Poll: Two-thirds of Thais dissatisfied with govt's performance
New cabinet members led by Mr Srettha Thavisin gather for a photo session at the Santi Maitree Building in Government House before their first meeting on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu).
Most Thais are not satisfied with the performance of Srettha Thavisin's government and not confident in its ability to solve national problems, an opinion poll showed on Sunday.
The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration on June 4-5 on 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country to gauge their opinions on the Srettha Thavisin administration since it officially took office in September last year.
Asked if they were satisfied with the government's performance over the past nine months, the answers varied as follows:
34.35% mildly dissatisfied, citing delays in the handling of major issues and no change in sight 31.69% very dissatisfied due to total lack of progress and failure to implement the policies promised during the election campaign 25.19% mildly satisfied, saying the economy had improved because of the government's continued push to enact policies and measures, and that results from the government's problem-solving were clearly visible 7.40% very satisfied because the government was determined to help and improve people's well-being 1.37% didn't know/not interested
Asked if they were confident that Mr Srettha's government would be able to tackle the country's major issues, the answers were as follows:
35.95% not confident at all because they had not seen any changes and the government had yet to solve problems at their root causes 35.04% not very confident because the Srettha administration had not achieved its targets and only scratched the surface 22.14% mildly confident, saying the government had the work experience and administrative skills to move the country forward 5.42% very confident, citing the government's strong determination to solve Thailand's problems and administer it effectively 1.45% didn't know/not interested.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a visit to Agoda Company in Bangkok on 6 June, where he was impressed by the diverse talent from around the world working alongside Thai professionals. This highlights the Government's commitment to being "Open for Business" and making it easier for international companies to thrive here and make it the Silicon Valley of Asia. Agoda's success proves Thailand's potential as a hub for global enterprises. He's also highlighted 2025 as a big year for travel in Thailand, a year that will be packed with festivals and events to draw more visitors.
Anyone living in Thailand more than six months a year will need to register with Thai Revenue.
The answer is a resounding yes, but on Thailand's terms. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has championed the "new generation" of longstay visas such as the Long Term Residence, the revamped Elite, the as-yet cloudy Destination Thailand Visa and – for those working legally – income tax concessions and specialist visas such as the four-year Smart.
Together with the improvements for short stay tourists (well over 90 percent of all new arrivals will shortly get 60 days visa-exempt on entry) the reforms are imaginative if sometimes confusing to the general reader. Updated information about them comes variously from the Cabinet or the Tourist Association of Thailand or the Board of Investment or the Immigration Bureau. There is no single source for updates or corrections.
But many expats are outside of these initiatives as they cannot afford the fees. For example, the Long Term Residence requires retiree foreigners to have an income of US$80,000 a year, or even heavier financial investment, and the five year Elite registration is now US$25,000. As a result most expats, retirees and/or married to Thais for the most part, live here on annually renewable extensions of stay based on an original non-immigrant visa.
The annually-renewables are worried about the Thai Revenue's recent reinterpretation. Section 41 of the tax code, long ignored but now required, means that Thai tax residents (anyone spending more than 180 days in a year here) must obtain a tax identification number and fill in a tax form not later than March 2025 to cover their overseas income transmitted to Thailand in the calendar year 2024. If that income was pre-taxed in the first country which had a double taxation treaty with Thailand, and can be proved by documentation, it is unlikely the cash will be taxed again in Thailand.
But the Revenue has not categorically confirmed that commonly-repeated assumption. Not to mention that the detail varies in the 61 countries which have concluded tax agreements with Thailand. What will happen to the annually-renewables if they stick their heads in the sand and hope for the best nobody knows. Maybe nothing, at first, as there are much bigger fish to fry out there. Thailand tends to be a country of strict laws and poor enforcement strategies. It has been suggested that some visa renewals could be linked to registration with the Revenue, but there is no sign of that happening any time soon.
It's worth recording that Thailand is one of around 140 countries which have agreed to share with each other international banking transactions of individuals under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development which opposes tax havens and money laundering. If you flee to Cambodia or the Philippines as a wannabe tax exile remember they are OECD members too. The notion that your banking is a private and confidential affair which is none of anybody else's business is rapidly becoming an anachronism.
The Revenue in recent days has separately publicized its intent to spread the tax net even further from 2025 by suggesting that tax residents in Thailand should be taxed on income they earn globally, whether transmitted to Thailand or not. This would apparently require a change in the law and is best left alone until further clarified. But, again, most annually renewables don't own villas in Spain or any other country, salting away the rents in offshore accounts. The best defence remains to prove in documentary style your income wherever it is.
Prime Minister Srettha said this week, "Revenue collection is very important and the finance ministry is also considering additional measures to stimulate the economy." He is eyeing the big fish who have used loopholes in the Thai tax system for decades to avoid paying the Revenue. Annually-renewables are rarely, if ever, big fish in this context. But the problem is that they swim the same river.
Austrian Airlines will increase its weekly flights between Bangkok and Vienna from 7 to 13 during the busy winter period of 2024, marking an 86% capacity boost. This significant expansion is the largest capacity increase in the airline's Winter 2024 schedule.
Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has connected Vienna with Bangkok, meeting strong demand from European travellers to Thailand. The airline, known for its top-notch service, operates a modern fleet and offers high-quality Austrian and international cuisine on board.
Brendan Shashoua, Lufthansa Group's Senior Director Sales for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, emphasised the airline's commitment to the Thai market, following the introduction of the A380 on Bangkok-Munich flights last year. This increase in flights reflects Austrian Airlines' dedication to providing more travel options and enhanced connectivity for Thai passengers heading to Europe.
Austrian Airlines, part of Star Alliance and Lufthansa Group, leverages its Vienna hub to connect the world with Austria. This expansion reinforces the airline's long-standing relationship with Thailand and its strategic focus on the Asia Pacific region.
Thailand has been chosen to serve as the backdrop for "Jurassic World 4," the latest sequel in the globally celebrated Jurassic Park franchise. According to Department of Tourism Director General Jaturon Phakdeewanit, the film's production will take place from June 13 to July 16 across multiple locations, including Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
Jaturon noted that the film project is expected to inject an estimated 650 million baht into the country's economy, supporting businesses related to equipment rental, accommodations, venue hire, transportation, COVID-19 safety measures, and catering services.
The Hollywood crew is also utilizing the government's incentive program for foreign films, which offers a 20% rebate to international productions that invest more than 100 million baht in the country.
One prominent filming location will be Huai To Waterfall within Khao Phanom Bencha National Park in Krabi province. The production team is scheduled to shoot there for at least a week. National park authorities are currently preparing to ensure that the production proceeds smoothly and efficiently throughout the filming period.
Foreigners, accused of operating a business without a permit, are summoned at Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thai police have dismantled a vast network that illicitly assisted foreigners, primarily Russians, in securing long-term stays in Thailand through fraudulent means involving shell companies, officials reported on Friday.
The operation, spearheaded by a 45-year-old Russian woman and a Thai accomplice, facilitated foreign residency by setting up bogus companies. This network, based in Phuket, involved the Thai woman being listed as an executive or shareholder in over 270 companies. Under Thai law, while foreigners can operate businesses, they must do so as part of a joint venture with Thai nationals, holding no more than 49% ownership to protect local economic interests.
The fraudulent scheme worked by listing foreigners as business shareholders or employees of these shell companies, thus enabling them to obtain work permits. Commander Puttidej Bunkrapue of the Economic Crime Suppression Division detailed how this service circumvented legal requirements for business operations and work permits.
Foreigners, accused of operating a business without a permit, are summoned at Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The crackdown led to charges against 98 foreigners, including 68 Russians, accused of operating businesses without proper permits. This offense is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of one million baht (£22,000). Additionally, 37 Thais have been implicated in related offenses.
This illicit network is believed to have been active since 2016, with a notable surge in clients following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Chief investigator Krit Woratat confirmed that over 50 foreigners had been officially charged by Friday.
Phuket, a well-known tourist hotspot, especially popular among Russians, has seen an influx of Russian visitors, with over 90,000 arrivals from 2019 to early 2024. Furthermore, the number of companies registered under Russian names in Phuket has dramatically increased, with over 1,600 registrations from 2023 to early 2024, compared to about 30 annually from 2016 to 2022.
This story underlines the significant challenges authorities face in maintaining legal compliance amidst increasing foreign interest in residency and business opportunities in Thailand.
A lot of detail about the new tourist and expat visa rules awaits being filled in.
The extension of visa-free travel to 93 countries, including all those which are major players in tourism to Thailand, means that the overwhelming majority of foreign holidaymakers can obtain 60 days just by turning up. Nationals of those countries still needing a prior visa – for example Haiti, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, El Salvador, North Korea – send few vacationers in any case.
The mammoth question for the 93 countries is now extensions and repeat performances. In other words, can these tourists extend their 60 days for another month at local immigration and can they do a border hop to start all over again? Nobody can confirm either possibility and a phone call to 1178, the immigration hotline, brought no clarification. That's not surprising as the new visa rules for visitors were introduced by the foreign affairs ministry, whilst internal extensions are the responsibility of the immigration bureau, a totally separate and fiercely independent government bureaucracy.
The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), so far, is incomplete. We know is a multiple entry visa, valid for 5 years and aimed largely at remote workers and digital nomads, for a maximum stay of 180 days with an extension of another 180 days. The cost is 10,000 baht (around US$270) per half-year with a security bond of 500,000 baht available. Some social media contributors have stated this visa can be used only twice in five years, 180+180 days as it were, whilst others have declared you can live in Thailand for the entire five years as an alternative to the Elite visa or the annual extension of stay based on retirement. Neither extreme makes any sense.
There is very little news in the new policy for existing expats, apart from a temporary reduction in medical insurance required by some (not all) holders of retirement visas and their subsequent extensions of stay. However, there is an intriguing reference in the ministry of foreign affairs' news release that the number of non-immigrant visas available will be drastically cut. The detail, once again, is guesswork but could include visas and extensions for retirees, foreigners married to Thais, work permit holders and international students being updated. Will the well-known difference between the 800,000 baht requirement for retiree visas and the 400,000 baht for married foreigners survive?
Not mentioned in the DTV news release, is the awesome elephant in the room. That's the requirement, already stated by the Thai Revenue authorities, for all foreign tax residents to register by early next year for possible personal income tax on overseas income. A tax resident spends more than six months in Thailand in the calendar year. If the Thai government is serious about encouraging expat numbers in Thailand, it should issue an unambiguous statement that foreign income or pensions already taxed will in the home country will not be subject to further inquiry in Thailand. The sense of relief would be audible from the Myanmar border to the southern islands beyond Phuket. But don't hold your breath.
Thailand Eases Visa Rules to Boost Economy Urgently
Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024. (Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk)
BANGKOK – The Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, including easing visa rules to boost tourism and attract more foreign visitors. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, as the country faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt.
The Cabinet meeting reached a unanimous conclusion that Thailand needs to generate new income by fully accelerating tourism policies, which are considered the only economic engine that will yield rapid returns. Key points of the plan are divided into three phases for 2024-2025.
The government aims to generate this short-term measures no less than 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024.
Short-term measures:
Visa exemption for tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (up from 57), allowing stays of up to 60 days.
Expansion of Visa on Arrival (VOA) to 31 countries (up from 19).
Introduction of a new visa category, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely (workcation).
Koh Samui
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) eligibility and benefits:
Skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaging in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.
Spouses and legal children (under 20) of DTV holders. Proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for the duration of stay.
DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.
Improved benefits for foreign students:
Foreign students pursuing bachelor's degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will have an easier time finding work and staying in Thailand after graduation.
Extended stay of 1 year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Pattaya
Medium-term measures:
It will be implemented from September to December 2024.
Restructuring and reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, starting in September 2024.
Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024.
Reducing the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels: 40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.
Expanding the e-Visa service from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide by December 2024.
Long-term measures:
It will be fully implemented by June 2025.
Developing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.
Using technology and innovation to enhance the screening of foreign nationals by integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong stated that while these measures to facilitate tourism will result in a loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD) in government revenue annually, the expected return from increased tourism, estimated at 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD), led the Cabinet to approve the measures.
Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani's Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province's pressing tourism challenges.
Koh Samui district Chief Kampanat Klinsaowakon noted a marked improvement in tourism since late last year, with a significant influx of tourists, particularly those arriving by cruise ship.
Tourism growth, however, is being stifled by infrastructure problems, including inadequate water supplies, road safety concerns, and traffic congestion due to the increased number of visitors.
President of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, pointed out that the island's infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the rising number of tourists. He highlights how Koh Samui lacks a cruise ship pier despite over 40 cruise ships scheduled to visit this year.
Small boats are currently employed to transfer passengers ashore, creating inconvenience and delays that impede tourism growth. He further underlines the persistent issues of water shortages and power outages that plague business operators, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Koh Pha Ngan faces similar infrastructure woes, with the island also dealing with land ownership disputes and tourist safety concerns, especially during the Full Moon Party events.
Ratchaporn adds that many business operators in Koh Samui are still grappling with the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, advocating for lower interest rates and increased access to credit.
Additionally, there are calls for the government to intensify efforts against illegal businesses, promote legitimate land ownership, and address nominee investment issues.
The concerted push to resolve these challenges aims to bolster the tourism sector, ensuring sustainable growth and improved visitor experiences in these popular Thai destinations.
Thailand falls by more than 10 places in tourism ranking
Tourists travel on a Tuk Tuk taxi near Ratchaprasong intersection. (File photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Tourism operators are disappointed with the government for failing to improve the country's position in the travel and tourism development index, after Thailand dropped to 47th place, from 36th, in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) index.
The decrease was also larger than the decline seen in the 2021 index, when Thailand fell from 35th to 36th place, which was attributed to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among Southeast Asian nations, three countries outperformed Thailand – Singapore, which was ranked 13th, followed by Indonesia (22nd) and Malaysia (35th). Compared to 2019, Thailand also fell by six spots and lagged the global average of 117 countries by 3.9%.
Thailand, which was classified as an upper-middle income country in this index, had the lowest score in tourist services and infrastructure at 2.18 of 7, while the overall index of infrastructure and services also secured a low average score of 3.61.
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), said the index proved that the post-pandemic tourism rebound was dependent on existing selling points rather than improving and developing services and infrastructure.
"Since the previous government, we've been disappointed that the master plan for developing the tourism industry didn't take shape. The current government might have a good initiative to lure tourists, such as the visa-free scheme, but in terms of planning for an improvement in infrastructure and services, we still haven't see a difference from the previous government," he said.
Mr Sisdivachr said Atta and other tourism associations under the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations will submit a white paper to Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanich on May 30 when he is scheduled to join Atta's monthly meeting.
The white paper sets out threats and obstacles to the development of the tourism industry in Thailand, which requires a concrete long-term plan, along with greater effort and collaboration from all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors.
Mr Sisdivachr said the current government has wasted too much time on visiting provinces during the cabinet meeting roadshows over the past few months, which meant the tourism minister was not able to focus on his core responsibility, which is to improve the quality of the tourism experience.
He said not every province that the cabinet visited has the potential to boost its tourism revenue.
Instead of providing support that lacks focus, the government should select provinces that offer great potential in terms of attractions and resources and should have started planning necessary infrastructure since the start by gauging possible demand in each province, such as enhancing their air and land connectivity.
He said that over the past nine months, the tourism industry has not been able to rapidly progress as the tourism minister's position had been shuffled, resulting in a lack of continuity.
"If the current government can still not expedite the tourism development plan or solve existing obstacles, our ranking in the WEF index might again drop lower than this," said Mr Sisdivachr.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin leads a meeting of economic ministers at Government House on Monday, after his return from overseas. (Photo: Government House)
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has accepted the result of a new poll showing him in a distant fourth place among those positioned to take the job, saying that he respects the people's opinion.
The prime minister was responding to questions about the survey conducted by King Prajadhipok's Institute. He said the delayed passage of the budget was not an excuse for his poor popularity.
"The survey reflects the opinions of the people. We have to respect the results," he said.
The poll released on Sunday showed him in fourth place with only 8.7% support in a list of seven candidates for the premiership if a general election were called soon.
Move Forward Party chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat comfortably led the list, followed by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnviraul, former Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit and Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon were behind him.
Favourites for prime minister
Pita Limjaroenrat 46.9%
Prayut Chan-o-cha 17.7%
Paetongtarn Shinawatra 10.5%
Srettha Thavisin 8.7%
Anutin Charnviraul 3.3%
Jurin Laksanawisit 1.7%
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon 0.4%
Move Forward would win 208 seats if elections were held soon, almost twice as many as Pheu Thai with an estimated 105 seats. Bhumjaithai would get 61 seats, followed by the Thai Nation Party, 34, Gen Prawit's party with 30 seats and the Democrats with merely 22 seats.
The poll was conducted from May 7-18 with 1,620 resondents randomly picked from eligible voters in all provinces across the country, including Bangkok.
King Prajadhipok's Institute put the survey error rate at plus or minus 5%.
Starting 27 May, users of mobile banking services in Thailand must ensure that the name registered with their SIM card matches the name on their bank account. This crackdown targets over a million "mule accounts," used fraudulently.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTTC) advises users to dial *179*ID number# to verify their registration details. If the names do not align, mobile banking services will be blocked until corrections are made at a service centre.
Previously, it was possible to have a bank account registered under one name and use a SIM card registered under another name. However, due to increasing incidents of "mule accounts" and fraudulent activities, the government has introduced new regulations.
Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Chanratwongthong, emphasised that these measures are essential for curbing financial fraud. If mismatches are detected, a notification will be sent through mobile banking apps, advising users to rectify the information. If not corrected within the given timeframe, the bank account remains usable, but mobile banking services will be inaccessible.
Currently, Thailand has 106 million mobile banking accounts, with an estimated 30 million having mismatched registration details. The government aims to shut down about 100,000 mule accounts each month through these measures.
General Nathorn Phosunsorn, head of NBTTC's legal committee, stated that the agency will review and match data from commercial banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Office to identify discrepancies. The entire verification process is set to be completed within 120 days.
Thus, mobile operators, banks, and NBTTC are jointly working to notify and update account details to prevent fraudulent activities effectively. The government is determined to tighten security and protect citizens from online crimes.
Charter Court trial of PM makes foreign investors hesitant to invest
9 mins ago
Foreign investors may hesitate to invest in Thailand due to concerns over the Thai government's stability, now that the Constitutional Court has accepted for consideration the petition by a group of 40 senators, claiming that the court should remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for alleged violation of ethical standards for the appointment of Phichit Chuenban as PM Office minister.
Phichit resigned ahead of the court's decision to accept the petition.
Kriangkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FDI), said that the court's decision has affected the confidence of corporate executives, to the extent that they may wait and see how the political situation pans out before investing.
Although the court decided not to suspend the prime ministerduring their deliberations, Kriangkrai said that there is already a risk, adding that some investors have asked for how long the case will drag on, before there is a decision by the court, and whether the promises given by the government regarding some investment projects will be kept.
Meanwhile, Tanit Sorat, vice president of Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai), said that the case has impacted the government's stability and that the cabinet may be reshuffled again, which will affect the government's policies and the economic situation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has returned to Thailand and summarized his recent missions to France, Italy, and Japan, highlighting key achievements and discussions from each visit.
In France, the prime minister participated in the Thailand - France Business Forum, addressing nearly 100 Thai and French businesses from various sectors, including transportation, logistics, energy, construction, food, hotel, and retail. Several agreements were signed, particularly in security and defense. France confirmed its support for Schengen visas for Thailand, increased flights between the two countries, and invited Thailand to participate in an AI conference next year. Discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron also covered economic, political, and social dimensions, as well as various international issues.
In Italy, Srettha engaged with key businesses in fashion, agriculture, food, banking, finance, and energy. He met with representatives from Zegna, Loro Piana, Versace, and Bvlgari, showcasing indigo-dyed fabric and woven products. The Don Koi model from Sakon Nakhon province was presented for potential collaboration. In agriculture, he visited cheese and meat processing plants, discussing certification and quality control methods. In finance, talks with Intesa Sanpaolo explored joint ventures. Energy and transportation discussions with companies such as Eni, Leonardo, Generali, and Ducati focused on renewable energy, training centers, insurance market expansion, and promoting E-bikes. The premier also evaluated the feasibility of hosting Formula 1 races in Thailand by visiting the Imola Circuit, with plans to potentially host races by 2027-2028.
In Japan, Srettha delivered a keynote speech at the Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, emphasizing Thai-Japanese economic cooperation. He held meetings with key Japanese companies, including Mitsui, Ajinomoto, Sony, MUFG, Soft Bank, and Nidec. Discussions focused on green energy policies, enhancing agricultural capabilities, expanding semiconductor production, and investing in high-tech manufacturing. Nidec announced plans to invest 1.7 billion baht in Thailand in 2024 and proposed extending internships for Thai students to develop local labor skills.
According to the prime minister, a team of officials from the Board of Investment and the chairman of the Thailand Trade Representative is scheduled to visit Osaka on June 20-21 to follow up on the discussed initiatives.
