BANGKOK, Dec 19: Thailand’s visitor-friendly reputation took a hit on Tuesday as the government revoked visa-on-arrival privileges for people from 81 nations, including Russia and many African and South Asian countries, officials said.

The changes to Thailand’s liberal entry rules, which have helped make tourism the kingdom’s biggest foreign exchange earner, were proposed at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting by Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh following recommendations from the Foreign Ministry, the National Security Council and immigration police.

Chavalit, who is also defence minister, has been given wide powers over internal security matters. He presided over the cabinet meeting because Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is visiting the United States.—dpa