The Immigration Bureau of Thailand has announced that it will tighten its visa extension rules to prevent foreign criminals from establishing businesses in the country.

Illustrative image (Photo: chiangraitimes)

The bureau’s chief, Pol Lt Gen Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, said that his bureau has been strict about visa approvals over the past year because it is aware that foreign criminals could use loopholes in existing rules, or some immigration police might be lax in checking some foreigners’ documents.

Therefore, there will be a working group to revise rules on visa extension applications that cite work for foundations, the need to receive medical treatment, and for studying in both the formal and informal educational systems, he stressed.

Foreigners who stay in Thailand with student visas must have certificates from educational institutions, and educational institutions must do this right, he said, adding that the bureau’s regulations are already comprehensive but all other organisations related to foreigners’ visa extensions must cooperate closely.

Source: VNA