Tour operators have shared public concern over a possible ending of visa-free travel to Japan as the number of Thais overstaying has soared.

The Department of Consular Affairs addressed this issue in December last year, as the number of Thais overstaying grew from 8,688 in 2021 to 9,549 in 2022 and 11,472 in 2023.

According to news reports, the Japanese government wants Thailand to urgently address this issue as it might affect the continuity of the visa-free policy in 2025.

The Thai Travel Agents Association said the number of Thais overstaying the 15-day visa remains relatively small compared with the 995,500 outbound tourists from Thailand in 2023, less than 2% of the outbound market to Japan.

If the Japanese government intends to reintroduce visa requirements, the association said it would likely start after Osaka hosts Expo 2025, which runs from April to October.

The vice-president said the problem of illegal workers is not as much of a challenge in Japan as South Korea because of the weak yen.

Workers in recent years earn less than usual when converting their salaries from yen to baht.

However, with tourism congestion in many places in Japan, there is a possibility more attractions and destinations will impose a levy or even a ban to reduce visitor numbers, the association said.