Bangkok: Immigration authorities have reiterated their commitment to stringent screening measures for individuals coming from Middle Eastern countries embroiled in conflicts. Despite heightened concerns, immigration checks on Israeli nationals show no unusual backlog in entry and exit rates.
According to Thai News Agency, recent media reports highlighted the presence of a significant number of Israelis, accounting for approximately 5% of Israel's population, residing in Thailand. This is particularly notable in less prominent tourist areas such as Phayao, Phrae, Lamphun, Amnat Charoen, and Satun. The potential for permanent settlement has sparked concerns about its impact on local economies, societal dynamics, and resource allocation, as well as fears of Thailand becoming a target in the ongoing conflict.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, Deputy Commissioner and spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, addressed these concerns by presenting data from the bureau's database. In 2025, 420,202 Israelis entered Thailand while 405,712 departed through the country's five main airports. From January to March 11, 2026, projections show 84,238 entries and 80,171 exits by Israelis, indicating no significant irregularities.
The Immigration Technology Center reported that as of March 10, 2026, 31,892 Israelis were present in Thailand, covering tourists, business visitors, students, and families. The figures debunk claims of hundreds of thousands residing in the country, as reported by some media outlets. Visa extension applications in various provinces reflect this, with minimal requests seen in areas like Amnat Charoen, Phrae, and Phayao.
In response to the situation, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak has instructed all immigration offices to intensify screening procedures for foreigners, specifically those from conflict-involved Middle Eastern countries. This includes scrutinizing travel histories, itineraries, and accommodation bookings to prevent potential threats.
Additionally, local immigration offices are actively inspecting foreign accommodation registrations and conducting intelligence operations in major tourist zones. Collaboration with intelligence and security agencies is ongoing, though no specific threats have been identified.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron emphasized the bureau's commitment to safeguarding Thailand from becoming a target amid the Middle East conflict. He acknowledged the potential for increased wait times at airports due to these enhanced measures, particularly during peak periods at Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, he assured that efforts are underway to balance tourism needs with immigration control as the Songkran festival approaches.