旅游业正在衰落，如今又面临泰铢高估带来的进一步打击。

经济学家对泰铢在2025年出现异常且破坏性的上涨感到困惑，认为这将重创旅游业和出口。

泰国顶级银行家猛烈抨击当前经济状况，呼吁加强包容性经济。

顶级经济学家警告称，随着美国经济疲软，泰铢可能走强。旅游业和出口将面临严重冲击。

泰国央行即将卸任的行长出席最后一次货币政策委员会会议，市场预期将下调利率。

财政部和央行采取措施，通过将不良债务转移到资产公司来提振信贷。

商界领袖和银行家敦促政府不惜一切代价推进美泰关税协议。

具有里程碑意义的美泰贸易协议在内阁特别会议上获得批准，19%的关税税率受到热烈欢迎

对泰国有利。美国刚刚宣布了一项19%的关税协议。税率比预期更低，更具竞争力。

在与美国最终敲定协议之际，曼谷方面进行了最后的调整。然而，泰国可能无法与越南匹敌。

泰国财政部长向美国官员解释了泰国最新提出的关税协议，泰国正寻求达成一项具有竞争力的关税协议。

美国强硬谈判代表揭露了泰国政策上的两面派伎俩。与越南的贸易协议很可能不如泰国。

特朗普关税危机暴露了中国零美元工厂对泰国经济的殖民统治。

约瑟夫·安东尼是一位来自爱尔兰的侨民，过去十年一直居住在泰国。他曾在爱尔兰和泰国的媒体行业担任过编辑职务，拥有丰富的媒体从业经验。他主要关注泰国的经济和商业新闻，以及侨民的生活方式。

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2026年10月19日，警方公开调查曼谷和罗勇夜生活场所的中国和越南关联，并展开调查。凌晨4点，警方突袭一家卡拉OK酒吧，逮捕13人。

2026年10月18日，在移民局局长“大诺普”（Big Nop）的严厉打击下，一个尼日利亚可卡因团伙在曼谷落网。此次缉毒行动将警方从一名毒贩引向了最终的犯罪团伙。

2026年10月17日午夜，罗勇府警方突击搜查以卖淫为幌子的卡拉OK俱乐部，当地警察局长因接受调查而被停职。四家无证KTV俱乐部为中国顾客提供服务。

一名美国公司董事周四在曼谷被捕，原因是拖欠超过一百万泰铢的工资（2026年10月17日）。此前近四个月，法院首次发出逮捕令。

为泰党领导层向总理保证，将在10月底的反对党大会辩论和投票中给予支持。2026年10月17日，为泰党领导人向阿努廷承诺，将动用全部71名议员的力量，击败反对党大会。

司法部部长揭露针对高中生的“黑名单”调查。2026年10月16日，3000张性虐待图片曝光。15至17岁的男学生被骗提供图片。

2026年10月16日星期五凌晨，一名男子在曼谷叻西区一家大麻店外遭摩托车枪手射杀。两名摩托车枪手开了十多枪。

警方逮捕一名韩国男子，此前一名儿童举报其母亲遭到虐待。该男子被发现签证过期滞留。2026年10月16日，一名泰国女子的孩子突然来电，引发了一系列事件。

2026年10月16日，亚拉省南部一处军事基地发生管状炸弹袭击，造成五名军官轻伤。亚拉安全部队遭到炸弹袭击。

2026年10月15日，阿努廷总理在曼谷举行的国际货币基金组织和世界银行论坛上谈到，经济将以“高质量增长”为驱动力。阿努廷承诺发展先进产业，并吸引更多富裕的游客。

泰国航空现称行李事故比之前承认的严重五倍。董事会于2026年10月15日下令赔偿。在造成25000人次事故后，泰国航空面临全球舆论的谴责。

前民主党高级助手兼国会议员于2026年10月21日会见了泰国特别调查局，讨论泰自豪党议员的丈夫与网络赌博的关联。

围绕两起与议员有关的网络赌博案件处理方式的争议。管辖权和公平性问题 2026年10月21日

2026年10月20日，普吉岛发生一起车祸，一家德国人在乘坐网约车时因司机看GPS导航而失控受伤。

2026年10月20日，泰自豪党议员及其丈夫就网络赌博案接受泰国特警队（DSI）的质询。

一名英国男子试图将缅甸未婚妻和儿子带回家过圣诞节，却与英国内政部展开了一场艰苦卓绝的斗争（2026年10月20日）

2026年10月19日，警方根据线报在北榄府一处房屋内查获7公斤海洛因，这些海洛因藏在饮料袋中，原计划运往澳大利亚。

深受喜爱的“机械战警”（Robocop）是曼谷附近暖武里府的知名人物，于2026年10月19日因一场悲惨的交通事故去世。

泰国明星妮妮·罗亚尔(Nene Royal)在泰国和韩国面临商标纠纷，她正努力保住自己的财富。2026年10月18日

泰国南部发生致命冲突，造成六人死亡，其中包括一名在2026年10月17日国家警察日当天殉职的警察。

备受争议的南方议员称，总理阿努廷于2026年10月17日致电她，敦促她在网上发布一张自拍照。

泰国总理在曼谷举行的国际货币基金组织和世界银行会议闭幕之际沾沾自喜，坚称泰国的地位已经提升。（2026年10月17日）

财政部力推的离境税是旅游业的致命一击，高管们表示 2026年10月16日

美国驻曼谷大使斯科特·贝森特向国际货币基金组织和世界银行发出严厉警告，他缺席了2026年10月16日举行的会议。

2026年10月16日，在曼谷市中心举行通宵露营活动后，反对国际货币基金组织和世界银行的活动人士的抗议活动仍在继续。

2026年10月16日，一名空姐被曝与国际人口贩运团伙有关联，该团伙负责将中国公民偷渡出泰国。

国际货币基金组织和世界银行会议期间的抗议活动演变为暴力事件，但曼谷警方否认使用暴力手段 2026年10月15日

泰自豪党南部议员因其丈夫的网上财富受到质疑而面临政治压力 2026年10月15日

一名葡萄牙女子在没有有效签证的情况下在泰国滞留了五年，于2026年10月15日星期二在普吉岛的一堂烹饪课上结束了她的滞留。

泰国警方参与了上周末捣毁的香港卖淫团伙，并缴获了巨额赃物 2026年10月14日

警方逮捕了一名利用泰国航班抢夺信用卡并进行高额消费的中国游客（2026年10月14日）

一名英国男子在泰国失踪，家人正在紧急寻找他。他于一周多前失踪，当时正准备搭乘2026年10月13日的航班回国。

针对出境旅客的税收政策遭到旅游业的反对，与此同时，该部正力推一项新议程 2026年10月13日

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