OVERSEAS ADDICTS UNWELCOME

Visas Won't Be Easily Granted To Them

Tougher measures will be taken to stop drug addicts getting visas to visit
Thailand, Interior Minister Purachai Piumsombun said.

"We don't need drug addicts from developed countries causing problems in
Thailand," he said yesterday. "Only quality tourists will be permitted to
visit the country."

Mr Purachai said there were frequent reports of foreigners taking part in
drug parties, and that could damage Thailand's image.

Police on Sunday arrested 22 Thais and foreigners for taking drugs in a
Pattaya villa.

The minister said the foreigners would be checked to see what type of visas
they had.

There would in future be more stringent checks before consulates issue
tourist visas and on visitors seeking visas on arrival.

He did not say what criteria the authorities would use, how they would be
able to identify potential drug users or if they would discriminate against
backpackers.

He did not believe the new checks would affect tourism.