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In Thailand, Anger and Uncertainty After US Visa Freeze
Plans Interrupted
Many people in Thailand say the US visa freeze has damaged their future plans.
The US government paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand.
The pause covers spousal, dependent and employment visas.
Khaochat Mankong, a 27-year-old English tutor, hoped to move to California to live with her American husband.
She said she never expected the US to block marriage visas.
Now her plans face long delays.
“I wanted to raise a family in the US,” she said.
She added that she never planned to claim welfare benefits, which the US cited as the reason for the freeze.
Workers Look for Alternatives
The freeze also impacts Thai workers who paid for visa processing.
Songtham Artsomjit, 26, planned to work at a trailer factory in Wisconsin under an EB-3 visa.
The freeze ended that plan.
He said he now works at a supermarket in Israel because he fears poverty more than risk.
Diplomatic Strain Between Allies
Thailand is one of the oldest US treaty allies in Southeast Asia.
The two countries have had formal ties since 1833.
Officials in Bangkok say the policy hurts a key relationship.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with the US Charge D’Affaires to ask for clarification.
He argued that Thai migrants contribute to the US economy.
Thai-headed households earned a median 82,000 dollars in 2023, above the US national median, according to the Pew Research Center.
Tension on Trade and Policy
Thailand already faces economic pressure from US tariffs.
Since 2025, Thai exports to the US have faced a 19 percent tariff.
Trade talks have slowed as both sides disagree on food market access.
Human rights advocates warn that the visa freeze will create many barriers to migration.
Some Thai immigrants support the freeze and say the US must limit welfare spending.
Others see the policy as unfair and harmful to families.
Uncertain Future
Khaochat said the situation feels bitter and ironic.
Her partner voted for Trump.
She now waits for a decision that could take years
