Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Srettha Thavisin gave an interview before a cabinet meeting on May 12 at Government House regarding the review of the tourist free visa policy. He stated that the Foreign Ministry believes the current 60-day duration for tourist free visas may be excessive, as some people may enter under this visa not for tourism but for residence, making stricter oversight necessary.

This matter was prepared for proposal during the Anutin government but was postponed during the election period. It is now being expedited through the cabinet secretariat, which must consult with relevant agencies. However, he expressed confidence there would be no major obstacles since the visa committee, chaired by the Foreign Ministry with participation from relevant agencies, is already reviewing the matter.

Thavisin mentioned discussing with the Prime Minister on May 11 that numerous visas are currently being promoted by various agencies. While some serve good purposes—such as expert visas or soft power visas—some may exceed necessity, requiring a review of the criteria and their actual needs.

When asked when consolidated visa guidelines would be finalized, Thavisin indicated that the immediate priority is the tourist free visa issue, particularly following the Chinese national case. He clarified that this review was planned before recent incidents, not because of them. The government will also examine the overall visa landscape to determine which categories are necessary and whether consolidation is possible.

Regarding whether the Chinese national case would lead to reduced or eliminated free visa status, Thavisin stated the government does not target specific nationalities but focuses on activities that may create problems for Thailand. Any visa issued should have an appropriate duration suitable for tourism—likely not exceeding 30 days—with criteria aligned to the visa's purpose. He emphasized the government is not discriminatory but must be strict with anyone engaging in undesirable activities, especially those posing security threats, citing the case of the Chinese national who was arrested.

At 8:30 AM on May 12, 2026, Abbot Khukkrit Sottipholo of Wat Na Pa Phong in Pathum Thani arrived with his legal team to meet with investigators from the Buddhist Affairs Police to hear charges of embezzlement and dereliction of official duty. The investigation found evidence that the abbot used temple funds to distribute bonuses to his disciples, amounting to hundreds of thousands of baht per person between 2012 and 2016, constituting misuse of temple resources. He is currently undergoing questioning. The abbot's appearance was arranged voluntarily to provide clarification regarding the allegations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Srettha Thavisin gave an interview at Government House before a Cabinet meeting regarding his appointment as chairman of the government's special committee to address southern border province issues. He stated that resolving problems in the southern border provinces requires integrated cooperation, with peace talks serving as one avenue among several important strategies including area development, identity issues, local development, and justice reform. "It's time for all efforts to move in the same direction," Srettha said, including dialogue with insurgent groups and addressing political issues through conversations with local communities. When asked if this approach represents civilian control over the military, Srettha responded that it involves political, military, and international dimensions—particularly involving Malaysia—but emphasized that unified direction remains paramount. Regarding whether peace talks are a new approach, Srettha clarified that while dialogue with such groups is part of the solution, it is not the complete answer. He stressed that any southern border strategy must be people-centered, and the government will coordinate efforts while recognizing that peace talks represent only one component of the comprehensive solution needed.

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National Police Chief General Kittirat Panthapetch has ordered police in all areas to conduct intensive sweeps targeting foreigners engaged in criminal activity, according to Deputy National Police Commander Trairot Pichinan. The campaign will focus on preventing cross-border crime, illegal immigration, use of Thailand as a transit point, unlawful employment of foreigners, and illegal businesses operated through nominee arrangements that impact public safety and national stability.

The operation will be implemented in three phases:

1. Urgent three-month "X-ray sweep" phase: All police units will compile databases of foreign residents in their jurisdictions and identify target groups involved in drug trafficking, economic crimes, tax evasion, technology-related offenses, organized smuggling networks, human trafficking, and national-level trafficking routes. Police will conduct targeted raids on areas with concentrated foreign populations and enforce laws strictly, with arrests pursued in all cases. The National Police Office's Center for Combating Transnational Criminals will coordinate with related agencies including the Commerce Ministry, Finance Ministry, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand, Customs Department, Revenue Department, and Land Department to implement coordinated operations across policy and provincial levels.

2. Medium-term "root and branch" phase (6-9 months): The Immigration Bureau will work with other agencies to verify foreign databases, validate documents and visas, and review foreign business operations. Metropolitan and provincial police will collaborate with local security agencies to enforce immigration laws and consider revoking residence permits. Authorities will also study relevant laws and propose amendments to strengthen enforcement and close legal loopholes exploited by foreign criminals. Officials will investigate extended criminal networks thoroughly, and take disciplinary action against any state officials involved in these schemes.

3. Long-term sustainability measures focusing on continuous operations targeting illegal immigration and organized criminal networks.

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