Thailand revokes visas of problematic foreign tourists

Khaosod•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul confirms the revocation of visas for foreign tourists causing disturbances in Samui and Phuket.

•Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul announced visa revocations for problematic foreign tourists on August 25, 2026.
•Disturbances were reported in key tourist areas including Koh Samui and Phuket province.
•The Prime Minister has instructed police and local agencies to expedite the revocation of visas for offenders.
•The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is coordinating with TAT, embassies, and airlines to publicize Thai laws and culture.

•On August 25, 2026, Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul spoke at Government House regarding complaints about foreign tourists' behavior.
•Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul stated that Thailand is ready to welcome all nationalities provided they strictly follow laws and respect Thai culture.
•Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul confirmed that visas of foreign tourists who caused disturbances in Koh Samui and Phuket have been revoked.
•Visa revocations are being considered on an individual basis rather than a blanket approach to avoid impacting the majority of tourists.
•Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul asserted that Thailand will not allow its territory to be used as a symbol or to create conflicts unrelated to Thailand.
•The Prime Minister has urged police and local officials to immediately handle and revoke the visas of wrongdoers to prevent problems from escalating.
•The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, embassies, and airlines to inform foreigners about laws and culture before they travel to Thailand.
•Tourist Police are positioned as travel companions to provide advice and ensure safety.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Surasak Pancharoenworakul(สุรศักดิ์ พันธ์เจริญวรกุล)

Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Ministry of Tourism and Sports(กระทรวงการท่องเที่ยวและกีฬา)ℹ️

The ministry led by Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul that coordinates with various agencies to publicize laws and culture.

Tourism Authority of Thailand(ททท.)ℹ️

An organization coordinating with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to publicize Thai laws and culture.

Tourist Police(ตำรวจท่องเที่ยว)

The agency providing advice and safety care to tourists as travel companions.

Koh Samui(เกาะสมุย)ℹ️

A key tourist area where problematic foreign tourists caused disturbances.

Phuket(ภูเก็ต)ℹ️

A province and key tourist area where problematic foreign tourists caused disturbances.

Government House(ทำเนียบรัฐบาล)ℹ️

The location where Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul made the announcement on August 25, 2026.