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Thailand Tightens Visa Rules as Government Prioritizes Security

Thailand is restricting its previously lenient visa policies as authorities move to combat criminal activity and unauthorized work by foreign nationals, creating challenges for a tourism sector vital to the nation's economic health. The crackdown represents a departure from years of aggressive efforts to attract international visitors. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government is simultaneously pursuing broader economic reforms by planning to streamline more than 7,000 business regulations and reduce bureaucratic obstacles to improve competitiveness for foreign investment. The dual approach reflects tensions between tightening security controls and maintaining the country's appeal as a business and tourism destination. Industry analysts said the visa restrictions could dampen near-term visitor arrivals while regulatory simplification may partially offset economic impacts through increased foreign capital inflows.