Recently, numerous Indonesians have reported being denied entry to Thailand due to random checks conducted by Thai international airports. According to a video shared by @onthewaveid, this issue arose because many Indonesians were not purchasing round-trip tickets, leading to an increase in cases of tourists overstaying their visas.
@onthewaveid se-fruit info & tips untuk kalian yang mau ke bangkok deket2 ini!!🫶🏻 – #bangkok #jastip #wni #turis #thailand #imigrasi #kbri #otw #onthenews ♬ original sound – vxrstapp³³
In response, the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok implemented a new policy mandating Indonesian tourists to provide evidence of hotel reservations, return tickets, and financial proof, including carrying cash ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 baht or the equivalent of IDR 6.5 to 8.7 million per person.
The Embassy further emphasized that the decision to grant permits or deny entry to foreigners into Thai territory lies solely with Thai immigration officers following the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Therefore, Indonesian citizens intending to enter Thailand must adhere to and comply with the established regulations.
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This policy has stirred controversy among Indonesian tourists planning to visit Thailand soon. While many express negative sentiments about it, some support the policy, citing frequent violations of government regulations by Indonesian travellers in other countries.
While Indonesia enjoys visa-free status for Thailand, the Thai government’s implementation of this policy is a prudent measure to curb the influx of illegal tourists. Thailand, a popular destination in Southeast Asia for both foreign and Indonesian tourists, has witnessed a steady rise in Indonesian visitor numbers over the years.
In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 2.6 million foreign tourists, indicating its allure as a coveted destination. Sharing similarities with Indonesia, Thailand remains a top choice for travellers worldwide.
