Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok

วันที่นำเข้าข้อมูล 15 Jan 2026

วันที่ปรับปรุงข้อมูล 15 Jan 2026

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On 15 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a discussion with Mrs. Elizabeth J. Konick, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, to seek clarification and further details regarding the U.S. Department of State’s recent announcement to pause the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Thailand, effective 21 January 2026.

The Foreign Minister expressed concern over the measure, noting that it groups together a diverse range of countries with varying contexts and circumstances without providing clear criteria for the decision. Such a move inevitably raises questions in Thai society and potentially sends a misleading signal at a time when both Thailand and the U.S. are proactively working to reinvigorate the relationship as long-standing allies and partners. He also emphasized that over 320,000 Thai nationals residing in the U.S. have contributed to the American economy and society, including through businesses and investments that have created numerous jobs in the U.S. In this regard, he requested an explanation from the U.S. side, including clarification on the specific criteria used by the U.S. for this measure.

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires acknowledged the Thai side’s concerns and provided a preliminary explanation that the measure is part of efforts targeted at reducing the burden on the U.S. welfare system and applies solely to immigrant visas. She affirmed that the process for non-immigrant visas, including those for tourism, business, official travel, and students, continue to be processed uninterruptedly. She also undertook to convey the Thai side’s concerns and inquiries to the U.S. Department of State and would provide further clarification and information to the Thai side at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, updates on the U.S. measure can be monitored via official channels on the travel .state .gov website and through the announcements of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.

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