Thailand warns of visa cancellations amid tourist misconduct

Dhaka: Thailand has warned it will revoke the visas of foreign tourists found causing trouble in the country as authorities grapple with rising complaints of misconduct in key tourism hubs.

Popular destinations, including Phuket province and Koh Samui, have reportedly seen disruptive behavior from groups of foreign visitors, with several incidents involving Israeli tourists drawing particular attention.

Officials say the conduct has damaged the local tourism atmosphere, raised safety concerns, and tarnished the image of the service sector as the regions work to establish themselves as world-class destinations.

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul addressed the issue directly, stressing that the ministry would not overlook the matter or allow it to worsen.

He described the misbehavior as a matter of individual conduct and confirmed the government is prepared to work with relevant agencies to take swift action, including canceling the visas of offenders.

Surasak reaffirmed that Thailand remains open to visitors from all nations but said anyone entering the country must respect Thai law and cultural norms.

He added that the government would not permit the country to be treated as a "playground" or allow any location to be used for symbolic displays tied to outside conflicts.

Authorities view early visa revocation as a key tool to prevent escalation and protect the reputation of Thailand's tourism industry, while reassuring both operators and law-abiding travelers that the sector remains safe and welcoming.