Sihasak expressed concern over the discovery of weapons caches among Chinese nationals, suggesting possible espionage which is alarming. He acknowledged the problem of visa overstays impacting national security and revealed that the Visa Committee is preparing to discuss reducing the Chinese visa-free duration from 60 days to 30 days.
On 9 May 2026 at 17:45 local time, Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave an interview in Tokyo, Japan, regarding the arrest of a Chinese man by police at Najomtien Police Station in Chonburi province and the subsequent investigation that uncovered a large cache of serious weapons at his residence. He said it was concerning but that they needed to review the investigation results first.
He added that it is even more worrisome when such weapons fall into foreign hands without knowing their intent. Therefore, Thailand’s immigration procedures need to be improved. As an open society with tourists and business visitors, caution regarding visas is necessary. Sometimes individuals enter under the guise of tourism with a 60-day visa-free stay, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reviewing. The Visa Committee is proposing to reduce this from 60 days to 30 days and to ensure all visa types are sufficiently strict. Regarding suspicions of espionage, he said that is indeed frightening, but merely possessing such weapons is already alarming.