Thailand clamps down on tourist visas

Thailand is a major tourist destination

BANGKOK, Thailand -- In a bid to clamp down on illegal activity, Thailand has cut the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for visas on arrival to 17 from 96.

At its weekly meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet approved a plan submitted by security agencies, which also included a cut in the countries whose citizens can stay for 30 days without a visa to 37 from 57.

The cabinet said in a statement the border measures would deter illegal employment and criminal activities.

"These (illegal) activities have threatened the country's economic and social stability as well as national security," the cabinet said in the statement.

Thailand, a major tourist destination, has generally been seen as lenient towards foreign arrivals, and has gained a reputation as a safe heaven for fugitives and organized crime.

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Diplomats and law enforcement officials say Thailand is a major hub for drug trafficking, people smuggling and prostitution.

Nationals that would retain the visa exemption must be from Thailand's major tourist markets, pose no security threat, and provide the same exemption treatment to Thais, the Thai cabinet said.

It said Russia and Uzbekistan were among the countries whose citizens would no longer qualify for visas on arrival.

Details of other affected countries were not immediately available.

Reuters contributed to this report.