Phuket MP presses Parliament to scrap visa-free entry
After presenting his address in Parliament, MP Chalermpong said in a post online that reducing the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days was “not enough” to resolve underlying issues, arguing that Thailand should…
Phuket MP Chalermpong told Parliament on May 1 that Thailand should go beyond cutting visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days and end visa-free entry altogether. In remarks later posted online, he said the shorter stay was “not enough” and argued that Phuket shows why tourism policy should focus on quality over quantity.
He said visa rules are the first checkpoint for screening arrivals and warned that admitting “just anyone” could create longer-term costs that outweigh headline tourism revenue. His comments followed the government’s recent decision to reduce visa-free stays to 30 days after feedback from tourism stakeholders.
MP links tourism policy to crime, jobs and cannabis concerns
Chalermpong said stricter entry rules should be restored because visa-free schemes and cannabis liberalisation have brought unintended consequences. He said some areas are already seeing foreign groups settle for extended periods, compete with Thai workers and add pressure on public resources.
In a separate social media post, he defended criticism of tourism problems by pointing to reports of fights involving foreign visitors, arrogant behaviour, job competition and environmental harm. He blamed what he called a hands-off response by authorities.
He also said Thailand’s standing as a world-class destination depends on attracting higher-spending visitors who stay longer and support the economy more sustainably. On cannabis, he said the lack of clear law has left shops widespread in cities and along beaches, with the smell affecting the visitor experience and discouraging some families from returning.
Parliament speech also targeted traffic, water and wastewater issues
Beyond entry policy, Chalermpong used his parliamentary address to press for faster work on a proposed bridge across Khlong Mudong to ease congestion at the Chalong-Wichit boundary. He said the project would improve links between the two areas.
He also highlighted recurring shortages at Klong Kata Reservoir, the main raw water source for Chalong, Rawai and Karon, and called for new supplies and long-term water management.
He further warned that untreated wastewater discharged into Klong Mudong in Wichit is affecting public health, local fishermen and the mangrove ecosystem, and urged agencies to install proper treatment systems.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-mp-urges-parliament-to-end-visa-free-entry-100075.php
