Protesters gather at Victory Monument demanding Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
In a dramatic twist, Thailand's political scene heated up Saturday as both the opposition People's Party and the ruling Pheu Thai Party lashed out at leaders of a recent national unity rally.
Held at Victory Monument, the event saw leaders from the "United Power of Land Group" controversially suggesting a coup, sparking fierce backlash.
The People's Party took to Facebook, slamming rally figures for inciting a potential coup and promoting excessive nationalism. While typical demands like asking Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign were voiced, certain rally speeches seemed to be laying groundwork for a coup.
"In the past 20 years, many have suffered and even perished resisting coups. We cannot accept a coup; it violates our democracy and constitution," the party declared.
Danupon Punnakan, a spokesperson for Pheu Thai, acknowledged the peaceful nature of the rally but echoed concerns over the coup talk. Stressing the importance of democracy with the Monarch as head of state, he warned that the nation could not endure another coup, reported Thai Newsroom.
Rallies are constitutional as long as they don't involve violence, but the rhetoric from certain leaders crossed a line, he added.
This growing tension highlights the fragility of Thailand's political landscape, as calls for democracy clash with militaristic undertones.
The potential implications for citizens and governance remain stark, with both parties underscoring the importance of adhering to a democratic system free from military intervention.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-30
Smoking pot can be a crime but is usually without a victim to make a complaint.
At the last minute, Thailand has delayed for a month or two the ministerial edict that customers will need a doctor's prescription to buy cannabis. Weed cafes are also given a breather for now, although some smaller ones have already closed as they are not fully registered. The police are likely to ignore most cannabis smokers for now on the grounds that the drug has not yet been recriminalized but is a controlled herb. So the enforcement, if any, will rest with the greatly underfunded food and drugs administration.
Even when the latest regulations do come into force, maybe in August, suck it and see will still be the norm. Who exactly qualifies as a doctor is debatable but apparently includes herbalists and even acupuncturists as well as traditional medics. An overseas doctor's report is also acceptable. Many so-called dispensaries, according to Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network, will have a doctor available on video link, rather than physically present, to agree a prescription for insomnia or pain in return for immediate payment.
All cannabis sold will need the official Good Agricultural and Collection Practices Certificate issued to make sure farmers are complying with the latest government edict. How this will be monitored is unknown, similar to the equally contentious issue of dispensaries keeping detailed notes of all sales. Computerized records of this sort can easily be faked, not to mention hacked. Online cannabis sales will be banned, but there are currently thousands of purchases via Line with a data base of many thousands of buyers already in existence.
Cannabis retail operator Ake Khattiyadamrong says the basic problem is that previous ministerial regulations in 2022 were not enforced. Teens have found it easy in practice to obtain ganja and even public smoking has usually been tolerated. The instruction to growers that the cannabis could only be sold to qualified medical groups was ignored. There is substantial evidence that dozens of prosecuted holiday Brits have been caught carrying in their suitcases cannabis which had been openly bought at cannabis farms in Thailand. Purchases were mostly made by local mafiosi who then encouraged the luckless vacationers to take the airport risks.
The underlying issue is that smoking cannabis without permission is usually a victimless crime without anyone complaining. Just as some pharmacies sell hospital medicines without the required authorization, or some mama and papa stores sell beer at unauthorized times, so it is difficult to see the enforcement strategies against some cannabis outlets only interested in boosting sales. On an entirely separate front, the Entertainment Venue Act of 1964 has criminalized prostitution in licensed premises for seven decades to very little effect.
The current Pheu Thai-led administration says it is reacting to growing public concern about abuse of cannabis and its negative effects on individuals and on society at large. Assuming there isn't a change of government or even a military "accident", significant doubts exist about the effectiveness of ministerial proclamations which, incidentally, do not require approval via the Royal Gazette. As Cannabis Legal Reform says, "Alternatives such as zoning cannabis use would have a much greater chance of achieving progress rather than trying to muddle through once again."
-The regulatory changes, primarily requiring customers to have a prescription, will not be enforced for 30-90 days to give shops time to adjust. This could change by province and area.
-Cannabis is not recriminalized, banned, or a narcotic again-for now. There are distant proposals to do this but they would be fought vehemently and would need a lot more actions than the current sudden regulatory change. The current health minister said in meetings this weekend with business owners and activists he will not rush to make it a narcotic again unless shops ignore the new rules and don't issue prescriptions.
-There are no current penalties for USERS being caught without a prescription. It is also under Ministry of Health jurisdiction, not criminal. If it became a narcotic again that would change. Only sellers face fines and legal issues for selling without a prescription.
-This is also because growing at home for self consumption is still legal and doesn't need a prescription.
-Police are not drug testing people or throwing them in jail for cannabis again, as it is not a narcotic. For now.
-Cannabis dispensaries will be able to certify staff with a traditional Thai medical practitioner through online courses. They will then be able to legally issue certificates which will have dosage requirements and limits. You do NOT have to only get a prescription from full fledged medical doctors at hospitals. Even pharmacists and dentists can write prescriptions. Most shops will adjust to be able to immediately write prescriptions on site without a complicated process, like pharmacies. This is also why shops are being given a leeway period to get staff certified.
-Various conditions apply for a prescription including insomnia, anxiety/stress, and depression.
-A lot of the things people say are "new" have always been banned. Public smoking, smoking in shops, advertising, selling online, have been banned for years. Enforcement is a different matter. It is unclear if there will be stricter enforcement on these items or not at this time and again most of the jurisdiction falls not under police but the ministry of public health….unless it becomes a narcotic again.
-All of this could also change suddenly based on the status of the current government which is seeing significant protests. This information is also subject to change.
BANGKOK, June 28 (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters rallied in the Thai capital Bangkok on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, piling pressure on a government at risk of collapse over a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.
In the largest such rally since the ruling Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, crowds braved heavy monsoon rain to demonstrate against Paetongtarn, 38, who is also battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile coalition together ahead of a potential no confidence vote next month.
"She should step aside because she is the problem," Parnthep Pourpongpan, a protest leader, said.
The latest dispute started with a skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed patch of border territory in May. Thai nationalist groups called for Paetongtarn to go after she appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and kowtow to Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen, in a leaked phone call with him.
Public criticism of the army is a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. Paetongtarn apologised for her comments after the call.
Parnthep, the protest leader, said many Thai people felt the prime minister and her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, were being manipulated by Hun Sen, a former ally of the family who has turned against them.
'UNG ING, GET OUT'
Blocking the busy intersection at Victory Monument, a war memorial, crowds including many elderly people waved flags bearing Thailand's national tricolor.
"Ung Ing, get out," the crowd occasionally chanted in unison, calling the premier by a nickname.
Thapanawat Aramroong, 73, said Paetongtarn's comments about the army commander and seeming eagerness to please Hun Sen were unacceptable.
[1/5]Anti-government protesters gather at the Victory Monument during a protest calling Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign after her leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 28, 2025....
The demonstration was organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments over the last two decades.
In a statement read aloud before the crowds, the group said "the executive branch" and parliament were not working "in the interest of democracy and constitutional monarchy".
Remaining coalition partners should quit immediately, they said.
While past protests against the Shinawatras did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014.
Protester Somkhuan Yimyai, 68, said he did not want the military to end up staging a coup and that previous military takeovers had not "provided solutions for the nation in terms of solving corruption or the government's administration of the country."
ECONOMIC TURMOIL
The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery.
The prime minister now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week. Protesters on Saturday called for other coalition partners to quit.
Paetongtarn also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call.
Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal.
Hun Sen also launched an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family, calling for a change of government, in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, which the Thai foreign ministry described as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy.
Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Additional reporting by Napat Wesshasartar; Editing by Sam Holmes and Poppy McPherson
In a significant update to alcohol regulations, Thailand has announced new sales restrictions starting today, affecting bars, restaurants, and travelers nationwide.
According to an official announcement by the Royal Gazette dated June 26, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued new rules on alcohol sales. These changes update the 2015 regulations to better suit current conditions, based on recommendations from the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee.
Effective June 27, sales will only be allowed during specific hours: from 11am to 2pm, and from 5pm to midnight. This applies throughout the country, but with the following exceptions:
Airports: Alcohol sales are permitted in airport buildings servicing international passengers.
Service Establishments: Businesses can sell alcohol during their legal operating hours.
Hotels: Sales are allowed under the rules set by the Hotel Act.
Reasons for the Change
These new regulations aim to more effectively manage alcohol consumption while accommodating the needs of key sectors such as tourism and hospitality. By allowing sales in airports and hotels, the policy supports international visitors and business operations.
Businesses will need to adjust, particularly local bars and restaurants, which comprise a significant part of Thailand's vibrant nightlife. The goal is to strike a balance between curbing excessive drinking and supporting the hospitality industry.
Impact on Travelers and Businesses
Visitors to Thailand should be aware of these time restrictions and exceptions when planning their activities. Businesses, especially those outside of the exception categories, must adapt to the new sales windows.
Overall, this move represents a controlled approach to alcohol regulation, aiming for a healthier social environment without hindering tourism and business.
Stay informed about these changes to enjoy your Thailand experience smoothly under the new rules.
Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks to Lieutenant General Boosin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Area.
Several sources are warning that a new army putsch is a distinct possibility within weeks or months. The Council of Foreign Relations, Thailand's Tourism Council and even the defence minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, have all warned that a "non-democratic accident" could occur in "coup-culture" Thailand.
They note the two obvious dangers: the threat of bloodshed on the Thai-Cambodian closed borders, which are already under effective martial law on the Thai side, and looming anti-government street demonstrations getting out of hand. Behind both controversies is intense Thai patriotism and nationalism in sections of the Thai population.
Border territorial disputes were present in the previous coup years, 2006 and 2014, though not at simmering points as they are now. The two putsches dislodged a pro-Shinawatra administrations and the composition of the present government is another key similarity at the present time. There have been 22 Thai coup attempts, 13 successful, in the last 100 years.
On the other hand, there are reasons to question the imminence of another army takeover. Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, an international security expert, points out that the current military establishment is well aware that the economy at present is in a weak state which a coup could worsen. For example, international tourism could be hit especially if visitors found their insurances were invalid because of national martial law.
A new anti-democratic intervention would be the first in the new reign and might attract special unpopularity because of that. Moreover, the constitutional court could intervene and either clear prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of alleged constitutional breaches, or order her suspension pending judicial investigation. The Cambodian border issue could either deteriorate or improve, for example by a mutual decision to reopen land exit and entry points.
But all commentators, optimistic and pessimistic, agree that the immediate issue will be the organized Bangkok demo set for the upcoming weekend. Whether this turns into a nasty and long-term standoff or is managed successfully by supervising police without army backup is likely the determinant. As former premier Prem Tinsulanonda once said, "All a coup achieves is to put a sticking plaster on a serious wound".
Varning för vilseledande information om resor och uppehåll i Sverige
Ambassaden har uppmärksammat att det i sociala medier förekommer vilseledande inlägg och annonser som utger sig för att erbjuda hjälp med inresa, bosättning och arbete i Sverige.
I flera fall sprids felaktig information om regler och villkor för viseringar och uppehållstillstånd. Vissa inlägg innehåller även bilder och formuleringar som felaktigt ger intryck av att komma från ambassadens officiella webbplats.
Ambassaden vill understryka att vi inte samarbetar med några annonsörer eller konton i sociala medier som sprider denna typ av information eller erbjuder tjänster kopplade till resor eller uppehåll i Sverige.
Vi har också blivit kontaktade av personer i Sverige som blivit uppmanade att skicka sina pass till Thailand för att en visering skulle kunna utfärdas för en inbjuden person. Dessa uppgifter är falska och har felaktigt kopplats till ambassaden. Vi vill tydligt klargöra att ambassaden aldrig begär in originalpass från den som bjuder in någon till Sverige.
För korrekt och aktuell information om inresa till Sverige och om uppehållstillstånd för bosättning och arbete, hänvisar vi till följande webbplatser:
As of June 22, 2025, tensions between Israel and Iran have sharply escalated, with reports of U.S. support for Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. While the missiles are far from Thailand's shores, the ripple effects are already being felt in the heart of Pattaya.
PATTAYA, Thailand – As of June 22, 2025, the world has witnessed a sharp escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has entered the fray, reportedly assisting Israel in bombing three of Iran's nuclear facilities. While the missiles and sirens remain half a world away from Thailand's shores, the ripple effects of this confrontation are quietly inching closer to us right into the heart of Pattaya.
Although Pattaya thrives on peace, leisure, and a global mix of visitors, it is not immune to global shocks, especially those stemming from war in an oil-sensitive region like the Middle East.
Oil Prices Surge: Fueling Local Costs Any military action involving major oil-producing countries is bound to shake energy markets. Following reports from both BBCand Al Jazeera, global oil prices have already begun to spike amid fears of supply disruption through the Strait of Hormuz one of the world's key oil chokepoints.
What does that mean for Pattaya? Expect rising transportation costs, surcharges on imported goods, and possibly higher utility bills. For local businesses especially those relying on tourism, delivery, or logistics this could squeeze profit margins and consumer sentiment. Even small operators like boat charters and taxi services may be forced to increase their rates.
Tourism Takes a Nervous Breath While Thailand is not a party to this conflict, perceptions of global instability affect tourism behavior. Pattaya, a favorite among Europeans, Israelis, and increasingly Middle Eastern tourists, may see a dip in arrivals or last-minute cancellations.
Moreover, some long-haul travelers particularly retirees planning extended stays may hold back out of fear of broader geopolitical escalation. Airlines may also adjust routes or frequencies, particularly if tensions spill into wider regions, such as the Gulf or Mediterranean.
Tour operators and hoteliers in Pattaya should prepare for fluctuating booking patterns and stay nimble with their promotions and refund policies.
Foreign Residents and Market Nerves Pattaya is home to a large expatriate and retiree population. Many of them are either directly from or financially tied to Western countries. War in the Middle East often spooks global stock markets and can depress the value of foreign currencies. This has already led to weakness in the Euro and British Pound, which in turn affects the local spending power of many retirees living in Thailand.
Expats living on fixed pensions may start feeling a double pinch: falling currency values and rising living costs. It's a situation that demands caution, planning, and perhaps a reallocation of assets for those relying heavily on foreign-denominated income.
Psychological Shockwaves and Investor Caution Lastly, there's the matter of sentiment. Global unrest has a chilling effect on both investors and consumers. If tensions persist or worsen, risk appetite may dwindle affecting everything from foreign real estate purchases to local investment in tourism-related infrastructure.
For property agents and developers in Pattaya targeting foreign buyers, this may not be the best quarter to count on quick sales.
What Should Pattaya Do? While we can't stop missiles in the Middle East, we can prepare ourselves financially and operationally. Here are some practical steps:
Diversify your customer base: Look beyond long-haul tourists; focus more on ASEAN markets and domestic travellers.
Hedge your costs: If you're in a business with exposure to energy prices or imports, explore long-term contracts or alternative suppliers.
Reassure your clientele: Clear communication to customers that Pattaya remains safe and open for business goes a long way in preserving confidence.
Monitor FX and plan ahead: If you're an expat, consider converting portions of your income during favorable exchange windows and keep some Thai baht reserves.
Final Thoughts The Israel-Iran conflict is a stark reminder that in today's interconnected world, no place is too far to be unaffected. While the beaches of Pattaya remain calm, the global winds are shifting and anyone managing a business, retirement plan, or tourism venture here must stay alert, informed, and adaptive.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and most importantly stay ahead.
Victor is a Finance & Tax Expert based in Thailand, contributing regularly to Pattaya Mail. He specializes in international economics, expat financial planning, and emerging market dynamics.
Viktig information om förändringar i intygsverksamheten hösten 2025. Ambassaden kommer från och med den 1 september 2025 upphöra med att utfärda följande intyg:
- Intyg om familjerelation till ansökan om visum för maka/make/barn - Intyg till ansökan om folkbokföring (gula husboken) i Thailando - Intyg om ändring av namn / efternamn i Sverige - Intyg om äktenskapsskillnad från Sverige - Intyg om svenskt äktenskap för anmälan till thailändsk myndighet - Intyg om samboförhållande - Intyg om dödsfall
Konsulatet i Phuket är stängt mellan den 26 juni – 4 juli 2025 Det innebär att frågor om utlämning av pass, ansökan om provisoriskt pass eller intyg hänvisas till Sveriges ambassad i Bangkok.
Sveriges Konsulat i Hua Hin är vakant från och med den 15 januari 2025
Med anledning av vår honorärkonsul Vajaravudh Sukserees tragiska bortgång är honorärkonsulatet i Hua Hin vakant och kan därmed från och med 15 januari 2025 och tills vidare inte erbjuda några konsulära tjänster. Den konsulära verksamheten kan återupptas när en ny honorärkonsul har utsetts. Svenskar i behov om konsulärt stöd hänvisas tills vidare till ambassaden i Bangkok.
Längre handläggningstider för intyg. Med anledning av att Sveriges Konsulat i Hua Hin är vakant och intygsverksamheten har förts över till ambassaden, kommer handläggningstiden tills vidare bli något längre, upp till 10 arbetsdagar för en komplett begäran.
Därför är det extra viktigt att du är ute i god tid när du ansöker om ditt intyg och ser till att begäran är komplett vid inlämningen för att vi snabbt skall kunna handlägga ditt ärende
Just nu är det många som söker pass på Sveriges Ambassad i Bangkok Det finns inget specifikt datum för när du tidigast kan boka och ansöka om ett nytt pass.
Ambassaden lägger ut tider med en månads framförhållning. Det är därför viktigt att du själv är ute i god tid. Det finns ingen förtid att få om du skulle vara sent ute.
Är det fullbokat (finns inga lediga tider att boka) eller hittar ingen tid som passar just dig, rekomederar vi dig att gå in med jämna mellanrum (morgon, lunch, eftermiddag och kväll) och leta efter avbokningar som då kommer komma upp som bokningsbara tider. Glöm inte att avboka din gamla tid!
Planerar du att resa till Sverige? Om du är svensk medborgare och reser till Sverige kan du resa till sista giltighetsdagen på ditt svenska pass. Det finns inget specifikt datum för när du tidigast kan boka och ansöka om ett nytt pass. Du kan med stor fördel passa på att ansöka om nytt svenskt pass under din vistelse i Sverige och sedan få passet skickat till Sveriges Ambassad i Bangkok.
Resa utan giltigt svenskt pass För dig som innehar fler än ett pass och reser från Sverige, till ett tredje land utanför EU, utan ett giltigt svenskt pass kan flygbolaget neka dig ombordstigning vid hemresan.
För att undvika att du missar din hemresa till Sverige, se därför alltid till att kontrollera med ditt flygbolag innan avresan.
Thailand is set to introduce stricter regulations for foreign nationals seeking to obtain a Thai driver's licence. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has proposed a draft regulation requiring all foreigners to pass a written test, irrespective of holding a valid international driving permit (IDP).
The change aims to revoke the current acceptance of IDPs as sufficient proof for acquiring a temporary Thai licence. According to a Ministry of Transport source, the DLT is actively seeking public feedback on the draft, which highlights updated protocols for training, testing, and licence renewals for both Thai and foreign drivers.
The main objective of these reforms is to align with international standards and enhance road safety. "The changes are designed to ensure fairness and competency for all drivers, while also improving regulatory oversight," the source explained.
Key changes include:
Temporary Driver's Licences: IDPs will no longer be valid for obtaining a temporary licence.
Foreign Licence Holders: Foreign nationals must now pass a written exam to convert their existing foreign licence to a Thai one. This requirement was previously waived.
Licence Validity Extension: The validity of personal driving licences will increase from two years to five for applicants with a previously expired Thai temporary licence.
End of IDP Fast Track: Neither foreign-issued driving licences nor IDPs will exempt applicants from the written test.
These proposed rules could significantly affect tourists, expats, and foreign workers who have relied on IDPs for quick access to Thai roads. The DLT has not announced when these regulations will be implemented, but an official announcement is anticipated following the public consultation phase.
In a significant escalation of Thailand's political crisis, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives. This demand follows the fallout from a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has intensified tensions within the Thai government.
The incident centres around a controversial call where Prime Minister Paetongtarn reportedly referred to a Thai military commander as the "opposite side" during discussions with Hun Sen. The conversation, which took place after a border skirmish on May 28, involved the commander's suggestion to close border crossings with Cambodia— a measure the government ultimately softened to merely reducing checkpoint operating hours.
The leak has sparked a political storm, leading to the abrupt withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition government. Additionally, Paradorn Prisnananthakul, a Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong, resigned from his role as the second Deputy House Speaker, further destabilising the coalition.
Addressing Parliament, Natthaphong criticised the government's inability to fulfil its promises and tackle major issues such as constitutional reform, economic challenges, and military bureaucracy restructuring. He highlighted that the current coalition, led by the Pheu Thai Party, has been plagued by unwieldy cross-party alliances and broken pledges.
"The credibility of Prime Minister Paetongtarn is in tatters due to this leak," Natthaphong stated, urging her to dissolve the House and return the mandate to the people. He warned that failure to address the situation might lead to pressure groups inciting unrest and jeopardising democracy.
Natthaphong and his fellow MPs issued a clear demand: the prime minister must dissolve the House and step down, allowing for a new election to restore legitimacy. "Thailand needs a government formed through democratic mechanisms to effectively solve the country's problems," he asserted.
The opposition leader also cautioned against potential escalations, reminding the public that a military coup is not a viable solution. He emphasised the importance of maintaining democratic processes, even amidst growing public dissatisfaction and potential protests.
In the wake of the leak, Hun Sen has denied any involvement in its dissemination but offered to provide the entire audio to Thai authorities for greater transparency. This development comes as a critical moment for Prime Minister Paetongtarn, whose ability to navigate this crisis could have lasting implications for her leadership and the coalition's stability.
