BANGKOK, Thailand – Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has sought clarification from the United States over a reported pause in the issuance of immigrant visas affecting 75 countries, including Thailand, amid concerns about the measure’s scope and rationale.
Sihasak met with Elizabeth J. Konick, chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, to discuss the U.S. Department of State announcement that immigrant visa processing would be paused starting Jan. 21. He said the move groups countries with differing circumstances without clear criteria, raising questions within Thai society.
Sihasak also referred to the more than 320,000 Thai nationals living in the United States, citing their economic contributions through business activity, investment, and job creation. He requested further explanation of the factors behind the measure and how affected countries were selected, noting ongoing efforts by both governments to strengthen bilateral relations.
The U.S. chargé d’affaires acknowledged Thailand’s concerns and said the measure applies only to immigrant visas as part of efforts to reduce pressure on the U.S. welfare system. She said non-immigrant visas, including those for tourism, business, official travel, and student visas, continue to be processed without interruption.
Konick added that Thailand’s concerns would be conveyed to the U.S. Department of State and that further details would be shared when available. Updates on the policy are being issued through official U.S. channels, including the travel.state.gov website and announcements from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. (NNT)
