Thai Foreign Ministry Urges Vigilance as U.S. Reviews Immigrant Visa Policy Affecting Thailand
Bangkok seeks clarity and reassures public amid Washington’s temporary pause on certain immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries including Thailand
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on citizens and stakeholders to remain alert and await verified details following reports that the United States will temporarily pause processing certain immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Thailand.
The ministry emphasised that the situation is still developing and that definitive guidance will only emerge after consultations with U.S. authorities and verification of official policy parameters.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow summoned the United States chargé d’affaires in Bangkok to seek clarification after Thailand appeared on a list of affected countries under a U.S. Department of State initiative to review immigrant visa processing procedures.
Thai officials noted that initial information suggests the pause applies specifically to immigrant visas — those leading to permanent residency — rather than non-immigrant categories such as tourist, student or business visas that are widely used by Thai travellers.
The U.S. side reportedly acknowledged it was still gathering full details from relevant federal agencies and would provide further information to the Thai government.
The foreign ministry stressed that conclusions should not be drawn from preliminary reports and urged the public to avoid speculation while awaiting concrete communication from both capitals.
Minister Sihasak underscored Thailand’s long-standing bilateral relationship with the United States, rooted in decades of strategic partnership, commerce and people-to-people ties, and called for measured, factual dialogue to resolve any misunderstandings that might arise from the policy review.
Thai authorities have also emphasised that, based on current indications, routine non-immigrant travel, educational exchanges and business visits to the United States should remain unaffected.
Economists and policy analysts in Thailand have echoed the need for careful monitoring, suggesting that if only permanent residency visa categories are paused, broader economic and social ties between the two nations will continue without significant disruption.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Thai citizens and travellers while reinforcing diplomatic engagement to ensure that ongoing U.S. visa policy considerations are clearly communicated and appropriately contextualised.
The ministry emphasised that the situation is still developing and that definitive guidance will only emerge after consultations with U.S. authorities and verification of official policy parameters.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow summoned the United States chargé d’affaires in Bangkok to seek clarification after Thailand appeared on a list of affected countries under a U.S. Department of State initiative to review immigrant visa processing procedures.
Thai officials noted that initial information suggests the pause applies specifically to immigrant visas — those leading to permanent residency — rather than non-immigrant categories such as tourist, student or business visas that are widely used by Thai travellers.
The U.S. side reportedly acknowledged it was still gathering full details from relevant federal agencies and would provide further information to the Thai government.
The foreign ministry stressed that conclusions should not be drawn from preliminary reports and urged the public to avoid speculation while awaiting concrete communication from both capitals.
Minister Sihasak underscored Thailand’s long-standing bilateral relationship with the United States, rooted in decades of strategic partnership, commerce and people-to-people ties, and called for measured, factual dialogue to resolve any misunderstandings that might arise from the policy review.
Thai authorities have also emphasised that, based on current indications, routine non-immigrant travel, educational exchanges and business visits to the United States should remain unaffected.
Economists and policy analysts in Thailand have echoed the need for careful monitoring, suggesting that if only permanent residency visa categories are paused, broader economic and social ties between the two nations will continue without significant disruption.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Thai citizens and travellers while reinforcing diplomatic engagement to ensure that ongoing U.S. visa policy considerations are clearly communicated and appropriately contextualised.
