BANGKOK – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has asked the United States for a clear explanation after Washington announced a pause on processing immigrant visas. The US State Department said the suspension will cover Thailand and 74 other countries, and it is due to begin on 21 January 2026.
The decision follows President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on an “America First” approach to immigration. US officials, including the chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Bangkok, have told Thai authorities that the pause applies only to immigrant visas. These are the visas used by people seeking permanent residence in the United States and, over time, a route towards US citizenship. Temporary travel visas are not included.
That detail matters for most Thai travellers. Many Thais go to the United States on non-immigrant visas for short stays, such as tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F-1), and temporary work visas. Under the current announcement, those categories continue as normal.
The group most affected is made up of people applying for permanent residence, including those seeking green cards through family sponsorship, employment routes, or other long-term pathways.
Why the US says it is pausing immigrant visas
US authorities have presented the suspension as a review of the costs linked to taking in permanent immigrants. Officials have argued that public funds, including welfare support, healthcare, and social services, should be focused on US citizens and people already living in the country legally.
The approach also fits with stricter checks linked to the “public charge” principle, where applicants are expected to show they can support themselves and are unlikely to rely on government support.
The list of countries named is wide, covering parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. It includes Afghanistan, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and Thailand. The scale of the measure has raised concerns in diplomatic circles, especially as it comes soon after recent talks aimed at improving relations with partners.
Thailand and the US have a long-standing partnership
The timing of the suspension has drawn attention because Thailand-United States relations go back almost 200 years. Formal ties began in 1833 through the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which was the first agreement of its kind between the US and an Asian country. Since then, the relationship has expanded across security, trade, investment, and strong people-to-people links.
Thailand is classed as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States. The two countries also take part in joint military training, including Cobra Gold, which is widely seen as Asia’s largest exercise of its kind.
On the economic side, trade has remained active. US goods trade with Thailand has been reported at around $81 billion in recent years, with US investment spread across areas such as petroleum, finance, and manufacturing. Long-running agreements, including the 1966 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations and the 2002 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, continue to support business and investment.
Education and cultural exchanges also play a steady role. Thousands of Thai students go to the United States each year, helping keep ties strong at a personal level, not just through government channels.
Thai travel to the US continues for tourism, study, and work
Although immigrant visa routes face a pause, day-to-day travel from Thailand to the United States is expected to continue through non-immigrant visas. Each year, many Thai citizens visit for holidays, study, and short-term work.
Before the pandemic and during the recovery, Thai tourism to the US remained popular, with travellers often heading to places such as New York, California, and national parks. Thai students also make up a regular group on US campuses, with common fields including business, engineering, and technology.
For now, none of these temporary visa categories has been included in the suspension. Demand for non-immigrant visas is expected to stay strong, particularly with major events ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host and which is likely to draw large numbers of visitors.
MFA steps in, seeks details and consistency
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has responded by calling in the US chargé d’affaires to request more details. He has stressed the need to understand how the suspension fits with recent positive messages from Washington, including visits by US officials that highlighted closer co-operation.
The MFA’s request reflects Thailand’s preference for open, direct communication. While the US has offered initial points of clarification, Thai officials say they will keep watching the situation closely and will continue to press for fair treatment of Thai nationals.
The pause adds uncertainty for Thais with long-term plans in the United States, including family and career goals. Even so, the long relationship between the two countries offers a base for discussions to continue.
The Chiang Rai Times will keep reporting on the Thailand-US immigrant visa suspension 2026 as both sides provide more information.
