BANGKOK, Thailand – Chayika Wongnapachant, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified recent concerns regarding the United States’ decision to increase scrutiny of visa applications from certain Thai officials and their families.
According to Chayika, the US action is not a visa ban but a procedural tightening. It affects only future visa applications and depends on the applicant’s stated purpose of travel. The US has not released the names of individuals on the list and confirmed that the measure does not affect those who already hold valid US visas.
She emphasized that individuals currently holding US visas, including Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will not be impacted. His visa remains valid.
The clarification comes after public concern and political discussions over whether the US decision might reflect broader diplomatic tensions or penalize Thai officials retroactively. Thai authorities have affirmed ongoing communication with US counterparts to ensure clarity and protect diplomatic relations. (NNT)
