Northeastern arrivals dip amid crackdown

Countrywide figure projected to fall 18%

- NARUMON KASEMSUK

Tourist arrivals through four immigration checkpoints along Thailand's northeastern border fell by half in January, as authorities continue to strictly curb visa runs, while overall arrivals to the country are expected to decline by 18%.

Caretaker Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the number of foreigners passing through immigration checkpoints in Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani declined by 50% year-on-year in January.

Meanwhile, total visitor arrivals between Jan 1-14 stood at 1.43 million, down 6.67% year-on-year.

Since November last year, the Immigration Bureau has intensified visa screening, targeting those using visa exemptions to repeatedly enter and exit the country. The policy is part of a campaign to prevent foreign criminals nationwide.