Burmese media reported that according to tourism industry workers in Bangkok, Thailand, the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has refused to issue 60-day Thai tourist visas (TR Visa) to holders of Burmese passports.
As a result, Burmese citizens who wish to reside in Thailand for an extended period must return to Myanmar to apply for a Thai visa.
A tourism industry worker in Bangkok stated that starting from November 10, the Thai consulate in Vietnam no longer processes 60-day Thai tourist visas for Burmese citizens. It is unclear whether the Thai embassies in Laos and Cambodia still provide this service.
Most Burmese citizens residing in Thailand enter the country on a 60-day Thai tourist visa and then extend their visa monthly. After six months, they leave the country to visit any neighboring country and then reapply for another 60-day Thai tourist visa to return to Thailand.
When applying for a Thai tourist visa in any neighboring country, the process is faster in Vietnam, hence most people choose to apply there.
Now, with the Thai consulate in Vietnam restricting this process, Burmese individuals with visas about to expire are concerned that other countries might impose similar restrictions, so the Burmese community in Thailand is watching the situation closely.
Regarding this issue, the Thai consulate in Vietnam has not yet released any information.
Due to the Myanmar State Administration Council's announcement of the enforcement of the "National Military Service Law," many Burmese individuals have moved to Thailand. As the council begins to strictly control exits from Myanmar, Burmese nationals residing in Thailand on tourist visas are worried about being unable to leave Myanmar again after returning.
