Thailand’s Cabinet has officially approved the termination of the 60-day visa-free entry program, which permitted travelers from over 90 nations to enter without a visa for up to 60 days. This decision comes amid criticism regarding misuse, including unauthorized work, overstays, and foreign-related criminal activities. The new policy will revert visa-exempt visitors to a maximum stay of approximately 30 days, based on their nationality. Specific visa regulations for each participating country are currently under review, with no enforcement date announced yet.
In a separate incident, a food delivery rider was seriously injured after being struck by a train near Kampaengphet 7 Road in Bangkok, close to the Mercure Bangkok Makkasan hotel. The rider reportedly parked his motorcycle and entered a restricted area of the railway track. Witnesses indicated he might not have heard the approaching train due to wearing earphones and a helmet. According to the State Railway of Thailand, the driver did sound the horn, but the train was unable to stop in time.
Following a fatal train-bus collision on May 16, the Ministry of Transport is considering reducing train services into inner Bangkok. Proposed changes could include terminating certain passenger trains at Lat Krabang and Taling Chan stations, with connections to central Bangkok available via the SRT Red Line or Airport Rail Link. The ministry is also looking at stricter crossing controls, implementing daily drug tests for transport operators, and enforcing a “no barrier down, no train departure” rule. Restrictions on container trains entering central Bangkok may also be introduced.
Additionally, Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is advancing a new cannabis and hemp bill aimed at tightening regulations on cultivation, sales, and usage of cannabis, while prohibiting recreational use. Under the proposed law, cannabis users would require medical prescriptions, and new shops must operate under specific licenses. The number of cannabis outlets has already decreased significantly due to stricter regulations.
In other news, a young Irish filmmaker and his Czech girlfriend tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Thailand. The deceased, identified as 20-year-old Max Hendrickson from Dublin, was a promising film student. They were reportedly riding a rented scooter at the time of the crash.
In a notable drug enforcement action, a Russian man was apprehended in Phuket after police discovered various narcotics in his backpack during a routine checkpoint stop. The drugs included crystal methamphetamine and heroin, leading to charges of possession with intent to distribute.
Furthermore, police in Chon Buri raided a luxury villa suspected of being a drug lab, leading to the detention of two Chinese nationals accused of working without permission. Investigators are collaborating with narcotics and immigration officials to trace the supply chain associated with the drugs.
In international news, Thai nationals may benefit from new European Union regulations that extend the duration of Schengen visas. The updated rules introduce a “visa cascade” system for eligible repeat travelers, allowing longer multiple-entry visas for those who have previously adhered to visa regulations. However, Schengen visas still restrict stays to 90 days within any 180-day period and do not permit work.
Source: The Thaiger
