Dissecting Thailand’s Visa Policy, Long Stay or Long-Term Residence? The recent resolution by the Thai Cabinet to acknowledge a new package of visa measures is presented as an economic stimulus, yet it also underscores how foreigners are still largely viewed as temporary visitors rather than long-term residents.- Pattaya Mail

Dissecting Thailand's Visa Policy, Long Stay or Long-Term Residence?

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)February 14, 2026

The recent resolution by the Thai Cabinet to acknowledge a new package of visa measures is presented as an economic stimulus, yet it also underscores how foreigners are still largely viewed as temporary visitors rather than long-term residents.

BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Cabinet's recent resolution to acknowledge a new package of visa measures has been presented as part of the government's effort to stimulate tourism and the broader economy. Yet beyond the technical details, this development reveals something more fundamental: how Thailand continues to perceive foreigners not as long-term residents, but primarily as temporary visitors.

What the cabinet decided
The Cabinet acknowledged a set of visa measures structured into three phases. In the short term, the government aims to increase arrivals. Visa-free entry for up to 60 days has been granted to nationals of 93 countries, Visa on Arrival has been expanded, and new visa categories have been introduced most notably the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for tourism combined with remote work, and ED Plus for education with limited work opportunities.

In the medium term, the focus shifts to administrative streamlining. The number of Non-Immigrant visa categories has been reduced from 17 to 7, the e-Visa system has been expanded to cover 94 Thai embassies and consulates worldwide, and the government is in the process of revising eligibility criteria for Long Stay visas targeting retirees who wish to spend their later years in Thailand.

In the long term, Thailand is moving toward digitalization, replacing the paper-based TM.6 arrival card with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which now serves as a substitute for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

In simple terms, the government is making Thailand easier to enter, easier to stay longer, and easier to process digitally.

The question is whether this is enough.
A Law and Business Perspective
From a legal standpoint, these measures are procedural adjustments rather than structural reform. Every visa category introduced or revised including DTV, ED Plus, and Long Stay remains grounded in the same legal premise: temporary permission to stay, subject to state discretion.

From a business perspective, this distinction is critical. Foreigners may be willing to travel to Thailand, spend money, rent property, and consume services. What they remain hesitant to do is commit their lives because what is missing is not the length of stay, but legal certainty.

The Core Problem: A Matter of Mindset
First, Long Stay is not the same as Long-Term Residence. The term "Long Stay" sounds reassuring, but in legal reality it remains a Non-Immigrant visa with extended duration. Holders must still renew periodically, remain subject to discretionary approval, and lack a status approaching that of a resident. This uncertainty discourages long-term planning, investment, and the structuring of personal and financial affairs. While competitor countries market a secure post-retirement life, Thailand still offers something closer to "you may stay, as long as nothing goes wrong."

Second, short-term measures lack a long-term pathway. Visa exemptions, expanded VoA, DTV, and ED Plus may boost arrival numbers, but they fail to answer a critical question: if these individuals wish to remain lawfully in Thailand long term, where do they go next? There is no clear pathway linking short-term or hybrid visas to Long Stay or other stable statuses. Instead, applicants are left to navigate renewals and status changes on their own.

Third, long-term policy ends at the immigration checkpoint. TDAC is a positive technological upgrade, but it is just that technology. The state is investing in the gate of entry, not in the life that follows. There is no comprehensive framework for long-term residence, no clear articulation of rights and obligations, and no integration of long-stay foreigners into the broader economic and legal system.

Thailand's visa measures reflect a genuine effort to facilitate entry and reduce friction. What they do not yet reflect is the courage to redesign long-term residence. The country is becoming easier to enter, but not yet safer to stay in legal terms. This is not because Thailand lacks appeal far from it but because the law has yet to provide the certainty that long-term residents require.

If Thailand truly seeks to attract high-quality retirees and long-term residents, it must move beyond visas and begin addressing legal status. Sustainable economic value is not built by tourists who stay longer, but by residents who are confident enough to anchor their lives in the country.

Thailand liberalises visas, long-stay reforms to boost retiree spending. Thailand is a highly livable country, but a difficult one in which to plan a future. The risk lies not solely in statutory law, but in the unpredictability of enforcement and the frequent policy shifts that occur without structured transition mechanisms. Pattaya Mail

Thailand liberalises visas, long-stay reforms to boost retiree spending

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)February 13, 2026

Following a Cabinet resolution, the Thai government approved visa reforms including expanded exemptions, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), ED Plus expansion, and consolidation of Non-Immigrant visa categories.

BANGKOK, Thailand – Following a Cabinet resolution dated 10 February 2026, which acknowledged a package of visa measures and guidelines proposed to promote tourism and stimulate the national economy, the Thai government has approved a series of initiatives, including visa exemptions for nationals of 93 countries, the introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), the expansion of the ED Plus visa, and the consolidation of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 codes to just 7.

Taken together, these measures send a clear signal: Thailand is no longer merely seeking more visitors – it is seeking people who will stay.

From a policy perspective, these changes are long overdue. Thailand's visa system had become unnecessarily complex, functioning less as a regulatory framework and more as a hidden cost that undermined the country's competitiveness in the eyes of tourists, investors, and long-term residents alike — particularly at a time when regional competitors are actively simplifying their entry regimes and offering greater legal predictability.

However, from a Law & Business standpoint, one point must be stated plainly: A visa is merely an entry gate – it is not the reason people choose to stay.

As long as Thailand's tax framework remains unclear, long-term property rights remain legally ambiguous, foreign labor regulations are interpreted inconsistently across agencies, and law enforcement lacks uniformity, easier visas will only succeed in attracting people in the short term. They will not, by themselves, convert visitors into committed long-term residents.

This reality is widely reflected in online discussions across expatriate forums, retirement communities, and digital nomad networks. A recurring sentiment emerges: Thailand is a highly livable country, but a difficult one in which to plan a future. The risk lies not solely in statutory law, but in the unpredictability of enforcement and the frequent policy shifts that occur without structured transition mechanisms.

The government's renewed focus on long-stay visas for retirees illustrates this dilemma clearly. While the intention to attract post-retirement income to support the tourism sector is economically rational, many potential long-stay residents ultimately choose jurisdictions with higher living costs but greater legal certainty. What they seek is not simply affordability, but a system in which the rules of engagement can be reliably anticipated.

The same tension applies to the Destination Thailand Visa. While DTV has been welcomed as a forward-looking response to the digital economy, it simultaneously exposes Thailand's structural hesitation. The legal boundary between "working remotely for overseas clients" and "working in Thailand" remains insufficiently defined, leaving visa holders unable to properly assess their exposure to labor and tax liabilities.

Accordingly, the most common questions raised within global communities are not about visa eligibility, but about consequences: how foreign-sourced income will be taxed during long-term stays, and whether Thai authorities will adopt a consistent position when disputes arise.

This Cabinet resolution, therefore, represents a step in the right direction — but not a structural turning point. As long as the Thai state continues to view foreigners primarily as "visitors who stay longer," rather than as "residents with an economic role," Thailand will remain a country that many wish to experience, but hesitate to anchor their future in.

And in the world of Law & Business, uncertainty of this kind is always the most expensive risk.





Nominees, Bank Accounts, and Border Checks: Why Thailand’s enforcement is suddenly feeling very real. For years, there has been a quiet understanding among many foreign business owners in Thailand, as long as nothing goes wrong, nobody looks too closely. That assumption is starting to crack. Over the past few days, Phuket has become a very public reminder that Thailand’s authorities are no longer content with rules existing on paper.- Pattaya Mail

Nominees, Bank Accounts, and Border Checks: Why Thailand's enforcement is suddenly feeling very real

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)February 7, 2026

Phuket has become a visible reminder that Thai authorities are moving from written regulations to active enforcement, signaling to foreign business owners that compliance is now being closely monitored across multiple agencies.

PATTAYA, Thailand – For years, there has been a quiet understanding among many foreign business owners in Thailand, as long as nothing goes wrong, nobody looks too closely. That assumption is starting to crack. Over the past few days, Phuket has become a very public reminder that Thailand's authorities are no longer content with rules existing on paper. They are enforcing them on the ground, across agencies, and with consequences that are no longer theoretical.

Phuket: Where the spotlight is turned on
In late January and early February, officials from the Department of Business Development (DBD), working alongside the DSI, Immigration Police, Tourism Police, and provincial authorities, conducted intensive inspections across Phuket. The target was not subtle, companies suspected of using nominee shareholders Thai individuals fronting businesses that are effectively controlled by foreigners. These were not desk audits. Officials showed up in person. What they reportedly found will sound familiar to anyone who has spent time around Phuket's business ecosystem:

• Multiple companies registered at the same accounting or legal office
• Thai shareholders unable to explain their role or decision-making authority
• Accountants stepping in as "directors" when real directors were unavailable

Several businesses were ordered to submit further documentation. Some cases were flagged for legal action. This wasn't random. Phuket, with its heavy foreign investment in tourism, property, and services, is an obvious place to start. And it almost certainly won't be the last.

Nominee structures: No longer a grey zone
Nominee arrangements have existed for decades. Everyone knows someone who knows someone. But enforcement has changed the equation. Authorities are no longer just checking whether documents look correct they are asking whether the control, funding, and decision-making are real. If a Thai shareholder owns 51% on paper but can't explain, where the investment money came from, how business decisions are made, why profits flow the way they do, that structure is suddenly fragile. What used to be "common practice" is now a liability.

Bank accounts compliance gets personal
At the same time, banks are tightening the screws. Foreign account holders are increasingly being asked to explain, the source of funds, the purpose of transactions, whether their visa status matches their financial activity, In some cases, accounts have been frozen or closed outright when answers or documents couldn't be produced quickly enough. This isn't banks being difficult. It's banks protecting themselves. Under stricter AML and KYC obligations, Thai banks are under pressure to show they are not facilitating undocumented income, nominee flows, or informal business arrangements. For expats used to "set and forget" banking, this has come as a shock.

Immigration proof of funds is back in the picture
Then there's immigration. More travelers report being asked for proof of funds at airports, especially those entering on long-stay or non-tourist visas. The law hasn't changed but enforcement has. What makes people uneasy is not the requirement itself, but the inconsistency, Different officers, different expectations, Unclear standards on what counts as acceptable proof, Little warning before questions are asked. For long-term residents, this adds another layer of uncertainty to what used to be a routine process.

The bigger picture: This is about substance, not paper
Put all of this together, and a pattern emerges. Thailand is moving away from informal tolerance and toward substantive compliance, Who really controls the company? Where does the money really come from? Does your visa actually support what you're doing? If the answers exist only in theory, that may no longer be enough. This isn't about chasing every foreigner out of Thailand. It's about drawing firmer lines and enforcing laws that have been on the books for years but unevenly applied.

What Expats should take from this
No panic is required. But complacency is risky. If you run a business using nominee shareholders, rely on loosely documented income, assume your bank account or visa is "safe because it always has been" – it may be time for a serious review.

Thailand hasn't changed the rules. It has changed how seriously it enforces them and Phuket may just be the opening chapter.



A chilly February Thailand’s tax talk heats up online. February 2026 has brought an unusual kind of unease to Thailand’s expat community. Not because of the weather, but because of the conversations dominating social media. From Facebook expat groups to forum threads and comment sections under economic news, one topic keeps resurfacing: taxes.- Pattaya Mail

A chilly February Thailand's tax talk heats up online

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)February 6, 2026

February 2026 has brought growing unease among Thailand's expat community, as tax concerns dominate online discussions, reflecting anxiety and uncertainty over what many see as a stricter tax environment ahead. (Photo by Victor Wong)

PATTAYA, Thailand – February 2026 has brought an unusual kind of unease to Thailand's expat community. Not because of the weather, but because of the conversations dominating social media. From Facebook expat groups to forum threads and comment sections under economic news, one topic keeps resurfacing: taxes. The mood is best described as hot and cold. Anxiety, speculation, and cautious advice are being exchanged daily, reflecting a growing realization that Thailand's tax environment is entering a new and far less forgiving phase.

Social media speaks: taxes everywhere
A quick scroll through expat discussions online reveals how frequently words like tax, remittance, and foreign income now appear. Some expats report being advised by accountants to prepare documentation going back several years. Others openly admit they still do not fully understand which types of income may be taxable. Shared news articles warn of stricter scrutiny by the Revenue Department, while comment threads debate whether pensions, dividends, or investment income earned abroad especially before relocating to Thailand should be subject to Thai tax once transferred into the country. Despite the lack of absolute clarity, there is one common conclusion: this year feels very different.

Foreign income: uncertainty that makes people nervous
For foreigners who stayed in Thailand for more than 180 days during the 2025 tax year, the requirement to file personal income tax returns by 31 March 2026 has become unavoidable. Online, experiences are being exchanged at a rapid pace. Some say they intend to declare every transfer into Thailand for peace of mind. Others discuss separating accounts or carefully timing remittances in an attempt to reduce exposure to unclear interpretations. The term remittance has escaped the realm of technical tax language and entered everyday conversation. For many expats, it now triggers hesitation every time money is transferred into Thailand.

Cheap imports no more: a shared complaint
Another hot topic across social platforms is the removal of the VAT exemption on imported goods valued below 1,500 baht, effective 1 January 2026. Expat groups are filled with photos of purchase receipts showing higher-than-expected totals, often accompanied by sarcastic remarks along the lines of "small item, not-so-small tax." For many, this marks the end of the era of hassle-free online shopping from overseas. While some see the policy as an inconvenience, others acknowledge it as an effort to close tax loopholes and level the playing field between foreign sellers and domestic businesses. Either way, the impact is immediate and tangible.

A February that shouldn't be ignored
Taken together, the news headlines and online conversations paint a clear picture: tax enforcement is no longer an abstract policy issue. It has become part of everyday life for expats living in Thailand. This February is not just a transition toward the hot season. It is a waiting period for clarity. Some are choosing to adapt early, others are taking a wait-and-see approach, but few would deny that the atmosphere has fundamentally changed.

Final thoughts
This hot-and-cold February may well mark the beginning of a new tax era for foreigners in Thailand. Social media reflects the collective mood, but ultimately, careful preparation and a clear understanding of the new rules will matter far more than online speculation. For many expats, staying informed may be the difference between peace of mind and an unpleasant surprise in the months ahead.



Expats in Thailand face sudden bank account closures as silence fuels growing concern. There is a particular kind of silence that unnerves expats more than visa rules, tax forms, or immigration queues. It is the silence of a Thai bank. In recent months, expat forums, WhatsApp groups, Reddit threads, and coffee-shop conversations in Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai have been buzzing with the same unsettling story. A bank account that worked yesterday suddenly doesn’t.- Pattaya Mail

Expats in Thailand face sudden bank account closures as silence fuels growing concern

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)February 5, 2026

Expats in Thailand report sudden bank account disruptions without warning, as unexplained freezes and closures fuel growing concern across foreign communities in Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

PATTAYA, Thailand – There is a particular kind of silence that unnerves expats more than visa rules, tax forms, or immigration queues. It is the silence of a Thai bank. In recent months, expat forums, WhatsApp groups, Reddit threads, and coffee-shop conversations in Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai have been buzzing with the same unsettling story. A bank account that worked yesterday suddenly doesn't. A debit card declines. A mobile banking app freezes. No warning. No letter. No explanation beyond a polite instruction to "please visit the branch." For many foreigners living in Thailand, this has quietly become the issue they worry about most more than geopolitics, more than Trump, more than wars half a world away.

Not a rumour, not an isolated case
This is not paranoia, and it is not anecdotal noise. Thailand's largest commercial banks, led by Bangkok Bank and followed by others, have tightened rules on foreign-held accounts as part of a broader crackdown on fraud, mule accounts, and money laundering. The policy shift accelerated through 2024 and 2025, driven by regulatory pressure and a surge in online scam networks operating through temporary or poorly verified accounts.

Foreigners without long-term visas including tourists, short-stay residents, and even some holders of newer visa categories have found themselves particularly exposed. In parallel, Thai authorities froze millions of accounts nationwide during anti-scam operations. While officials insist legitimate accounts can be restored quickly, expats on the ground tell a different story: days or weeks without access to funds, rent payments delayed, and a sense of financial vulnerability that cuts deep.

Why banks don't explain and why that matters
What frustrates expats most is not the regulation itself. Most understand the need to fight financial crime. It is the absence of explanation. Thai banks operate under strict compliance rules. Once an account is flagged by an automated risk system, frontline staff are often prohibited from giving details. The result is a Kafkaesque experience: you are told nothing because nothing can be said. For a Thai customer, this may be inconvenient. For an expat, it can be existential. A frozen account can mean no access to savings, no ability to receive overseas transfers, and no proof of funds for visa renewals. In a country where cashless payments dominate daily life, losing a bank account feels less like an administrative issue and more like falling off the grid.

Why expats aren't talking about Trump
Against this backdrop, it becomes clearer why many expats seem indifferent to global political drama. Tariffs, elections, and military budgets feel abstract when your immediate concern is whether you can pay electricity tomorrow. In conversations across Pattaya and Phuket, expats talk about practical survival: Which banks are safer? Which visas still work? How often should documents be updated? Is it better to keep money offshore? Geopolitics may shape the world, but banking access shapes daily life.

The unspoken shift in Thailand's risk calculus
What is really happening is a quiet recalibration of risk. Thai banks are increasingly treating foreign customers especially those without deep, documentable roots as higher compliance risks. This is not ideological. It is procedural. Algorithms do not care whether you are a retiree, a digital nomad, or a long-term resident who has simply fallen between visa categories. The problem is not that rules exist. The problem is that the system assumes locals can absorb disruption more easily than foreigners. For expats, disruption can mean being unable to function.

A warning, not a criticism
This is not an argument against Thailand, nor against its banks. It is a warning to expats who still assume that once a bank account is opened, it is safe by default. Those days are over. Documentation must be current. Visa status matters more than before. And contingency planning multiple accounts, offshore access, or emergency cash is no longer optional. Because in today's Thailand, the most unsettling words an expat can hear are not from immigration. They are from a bank teller, smiling politely, saying: "Please wait. We cannot explain."



🇹🇭 FÖRSTÅ THAILAND – Konsten att göra olika Thailand är ett land där samma sak sällan görs på exakt samma sätt överallt.

 🇹🇭 FÖRSTÅ THAILAND

– Konsten att göra olika

Thailand är ett land där samma sak sällan görs på exakt samma sätt överallt.

För många svenskar är det här en stor kulturkrock. Vi kommer från ett system där regler är lika och tillämpningen ska vara lika – oavsett var du befinner dig.

Det sitter djupt att tänka att det finns en rättvis manual: så här gör man.

Men i Thailand möts vi av motsatsen. Det som fungerade på en plats fungerar inte nödvändigtvis på en annan. Det som gällde i går behöver inte gälla i dag. Det som gäller för dig behöver inte gälla för andra.

För den som är van vid att tryggheten ligger i förutsägbarhet kan det upplevas som otydligt, inkonsekvent och godtyckligt. Som britter brukar säga: Flip flop Thailand.

De som kommer från kulturer där flexibilitet och inkonsekvens redan är vardag har det lättare. För dem är det inget brott mot ordningen, utan en del av hur samhällen fungerar.

Svenskar och andra nordeuropéer söker däremot ofta efter en manual. Vi diskuterar i grupper och berättar "så här fungerade det för mig" med tanken att det då ska fungera likadant för alla andra. Det gör det ofta inte. 

Men varför bygger då det thailändska systemet på olika tillämpning?

Svaret är att staten inte vuxit fram ur principen lika för alla, utan ur en tradition där relation, status och ansvar varit centrala. Systemet är byggt så att situationen styr. 

Lagar är ofta skrivna som ramar snarare än exakta instruktioner. De anger vad som är möjligt och tillåtet, men inte alltid exakt hur varje situation ska hanteras. Det lämnar utrymme för den som sitter på plats att avgöra vad som är lämpligt här och nu.

Thailand är också starkt hierarkiskt. Hierarkin gör att ansvar och auktoritet följer personen, inte bara regelboken. Beslut och tolkningar lämnas till tjänstemannen på plats, och dennes omdöme väger tungt. 

Regler finns, men utrymmet att tolka dem är en del av systemet, inte ett avsteg från det.

Här är några konkreta exempel som många känner igen – och som blir begripliga först när man accepterar att situationen styr.

▪️ Immigration och visum

Du kan få olika besked på två immigrationskontor eller av olika tjänstemän. På ett ställe vill de se extra dokument. På ett annat räcker passet och ett leende. Regeln är densamma. Tillämpningen olika.

▪️90-dagarsrapportering

En gång går det snabbt och smidigt. Nästa gång vill de att du fyller i fler papper. Det beror inte på att reglerna ändrats, utan på hur tjänstemannen bedömer situationen just då.

▪️ Alkoholförbud 

En bar stänger helt. En annan serverar ändå. En tredje säger nej på dagen men ja på kvällen. Samma lag. Olika tolkning av vad som är lämpligt lokalt.

▪️ Lokala tillstånd

En restaurang får klartecken snabbt. En annan får vänta länge trots liknande förutsättningar. Relationer, timing och lokalkännedom spelar in.

▪️ Poliskontroll i trafiken

En förare blir stoppad och får böter för att sakna hjälm. Nästa vinkas förbi. Det handlar inte bara om lagar, utan om helhetsintryck, beteende och situation.

I svensk logik ser det här ut som inkonsekvens.

I thailändsk logik är det ett pragmatiskt system som hela tiden anpassar sig till verkligheten.

LÄS MER:

I appen Koh Lanta Approved finns artikeln hur du gör för att manövrera och navigera i det thailändska systemet – och få det att jobba för dig, inte mot dig.

https://kolanta.loial.link/infopages/shared/W6TZ6uorbzBakiH4qOQyQAegHsumUedtp6AMMnsG2VU

Six-meter python dies after fleeing rescuers into water in Pattaya. A giant python measuring around six meters in length was found dead after fleeing rescue officers and submerging itself in a body of water near a residential area in east Pattaya.- Pattaya Mail

Six-meter python dies after fleeing rescuers into water in Pattaya

Pattaya MailJanuary 31, 2026

Municipal rescue officers retrieve the body of a massive six-meter python from a water source in Banglamung after the animal fled into the area and was later found dead.

PATTAYA, Thailand — A giant python measuring around six meters in length was found dead after fleeing rescue officers and submerging itself in a body of water near a residential area in east Pattaya.

The Banglamung Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Radio Center received a report from residents that a large python had slithered into a house adjacent to an industrial cleaning machinery factory in Soi Banglamung 1. Rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to investigate.

Upon arrival, residents told officers that the python had escaped into a nearby water source next to the factory. After searching for more than 10 minutes, officers located the snake, described as extremely thick-bodied — about the size of a human thigh — and approximately six meters long. The python was found entangled around a tree, with its head submerged in the water.

As officers prepared to capture the animal, they discovered it was motionless and had already died. The rescue team then recovered the carcass from the water.

Jeerasak Nuchlek, an officer from the Banglamung Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said the team responded quickly after receiving the report from residents. However, by the time they arrived, the python had already fled into the water, become trapped around the tree, and drowned.

"It is unfortunate that we were unable to safely capture and release the snake back into its natural habitat," he said, noting the unusually large size of the python. Authorities said the carcass would be buried in accordance with standard procedures.

Large pythons are occasionally spotted in residential areas of Banglamung, particularly near water sources and undeveloped land, as urban expansion continues to encroach on natural habitats.



Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has reminded the public of strict alcohol sale and service prohibitions during the upcoming 2026 general election periods, in accordance with national election laws designed to maintain order and fairness at polling stations nationwide. Thai Election Commission Confirms Alcohol Sales Bans Nationwide For Parts of Next Two Weekends - The Pattaya News

Thai Election Commission Confirms Alcohol Sales Bans Nationwide For Parts of Next Two Weekends

Adam JuddThursday, 29 January 2026, 15:16

Oplus_131072

Thailand-

Thailand's Election Commission (EC) has reminded the public of strict alcohol sale and service prohibitions during the upcoming 2026 general election periods, in accordance with national election laws designed to maintain order and fairness at polling stations nationwide.

The bans apply across the entire country, covering all election districts, and does not allow any exceptions even to entertainment or tourism zones unlike a recent test for religious holidays. It is prohibited to sell, distribute, provide, or serve any type of alcoholic beverages during the specified times. Violations are punishable under the law, with potential penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both. It applies to both Thai nationals and foreigners, including tourists.

The restrictions are in place for two key voting periods:

Advance Voting Day
– Sunday, February 1st, 2026 (advance polling for eligible registered voters)
– The alcohol ban runs from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Election Day
– Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (main general election day for House of Representatives members, held concurrently with a constitutional referendum)
– The alcohol ban runs from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

These measures align with longstanding Thai electoral regulations aimed at preventing any influence or disruption during voting. The EC has discussed compliance for all businesses, including bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and retail outlets. This essentially means that especially for many bars and entertainment venues they will be shut doing this period. Restaurants and venues like sports bars can open but cannot serve alcohol.

The upcoming snap election follows the dissolution of the House of Representatives in December 2025, with polling stations set to open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the respective days. Authorities urge voters and operators to plan accordingly and adhere to the rules to avoid legal consequences.

The alcohol prohibition on election days has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Critics argue that the blanket ban unfairly impacts foreign visitors, who are not eligible to vote, and disrupts nightlife and leisure activities in popular tourist destinations during what could otherwise be busy weekend periods. 

This has fueled debates about balancing democratic integrity with the economic importance of tourism, especially amid recent government efforts to relax other alcohol restrictions to attract more international visitors on religious holidays.

However, the Election Commission has stressed that while it understands the potential effects on tourism and businesses, the laws must be followed strictly and without exception to ensure a fair and orderly electoral process. Authorities urge voters and operators to plan accordingly and adhere to the rules to avoid legal consequences.

Motorcycle predator sparks fear in Pattaya as CCTV captures latest assault. Concerns over public safety are growing among residents and tourists in Pattaya following a series of reported incidents in which a man on a motorcycle allegedly targeted women in public areas, Jan 27. - Pattaya Mail

Motorcycle predator sparks fear in Pattaya as CCTV captures latest assault

Pattaya MailJanuary 29, 2026

CCTV footage shows a motorcycle rider approaching a woman in the Jomtien Second Road area before fleeing moments later, as residents urge police to step up patrols and track down the suspect amid growing safety concerns.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Concerns over public safety are growing among residents and tourists in Pattaya following a series of reported incidents in which a man on a motorcycle allegedly targeted women in public areas, Jan 27.

In the latest case, CCTV footage captured a suspect riding a motorcycle alongside a woman in Jomtien Second Road area before committing a brief sexual assault and fleeing the scene. The incident occurred in a busy area with regular pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

The victim, a 35-year-old woman who requested anonymity, told reporters that the incident happened on the morning of Jan. 23 as she was on her way to work near Pattaya Beach. She said she had lived in Pattaya for more than two years and had never previously experienced anything similar.

According to CCTV footage reviewed by authorities, the suspect was riding a grey scooter believed to be a Honda PCX, wearing dark clothing and a full-face helmet. The motorcycle's registration number was not visible. After approaching the victim, the suspect quickly fled the area.

The woman said she was shocked by the incident and sought immediate help at a nearby business. She later decided to release the CCTV footage publicly to warn other women, particularly those who travel alone, stressing that such incidents can happen regardless of clothing or location. She also expressed fear that the suspect remains at large and said she plans to formally file a police complaint.

Residents and visitors express growing fear over public safety in Pattaya, as reports of repeated motorcycle assaults on women prompt calls for stronger police action and increased patrols.

The victim and other residents have noted similarities between this case and earlier reports involving a motorcyclist who allegedly harassed women in other parts of Pattaya, including Pratumnak Hill. Some women in the area have also reported increasingly aggressive behavior, including suspects allegedly following victims after the initial encounter.

Residents are now urging police to review surveillance footage along possible escape routes and increase patrols in quieter streets and alleys to prevent further incidents and restore public confidence in safety.


Following the incident, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has instructed police to urgently track down and arrest the suspect as quickly as possible. City officials have been directed to increase vigilance and coordinate closely with law enforcement to protect residents and visitors.

Residents welcomed the mayor's response, expressing hope that firm and serious enforcement will help deter future crimes and restore confidence in public safety. Many said decisive action would not only reassure tourists but also give local families greater peace of mind, while sending a clear warning to offenders that such behavior will not be tolerated in Pattaya.



Public Health screens air passengers from India for Nipah virus . The Nation

 

 The Ministry of Public Health on Sunday began screening air passengers arriving from India for possible Nipah virus (NiV) infection, following reports of cases in West Bengal.

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Screening is being carried out at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, focusing on travellers arriving from West Bengal. Authorities said passengers and relevant agencies have been cooperative.

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#ThailandNews #Health #N#NipahVirus

🦠 Nipah Virus Infection – Awareness Update. PR Thai Government

 🦠 Nipah Virus Infection – Awareness Update

📍 Thailand's Department of Disease Control continues to closely monitor the Nipah virus situation.
👉 Thailand currently has no reported cases of Nipah virus infection.
🛡️ Simple preventive measures—such as regular handwashing and avoiding fruit with bite marks—remain essential.
👩🏻‍⚕️ Stay informed, stay safe, and follow official public health guidance.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said on Monday that it will test Thailand’s nationwide cell broadcast alert system on Tuesday afternoon via three mobile operators. The Nation

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said on Monday that it will test Thailand's nationwide cell broadcast alert system on Tuesday afternoon via three mobile operators.
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DDPM said the test alert will be sent at 2pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to mobile phones nationwide through the cell broadcast systems of National Telecom (NT), True Corporation (TrueMove H and DTAC) and Advanced Info Service (AIS).
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Full story link is in the first comment.
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#ThailandNews #General #CellBroadcast

Man injured by venomous fish spine on Jomtien Beach, rushed to hospital. The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with many beachgoers and fishermen sharing personal experiences and warning of the intense pain caused by venomous marine animals, particularly during nighttime beach activities.- Pattaya Mail

Man injured by venomous fish spine on Jomtien Beach, rushed to hospital

Pattaya MailJanuary 19, 2026

Rescue workers assist a man after he was injured by a venomous fish spine on Jomtien Beach late Friday nightbefore being taken to Pattaya City Hospital.

PATTAYA, Thailand – A man was injured after being pierced by a venomous fish spine on Jomtien Beach, prompting an emergency response late Saturday night, Jan 17.

Jomtien municipal officers said they received a report from concerned citizens who found a man lying on the sand near Jomtien Beach Soi 1. Officials rushed to the scene and found the man conscious but suffering severe pain after a fish spine became lodged in his left hand, causing numbness that spread to part of his body.

Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon were called in and transported the injured man to Pattaya City Hospital for further treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed.

The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with many beachgoers and fishermen sharing personal experiences and warning of the intense pain caused by venomous marine animals, particularly during nighttime beach activities. Authorities have not confirmed the species involved but urged the public to exercise caution when walking or handling marine life along the shoreline.

A venomous fish spine is believed to have caused severe pain and numbness after piercing a man's hand on Jomtien Beach late Friday night.

 

The incident triggered widespread online discussion, with fishermen and beachgoers sharing warnings and first-hand experiences about venomous fish encounters along Pattaya's shoreline.

🇹🇭 STOREBROR KOLLAR TDAC. Med jämna mellanrum påstår någon i sociala medier att passpolisen ”inte frågade efter mitt TDAC”, som om det skulle betyda att man kan strunta i att göra en reseanmälan. Gå inte på det. Kim Wadström på Lanta.

 🇹🇭 STOREBROR KOLLAR TDAC

Med jämna mellanrum påstår någon i sociala medier att passpolisen "inte frågade efter mitt TDAC", som om det skulle betyda att man kan strunta i att göra en reseanmälan.

Gå inte på det.

Immigration behöver inte se din papperskopia för att veta om du har gjort en inreseanmälan eller inte. Uppgifterna finns redan i deras system.

Immigration är i dag fullt digitaliserade. De har en informationsfil om dig.

De vet exakt hur du rest in och ut ur landet, hur länge du stannat, vilka visum du haft, om du tidigare haft overstay och var du bor.

Om de anser att något ser misstänkt ut i en resenärs resehistorik blir denne förd åt sidan, förhörd och blir i värsta fall nekad inresa och deporterad. Det sker betydligt oftare idag sedan myndigheterna skärpte tillämpningen av regelverket förra året.

Den som överstannar kan bli upplockad av en immigrationspolis redan dag tre. Den som saknar utreseresebiljett inom 60 dagar kan bli nekad inresa.

Och skulle du inte ha fyllt i TDAC får du gå åt sidan och göra det. Att så många inte fyllt i reseanmälan är en anledning till att köerna på flygplatserna ofta är mycket långa.

Thailand's real estate market faces its toughest slowdown in nearly 30 years, with over 400,000 unsold condos. Rising interest rates and high debt are major factors holding back recovery. The Nation

Thailand's real estate market faces its toughest slowdown in nearly 30 years, with over 400,000 unsold condos. Rising interest rates and high debt are major factors holding back recovery.
While the mass market struggles, some high-end properties and regions like Phuket, Pattaya, and Sriracha are showing signs of life, driven by foreign investment and strong demand. The market is expected to remain challenging in the near term, with developers taking a cautious approach to new projects.

Read more: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/property/40061239

Thailand shaken by two deadly crane collapses exposing lapses in public safety. Between 14 and 15 January 2026, Thailand experienced major losses from two serious crane-related accidents occurring within less than 48 hours. - Pattaya Mail

Thailand shaken by two deadly crane collapses exposing lapses in public safety

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)January 16, 2026

A devastating scene unfolds after a construction crane collapsed and crushed a passing passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing at least 32 people. The tragedy, one of two crane-related accidents in Thailand within 48 hours, has renewed concerns over construction safety and oversight.

BANGKOK, Thailand – Between 14 and 15 January 2026, Thailand experienced major losses from two serious crane-related accidents occurring within less than 48 hours. The first incident took place in Nakhon Ratchasima province, when a crane from a high-speed rail construction project collapsed onto a special passenger train that was passing through the area. The incident resulted in at least 32 fatalities and more than 60 injuries. Many of the victims were ordinary passengers with no connection to the construction site, yet they were exposed to life-threatening risks from activities that should have been subject to the highest levels of safety control.

Just one day later, a similar incident occurred on Rama 2 Road, where a crane and concrete beams from an elevated roadway construction project collapsed onto an active traffic lane. The collapse caused additional deaths and injuries. Images of concrete debris and steel structures crushing vehicles on one of the country's main highways became a stark reminder that construction-related risks in Thailand are not confined to workers within project sites, but extend directly to members of the public going about their daily lives.

These two incidents were not isolated events. Rather, they form part of a recurring pattern of accidents associated with large-scale construction projects in Thailand, particularly infrastructure projects involving public roads and transport systems. Rama 2 Road, in particular, has long been cited as a problem area, with repeated construction-related accidents over several years. These have included crane collapses, snapped slings, falling concrete beams, and structural components dropping onto vehicles and road users, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries throughout the prolonged construction period.

A closer examination of the two recent cases shows that Italian-Thai Development (ITD) was reported as the main contractor for both the Nakhon Ratchasima rail project and the Rama 2 elevated road works. This has raised concerns about how contractor accountability is addressed in Thailand, especially when large companies involved in national-level projects experience multiple serious accidents without clear consequences for their long-term business standing or future access to public contracts.

Under the current regulatory framework, contracting authorities are legally permitted to propose the blacklisting of contractors who fail to comply with contractual obligations. However, in practice, no contractor has yet been blacklisted specifically as a result of a serious construction accident causing loss of life. This gap has meant that enforcement remains largely reactive, focusing on responses after incidents occur rather than preventing risks at a systemic level.

Following the most recent tragedies, the Thai government has accelerated efforts to introduce a "Contractor Rating Book" system. This system is intended to track and score construction companies, particularly in relation to safety performance. Companies would face point deductions for negligence leading to accidents, and poor safety ratings could result in restrictions on their ability to bid for future government projects. The initiative reflects an attempt to shift procurement practices away from a primary focus on price and technical capacity toward a broader assessment that includes long-term risk management and safety responsibility.

Comparable systems have been in place in other countries for many years. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has the authority to investigate crane accidents and impose penalties on contractors. In one example from New York City, OSHA fined a contractor more than USD 155,000 for violations of safety regulations following a crane collapse. Beyond financial penalties, safety violations are recorded as part of a company's safety profile, which can directly affect its eligibility for future projects and its reputation within the procurement system.

In the United Kingdom and across much of Europe, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces strict safety standards for the installation and operation of cranes. Companies that fail to comply may face severe civil and criminal penalties, as well as mandatory compliance with standards such as BS EN 14439. Requirements typically include pre-work inspections, site-specific risk management plans, and continuous reporting and monitoring throughout the construction process.

International experience demonstrates that construction safety is treated not as an optional cost, but as a core component of corporate capability and credibility. Rating systems and strong legal enforcement ensure that a single accident does not end with compensation alone, but has lasting implications for a company's future operations.

The crane collapses in Nakhon Ratchasima and on Rama 2 Road therefore serve not only as individual tragedies, but as a warning that Thailand's construction safety framework still contains significant gaps in oversight, risk assessment, and contractor accountability. Strengthening legal enforcement and implementing an effective Contractor Rating system may represent an important first step toward reducing accumulated risks and preventing similar losses from recurring in the future.