Thailand weighs visa-free entry as delays disrupt Latin American travel
The tourism minister said he would propose exemptions for markets including Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan at a committee meeting on 9 November.
Thailand’s tourism minister is seeking wider visa exemptions after processing delays disrupted travel from Latin America. Tourism-sector sources said the proportion of passengers turning up for some flights had dropped by 20% to 30%, with Mexico and Colombia particularly affected.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the government recognised the delays affecting Mexico and several other Latin American countries. He said he would put a visa-free entry proposal covering Latin American countries and other potential markets, including Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan, before the Visa Policy Committee on 9 November.
Surasak said security concerns would need to be balanced against economic benefits. His ministry would pursue exemptions for countries judged not to present security risks, with an initial arrangement potentially permitting visits lasting up to 15 days.
Airlines have sought an urgent meeting with Tourism Authority of Thailand executives, according to tourism-sector sources. They said travellers awaiting visas had postponed journeys or cancelled tickets, causing losses and operational disruption. Some tour operators had stopped selling Thailand packages and switched to rival destinations. The sources described slow processing, rather than visa rejection, as the problem.
