In Thailand, a US ally, the news of President Trump's visa freeze has sparked feelings of betrayal and disappointment among its citizens. For 27-year-old Khaochat Mankong, 2026 was supposed to be a year of new beginnings, starting a life with her American husband in California. However, her plans were abruptly halted when the US government announced an indefinite pause on processing immigrant visas from 75 countries, including Thailand.
Khaochat, an English tutor in Bangkok, expressed her shock and frustration, stating, 'I’m shocked; I never thought they would interfere with permanent visas or marriage visas.' She had hoped to build a family in the US and was confident in her language skills and financial stability, questioning the need for such restrictions. Similar stories of shattered dreams have flooded Thai social media, with married couples fearing long-term separation and the potential denial of their children's right to stay.
The US Department of State's decision to suspend visa applications from these countries was based on the claim that migrants from these nations were receiving welfare benefits at 'unacceptable rates'. However, many Thai citizens, like Khaochat, argue that this screening process could be more effective if it focused on language proficiency and financial stability. Songtham Artsomjit, who had paid a Thai agency $800 to start the paperwork for an EB-3 unskilled work visa, now faces a different future, working in a supermarket in Israel instead of his planned job on an assembly line in Wisconsin.
Thailand, a long-standing US treaty ally, has expressed deep disappointment at being included on this list alongside countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, and Myanmar. The Thai government has sought clarification from the US, emphasizing the injustice of the situation, given the contributions of Thai migrants to the US economy and the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. The success of the Thai diaspora in the US, building lucrative businesses after migrating for low-paid jobs, further highlights the perceived unfairness.
The strained relationship between Thailand and the US has been evident since Trump's return to office, with significant economic impacts. Thai exports to the US have faced a 19% tariff since August, and talks on a comprehensive trade deal have stalled due to US demands for market access. Phil Robertson, a US citizen based in Thailand, criticized the Trump administration's approach, calling it 'crass and cruel' and predicting an impossible migration process.
Despite the controversy, some Thais support the administration's efforts to restrict welfare claims by migrants, believing it is a necessary step to protect the country's resources. However, for Khaochat, the irony of her partner's support for Trump adds a layer of bitterness to her experience.
