Prime Minister orders comprehensive review of visa-free entry

[christianpfc]

We have read such stories in the news before, with 30 days visa free.

Is there any proof that these problem cases are tourists that are in Thailand on 60 days visa free, and longer than 30 days?

The Thai visa system could indeed do with a few fixes, to the benefit of Thailand and visitors. I know a lot of people who used to spend their time in Thailand, but now live elsewhere for visa issues. I would spend more time in Thailand if there were a suitable visa for me. Thailand misses out on at least 2000 USD/year from me that I spend elsewhere, and full taxes, rent everything of various friends who live elsewhere.

[Gaybutton]

We have read such stories in the news before, with 30 days visa free.

Yes, but not even close to as many cases and to this degree. If at least a major part of the problem, if not the entire problem, cannot be attributed to the current visa rules, then it is one hell of a coincidence. If something else can explain what is going on, I'd like to know what it is.

[Dodger]

Is there any proof that these problem cases are tourists that are in Thailand on 60 days visa free, and longer than 30 days?

It looks like the PM had the same question, thus the reason for her insisting on a "Review".

My guess (and it's only a guess) is that the 60 day visa free scheme is attracting its fair share of undesirables which is contributing to the recent crime sprees in tourist area.

Scrapping the visa free scheme would cost them money - so of they do end up scrapping it you can be sure it's for a good reason.

[Gaybutton]

My guess (and it's only a guess) is that the 60 day visa free scheme is attracting its fair share of undesirables

For me, there is nothing to guess about. I believe that is exactly what the visa free scheme is doing and it is perfectly obvious. If Thailand wants to tolerate that for the sake of money, normally I would have no problem about it. None of it has directly affected me in any way. But indirectly it stigmatizes the rest of us who are in Thailand behaving and causing no problems. I don't like that.

How about this one:
___________________________________________________________________

Belgian Tourist Causes Chaos in Pattaya Convenience Store, Fined 35,000 Baht

By Adam Judd

April 30, 2025

A disruptive incident involving a foreign tourist at a Pattaya convenience store went viral, sparking widespread debate on social media about tourist behavior and safety. The man, identified as a 25-year-old Belgian, caused big damage before agreeing to compensate the store with 35,000 baht.

The incident occurred around 4:00 AM on April 27 at a convenience store located in Soi Naklua 16. A series of four video clips, posted by TikTok and Instagram user @Mrbochkarev which can be seen HERE:
In the initial clip, the man, later identified only as Mr. Mustafa, who holds a Belgian Passport and citizenship, is seen pouring soda over his head at the payment counter. He then proceeds to a display of premium wine, where he swipes multiple bottles off the shelf, causing over 10 to shatter on the floor. The resulting mess of broken glass and spilled wine left store employees stunned and caused them to flee the store to call police and a district manager who quickly arrived via motorbike to help handle the problem.

Later videos show officers from Banglamung Police Station arriving to intervene. The man was detained and taken to the station for questioning. The clips, narrated in Russian and captioned “Visa-free, crazy Pattaya tourist,” fueled online criticism and raised concerns about the impact of unruly behavior on Pattaya’s tourism industry.

The Pattaya News reporters visited the store on April 29 to verify details. Staff confirmed the incident but noted that the company’s head office was not prepared to provide further comment and the name of the chain was withheld officially.

The suspect was found to be intoxicated and was held in custody to sober up. Once coherent, Mr. Mustafa agreed to pay 35,000 baht to cover the damages caused to the store’s inventory and property and apologized, stating his behavior was out of character and caused by alcohol. The store opted not to pursue further legal action, and the matter was resolved amicably in the presence of investigating officers.

[Dodger]

......Once coherent, Mr. Mustafa agreed to pay 35,000 baht to cover the damages caused to the store’s inventory and property ....

And probably at least 20,000 baht to the BIB for a "get-out-of-jail-free" card for public intoxication.

I wonder if that insane Chinese guy who recently butchered a ladyboy in PTY was here visa free?

[Jun]

With a name like that, he's probably a Belgian of Middle Eastern descent. This story does nothing to change my opinion about them.

[Gaybutton]

Incredibly, this same man was arrested a second time. Obviously the gentleman suffers from minor, slight mental "issues" (somewhere in my life, "some kind of nut" became "person with issues") . . .

Considering the severity of the first incident, my question is despite agreeing to pay 35,000 baht, why wasn't he held and deported rather than released and able to do the same kind of thing a second time? Is Thailand that desperate for tourist money?

I agree with Thaksin's stance on this sort of thing - "Good people in, bad people out."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Belgian Man Arrested For Second Time in Three Days, Trying to Cause Problems at Second Pattaya Convenience Store

By Adam Judd

April 30, 2025

At 1:06 AM on April 30th, 2025, Pol. Lt. Col. Suchat Dusadee, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a disturbance causing trouble for locals at a convenience store on Soi Pattaya Tai 17. Together with Pol. Capt. Panasarn Krongsit, Assistant Deputy Superintendent, he promptly led a team to investigate.

At the scene, police encountered Mr. Mustafa, a 25-year-old Belgian national, who was the same individual seen in a viral video causing havoc at another convenience store in the Banglamung area on April 27, damaging numerous goods and being fined 35,000 Baht, as we reported here.

This time, he attempted to assault store staff, but officers, recognizing him from the earlier incident, stepped in quickly to prevent any harm.

Store employees told police they were unaware of his prior actions. Upon entering the store, Mustafa tried to access the area behind the counter, restrain staff, and threatened them with a liquor bottle while preventing customers from leaving, stated store staff.

After de-escalating the situation and calming him down, police took Mr. Mustafa into custody and transferred him to a hospital for medical treatment and a psychiatric evaluation. Authorities advised anyone wishing to press charges to file a complaint with the investigating officers immediately.

Thai social media, meanwhile, is asking for Thai officials to deport the man and blacklist him from returning, citing him being a recurring potential danger to Thai citizens. As of press time, there was no word on any legal penalties for Mr. Mustafa but they are likely coming.
Fortunately, patrolling officers arrived in time to subdue him, ensuring no one was injured.

Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/30/b ... nce-store/

[Dodger]

......I agree with Thaksin's stance on this sort of thing - "Good people in, bad people out."

Not that it matters but I think it was Pryut who first launched the "Good Guys In - Bad Guys Out" Program back in 2016.

Ironically, it was Big Joke (now taken literally) who served as Immigration Commissioner for a short stint in 2018/2019 that really pushed this Program - until he himself was labeled as a Bad Guy and booted OUT shortly afterwards...

Only in Thailand!

[Gaybutton]

I think it was Pryut who first launched the "Good Guys In - Bad Guys Out" Program back in 2016.

Ok, I stand corrected.

[Jun]

Considering the severity of the first incident, my question is despite agreeing to pay 35,000 baht, why wasn't he held and deported rather than released and able to do the same kind of thing a second time?

I think Dodger already answered that question.

And probably at least 20,000 baht to the BIB for a "get-out-of-jail-free" card for public intoxication.