Fears of Price Hikes and Unemployment as 400 Baht Minimum Wage Set for October 1st. On September 10th, 2024, Thai national media reported that Thai private sector operators in the Upper Northeastern region expressed concerns about the nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht per day, set to take effect on October 1st.- The Pattaya News

Fears of Price Hikes and Unemployment as 400 Baht Minimum Wage Set for October 1st

Kittisak PhalaharnTuesday, 10 September 2024, 15:50

Legal Corner: What is The Proposed Electronic Travel Authorization System For Thailand? Over the past week there has been a lot of discussion around proposals for an Electronic Travel Authorization system to enter Thailand. A lot of confusing and mixed information has come out, including some travel blogs that claimed it was already in effect (It is not, at least for most countries) and that it was a surefire thing to arrive in December. (Also a no.)- The Pattaya News

Legal Corner: What is The Proposed Electronic Travel Authorization System For Thailand?

Adam JuddMonday, 9 September 2024, 1:09

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Over the past week there has been a lot of discussion around proposals for an Electronic Travel Authorization system to enter Thailand. A lot of confusing and mixed information has come out, including some travel blogs that claimed it was already in effect (It is not, at least for most countries) and that it was a surefire thing to arrive in December. (Also a no.)

Therefore, The  Pattaya News with our friends at Anglo Siam Legal that also grand opens this week in Pattaya would like to set the record straight. It's important to note all this information is a proposal and preliminary and as such highly subject to change, especially with a brand new government in place. We can't be any more clear that it's too early to panic over this and that like many things in Thailand, this could suddenly change. 

The proposed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for Thailandrepresents a significant update to the country's immigration and tourism policies, aimed at enhancing security, managing visitor flows, and simplifying entry processes for foreigners. Here's an overview based on the information available up to September 8th, 2024. Again, this is a proposal, not a set in stone, guaranteed to happen plan:

– Purpose and Scope: The ETA system is designed to act as a pre-arrival security check for foreigners who are currently eligible for visa-free entry into Thailand. This includes nationals from over 100 countries. The system's introduction is part of a broader strategy to manage and monitor the influx of tourists while ensuring national security, according to the Thai government.

– Implementation Timeline: The ETA system is currently set for a limited pilot launch by December 2024, with full implementation expected by June 2025. This phased approach allows for testing and refinement before a complete rollout. These dates, as noted, could suddenly change and as December is the busiest month of the year we feel that it very well may. 

– Functionality: Unlike a visa, the ETA is more akin to a digital authorization that must be obtained before travel. It's not a physical document but a digital approval that facilitates entry through automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. The application for an ETA will be processed online via Thailand's official e-Visa website. Thailand claims the process will be simple, fast, and hassle free…but anyone who has had experience with prior systems like Thailand Pass during Covid or even the Immigration online 90 day check-in system has been skeptical about this promise. 

– Application Process: While specific requirements for the ETA application are yet to be fully disclosed, including if longer term visa holders coming and going may need one, it's anticipated that travelers might need to provide proof of accommodation, outbound travel, and possibly other personal details. The ETA is expected to be free of charge, distinguishing it from other countries' systems where fees might apply. Again, it's too early for one to speculate or panic over the requirements.

– Impact on Travel: This system will in theory require all visa-exempt foreigners entering Thailand by air, land, or sea to obtain an ETA. It's designed to be a one-time authorization per entry, meaning travelers would need to apply for a new ETA for each visit to Thailand, unlike some other ETA systems that offer multi-entry over several years. Again, however, this could change. 

Many countries, we note, have similar systems that work fairly well, like Malaysia and Singapore or the US. The concern from many of our readers however is Thailand over complicating the system and requiring excessive steps, information, details, etc. There are also concerns about the security of personal information and possible technical failures such as mystery rejections, as seen with Thailand Pass during Covid or the Immigration online check in system.

For now, we emphasize once again that it is too early for people to worry about this in detail regarding their future trips and Thailand is well aware that putting any barriers to tourism or making things difficult for tourists will hurt their ever important tourism industry.

As more information is released we will let you know all that we learn here at TPN Media and Anglo Siam Legal.

Consider reaching out to Anglo Siam Legal for assistance with any problems you may have had or questions regarding legal matters, including legal issues around visas.

Upcoming changes to Thailand’s 60 days visa exempt. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is boosting the introduction of the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which will be compulsory for visa exempt foreigners each and every time before they enter Thailand by air, land or sea.- Pattaya Mail

Upcoming changes to Thailand's 60 days visa exempt

Pattaya MailSeptember 5, 2024

Visa exempt tourists will need prior approval next year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is boosting the introduction of the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which will be compulsory for visa exempt foreigners each and every time before they enter Thailand by air, land or sea. Although the ETA is not technically a visa, it is certainly a computerized check rather like the upcoming ETIAS program for visa exempt visitors to the European Union's Schengen area which is designed to enhance security, discourage irregular migration and monitor high epidemic risks. Email confirmation that entry is permitted will normally be issued within 24 hours.




Thailand's 60 days visa exempt policy for 93 countries – in reality covering the vast majority of foreign tourists – was introduced in mid-July. No prior approval is required and the 60 days can become 90 days by applying at a Thai immigration office. It is then possible to leave the country for an hour or so – using the border run minibus tours widely available – and repeat the whole process. Indefinitely, as many people believe, making it questionable whether foreigners need bother with Elite, retirement extensions, family visas etc etc.

The advent of the ETA is scheduled for a phased entry in Thailand between December 2024 and June 2025 and is expected to be free. It will apply solely to visa exempt arrivals and require an application to the e-portal www.thaievisa.go.thwhich is fast becoming the entry norm for most visitors here across the board. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet published the fine print, so nobody yet knows what documents will need to be uploaded as part of the vetting procedure. One possibility is the need to show an accommodation address in Thailand as well as a flight out of the country in addition to an inward-bound ticket. A similar system is operated in Malaysia as well as, in part anyway, Cambodia. ETAs in fact are becoming universal.

Another unknown is whether the algorithm-based ETA system will include trigger points to limit the number of 60 days entries for an individual. Until July of this year, Thai immigration limited visa-free entrants to two border trips in a year but has since apparently rescinded the rule. The ETA could reimpose limitations with a computerized rejection slip (rather than a human immigration officer) curtly informing that "you need to get a proper visa". The ETA will not be required for diplomats, but there appears to be no exemption for tourists over the age of 70. Some countries use such an exemption as many older people are believed to be non-computer literate.




Once granted, the ETA email authorization sent to applicants will allow entry through electronic immigration gates by using the QR code on the document. The ETA computerized checks will include passport authenticity, any record of criminal or outrageous behavior in Thailand and any relevant Interpol notices. These are the same checks as currently undertaken by immigration officers at airports or border posts. But they can be time-consuming or lead to arguments which will be avoided in the ETA system.

As with the completely separate Thai personal income tax move for Thais and foreigners living in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year, there is much we do not know about the ETA except that it's coming for sure. Will airline staff be expected to check for the email before boarding? The ETA could even be linked to tax issues as repeated use of visa exempt (or the Destination Thailand Visa if extended at immigration) would identify these individuals as tax residents once they remit funds into the country. Hopefully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be forthcoming well in advance about the many details within their cognizance.

Danish Expat Faces Prison. Pattaya One News / Extrabladet



UPDATE: Phuket Landslide Death Toll Raised to 10 - The Pattaya News

UPDATE: Phuket Landslide Death Toll Raised to 10

Goongnang SuksawatFriday, 23 August 2024, 21:02

Phuket –

Ten people have been found dead including two Russian nationals while one person is believed to be still missing after a landslide in Karon on Friday early in the morning (August 23^rd).

Our previous story:

Nine people were found dead in their accommodations after a comprehensive search was launched at four points in the area. Of those two were a Russian couple. Two people are believed to be still missing.

Now for the update:

The Phuket City District Chief Mr. Worasit Putjeep told the Phuket Express that at 4:30 P.M. rescue workers found one more body who was identified only as a female Thai, with further information withheld pending contacting her relatives.

The death toll has subsequently been raised from 9 to 10. One person is believed to be still missing. However, the search has been paused at 8:00 P.M. due to the lack of light and will be continued again in the daytime tomorrow (August 24th).

Of those 10 deaths, two were a Russian couple, three were males from Myanmar, three were females from Myanmar and two were female Thais from Sakhon Nakhon and Surat Thani.

All the details of the deceased were also withheld by Phuket authorities as relatives and embassies, where applicable, were contacted.

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Phuket Express, owned by our parent company TPN media.

This is a developing story.

Thailand likely detects a new, more dangerous mpox variant. Thailand announced on Wednesday a probable first case of a new lethal variant of mpox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has termed a worldwide health crisis. ASEAN NOW

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Thailand announced on Wednesday a probable first case of a new lethal variant of mpox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has termed a worldwide health crisis.

 

The affected person likely carrying the strain is a European visitor who traveled from Africa to Thailand, according to Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the Chief of Thailand's Disease Control Department.

 

The individual is currently isolated in a hospital while lab tests are being done to identify the strain, thought to be Clade 1.

 

Thongchai confirmed that the patient has mpox, but it's crucial to verify that it's not the Clade 2 variant. He showed certainty that the individual has the Clade 1 variant, but the final lab result is still two days away.

 

Over the past few months, mpox has seen a surge in Africa with outbreaks reported in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

 

Mpox is a virus-caused disease that spreads from infected animals to humans through close physical contact, causing symptoms like fever, muscle pain, and large skin sores similar to boils.

 

Although mpox has been known for decades, a new and more lethal strain known as Clade 1b has recently caused a surge in mpox cases.

 

According to the WHO, the Clade 1b variant results in death in about 3.6% of cases, with children being more susceptible. The virus, previously named monkeypox, was first identified in 1958 within research monkeys in Denmark.

 

The Democratic Republic of Congo reported over 16,000 cases and 500 deaths from mpox this year alone.

 

On August 15, the first case of the Clade 1 variant was confirmed outside Africa in Sweden.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-21

8 Mpox subvariants found in Thailand cause only mild disease. Department of Medical Sciences, which has identified 8 sub-variants of the Mpox virus, confident that outbreak can be prevented. The Nation

8 Mpox subvariants found in Thailand cause only mild disease

Department of Medical Sciences, which has identified 8 sub-variants of the Mpox virus, confident that outbreak can be prevented

Urgent Surveillance Recommended for Mpox Variant in Thailand. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already classified the ongoing outbreak within these African regions as a public health emergency of international concern. ASEAN NOW

FILE - Dr Yong Poovorawan. Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

Thailand's foremost virologist, Dr Yong Poovorawan, has emphasised the critical need for vigilant monitoring of the latest 'Clade 1b' Mpox (monkeypox) variant. This call to action follows the variant's concerning spread across central and eastern Africa.

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already classified the ongoing outbreak within these African regions as a public health emergency of international concern.

 

Originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this outbreak has resulted in at least 450 fatalities. The new variant's rapid progression and high mortality rate have scientists particularly alarmed.

 

Mpox is notorious for its ease of transmission, spreading through direct contact such as unprotected sex, skin-to-skin interaction, and airborne particles from close-range talking or breathing. Symptoms include flu-like signs and distinctive skin lesions. The disease is severe, with approximately 4% of cases being fatal.

 

Dr Yong, who leads the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, used his Facebook platform on Sunday to draw attention to the urgency of monitoring the 'Clade 1b' variant. He highlighted the necessity of preventive strategies, especially for children, given the prohibitively high cost of the current vaccine.

 

He further mentioned the importance of researching whether reducing the vaccine dosage could potentially retain its effectiveness, making it more viable for widespread use.

 

Anan Jongkaewwattana from the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology echoed Dr Yong's concerns. He clarified that the WHO's emergency declaration was due to the variant's rapid spread rather than its discovered severity.

 

With these points in mind, it's evident that Thailand must take proactive measures to track and manage the potential threat of this new Mpox variant, ensuring public health safety remains uncompromised.

 

-- 2024-08-20

Thaksin Shinawatra Faces Legal Trouble for Political Interference. Legal action appears imminent for former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra following allegations of his unlawful involvement in recent political activities while on parole. ASEAN NOW



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Posted 2 hours ago

Thailand's for mer Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, hugs his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Legal action appears imminent for former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra following allegations of his unlawful involvement in recent political activities while on parole. 

 

Thaksin, who is often viewed as the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, allegedly hosted a secretive meeting at his home with coalition party leaders just hours after Pheu Thai's Srettha Thavisin was ousted as Prime Minister by the Constitutional Court. This gathering purportedly resulted in the nomination of Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as a prime ministerial candidate.

 

Thaksin, who was recently released on royal pardon along with 50,000 other convicts, is prohibited from engaging in political activities while on parole. Former Democrat MP Tepthai Senapong remarked that Thaksin had no legal authority to direct political meetings, hinting that legal action could be underway soon.

 

The Election Commission might probe into the clandestine session at Thaksin's Chan Song Lah residence, which involved key coalition members such as Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai and Thammanat Prompao of Palang Pracharath.

 

Should the allegations hold, Thaksin faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Additionally, political parties of the meeting attendees could face dissolution, and their executives may be banned from holding political positions for a decade.

 

Further controversy surrounds Thaksin's appearance at a royal edict reception yesterday, where he wore a white jacket typically reserved for political officials. Critics argue he was not entitled to don such attire due to his convict status, which, though technically mitigated by a royal pardon, still legally invalidates his claim to political office, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Adding to his legal woes, Thaksin attended a Criminal Court hearing today regarding a lese-majesty lawsuit linked to comments he made about the 2006 coup that ousted him, during an interview in South Korea in 2015. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from three to 15 years.

 

The saga continues to unfold, potentially reshaping the Thai political landscape.

 

-- 2024-08-19

Paetongtarn "must be afraid of" ghosts from the past. August 19, 2024: According to former Red Shirt warrior Jatuporn Prompan, who is sounding more and more conservative, Thailand’s newest and youngest prime minister will be ousted from Government House by early next year. He gave a list of “old wounds” that can resurface to compromise Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s legal and constitutional legitimacy. The already-big mess can get even messier over the next few days. PBS Would

Paetongtarn "must be afraid of" ghosts from the past

August 19, 2024: According to former Red Shirt warrior Jatuporn Prompan, who is sounding more and more conservative, Thailand's newest and youngest prime minister will be ousted from Government House by early next year.

He gave a list of "old wounds" that can resurface to compromise Paetongtarn Shinawatra's legal and constitutional legitimacy. Among them is curious ownerships of the previous Alpine Golf Course, which had led to a big political scandal that blew up in many Pheu Thai faces.

Some conservative analysts or activists have said the same thing. They think Alpine can undermine Paetongtarn, with official complaints seeking to remove her certain to be launched.

"Oong-ing (the new prime minister) must check the records to see if she had anything to do with Alpine," Jatuporn said. "If she did, it could be a similar case that ended the political path of (ex-Palang Pracharath politician) Pareena Kraikupt."

He also mentioned education matters that raised ethical questions, "nominee purchases" of Thai properties by foreigners, and election campaign policies that seemed to benefit foreigners at the expense of Thai sovereignty.

"The country is not a toy, (in other words) an experimental playground for risky policies like Digital Wallet or increased foreign stakes in condominiums," Jatuporn said.

He added in his Facebook Live that opponents of Pheu Thai must be drooling while sharpening their knives.

August 18, 2024: The Constitutional Court essentially ruled that Srettha Thavisin lost his legitimacy as prime minister because of a Cabinet appointment, but what actually tested his integrity as a leader more was the Pheu Thai Party's flagship policy.

Newly-appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing the same ultimate test. She has hinted that the "Digital Wallet" scheme may need to be reviewed, but her statement was still ambiguous to the point of making certain mainstream media outlets believe that there would be no significant changes to the controversial programme.

So much debate has focused on whether Digital Wallet would really help the poor effectively and boost the Thai economic rather than ruin it in the long run. If she wants to continue it essentially in its current form, she must be able to defend it scientifically and rationally. She must not invoke the key Srettha argument that claimed "conspiracy" and virtually offered no valuable explanation to back up the plan.

Srettha's integrity also dimmed because of his handling of the Thaksin issue. For obvious reasons, the Thaksin affair will complicate Paetongtarn's political status more than it did to Srettha's. Thaksin is a former convict who is now the father of Thailand's prime minister and still faces legal charges.

Paetongtarn's path will be strewn with legal and constitutional landmines. How the justice system will function in the current circumstances remains to be seen and will be a telltale sign as to the country's direction.

August 17, 2024: You have to lead a superpower nation to be able to be rudely playful with a reporter and get away with it.

This is not to downplay what Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan did the other day. (According to some LINE comments, he might have put an end to any prime ministerial aspiration with that little "patting".)

This is to say that a politician's aggressiveness toward members of the press is perceived differently from place to place. What is considered rude also seems to increase in seriousness in reverse proportion to the sophistication of politics.

For example, in one of President Joe Biden's hot mic moments, he was overheard murmuring while being inquired about inflation: "What a stupid son of a @#$%&"

Imagine Prawit was overheard saying something like that when a reporter asked him about the House of Representatives vote to elect Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister.

Peter Doocy is a senior White House correspondent, mind you. What happened in the studio of Fox News? They laughed at it. They found it hilarious. Most pro- and anti-Biden news networks gave it a rest after two days.

Again, this is not in Prawit's defence. This is to bring back a record that the leader of the free world could call a member of a major element of democracy "stupid" and all everyone did was laugh.

August 16, 2024: If someone had predicted early last year that Move Forward would sweep the May 2023 election but would not be in the government and would finally be dissolved, that Pheu Thai would form an administration with the main conservative parties, that a Pheu Thai prime minister would be removed by the Constitutional Court, only to be replaced by another Pheu Thai prime minister, that the cannabis deregulation policy that the conservatives were so proud of would be reversed at their own "approval", that the Digital Wallet policy that the conservatives decried would sleepwalk through Parliament, again at their approval, that predictor would be sent to a mental institution.

That's how crazy the past 16 months has been. Bad news is it can get crazier, at the expense of development policies that will be written, rewritten, revoked and reintroduced for fun.

Nobody can really celebrate. The "conservatives" and "liberals" are both swallowing bitter pills. Pheu Thai will have to keep looking over its shoulder. Backstabbing will be the most vital part of the Thai political game. Alliance will be based on vested interest, not trust or desire to give Thais utmost benefits.

August 15, 2024: The last thing people thought on hearing Wednesday's Constitutional Court verdict against Srettha Thavisin was that Parliament would vote less than two days later to elect the new prime minister.

But here we are, just hours before the House of Representatives is scheduled to make it seem like Wednesday was another normal day in Thai politics.

This is the idea. A lot of people concerned would not want things to drag on for various reasons. Big businesses do not want great uncertainties. Politicians in power do not want mathematical formulas to emerge that could encourage the previously hopeless or entice potential rebels into upping bargains.

The swift schedule means much remains in Pheu Thai's control as there is not enough time for the likes of Anutin Charnvirakul or Prawit Wongsuwan to conjure up a competing scenario. As for the newly-dissolved party, they did not stand a chance in the first place due to the complications of last week's ruling and the mistake of failing to name substitute prime ministerial candidates. (This candidacy naming issue would give everyone a valuable lesson, not just the "Orange" camp.)

Also, we are seeing the importance of being able to control House schedules. (In addition to the ballooning irony of government leaders' cars entering and leaving the house of you-know-who.)

August 14, 2024: Today's Constitutional Court ruling on the prime minister's case can ensure escalation of Thailand's political turmoil, which has been kept from exploding by a fragile and absurd political equilibrium where partnership exists not on ability and willingness to work together, but on developments caused and dictated by utmost extremism and self-interest.

Things were always heading toward a dead end either way. The equilibrium is so sensitive that the most minuscule change can cause a turbulent upheaval, let alone a gigantic development like the dissolution of the Move Forward Party or the prime minister's removal.

The court verdict ousting Srettha would only hasten the inevitability, a free-for-all political fight that cannot guarantee the winner but can ascertain one thing _ whoever emerges "triumphant" will not be able to bring peace and will have to continue looking over his or her shoulder.

As everyone knows, Pheu Thai's relationship with the conservatives depends on how the latter group perceives Move Forward or its reincarnation. It is never based on public interest. Pheu Thai and what remains of Move Forward, meanwhile, have crucially-conflicting interests as well.

Horse-trading will take place at full throttle. Who is needing whom more and who is holding whom hostage are slippery questions invoking slippery answers.

The already-big mess can get even messier over the next few days.



Hon är Thailands rekordunga premiärminister. Den thailändske kungen har formellt utnämnt Paetongtarn Shinawatra till landets nya premiärminister vid en ceremoni på söndagen. SVT Nyheter



Hon är Thailands rekordunga premiärminister

UPPDATERAD IDAG 14:25

PUBLICERAD IDAG 08:00

Den thailändske kungen har formellt utnämnt Paetongtarn Shinawatra till landets nya premiärminister vid en ceremoni på söndagen.

37-åriga Paetongtarn Shinawatra, dotter till den kontroversielle miljardären och tidigare premiärministern Thaksin Shinawatra, är kungadömets yngsta person hittills på posten och tar över rodret efter en turbulent tid där hennes föregångare tvingades sluta och det största oppositionspartiet upplösts av en domstol.

Hon blir den tredje i släkten Shinawatra att utses till premiärminister. Sannolikt hoppas hon dock att undvika att sluta på samma sätta som fadern och fastern Yingluck Shinawatra som båda avsattes i militärkupper.

"Öppet hjärta"

Paetongtarn Shinawatra mottog kung Maha Vajiralongkorns formella, skriftliga uppmaning att bilda regering i ceremonin som hölls på huvudkontoret tillhörande en tv-kanal som tidigare varit känd som Shinawatra-trogen.

– Som regeringschef kommer jag att arbeta tillsammans med parlamentet med ett öppet hjärta och vara mottaglig för alla idéer som kan vara till hjälp vad gäller att utveckla landet, sade hon efter ceremonin.

Thailändsk politik har präglats av instabilitet de senaste två årtiondena, med kupper, maktkamper och stora folkliga protester. Bakom kulisserna anses militären fortfarande styra med järnhand efter sin kupp 2014. Så sent som förra veckan upplöste landets konstitutionsdomstol det stora partiet Kao Klai, som vann förra årets val med löften om minskad makt för militären och kungahuset – men som inte släpptes fram till regeringsmakten.

Gravid under valkampanj

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ledare för partiet Pheu Thai, växte upp i Bangkok och studerade senare i Storbritannien. Under valkampanjen i fjol skapade hon rubriker då hon var gravid i åttonde månaden – och födde barn knappt två veckor före valdagen.

Hennes största utmaning blir att få Thailands pandemidrabbade ekonomi på rätt köl igen, spår analytiker – liksom att bevisa att hon inte enbart är sin pappas hantlangare.

BAKGRUND: MAKTKAMP MELLAN ELIT OCH OPPOSITION

Thailändsk inrikespolitik kan beskrivas som en maktkamp mellan anhängare till en traditionell elit – militären, kungahuset och statsförvaltningen – och en bred grupp som står i opposition.

Störst i parlamentet efter valet 2023 blev det progressiva och ungdomsvänliga Kao Klai. Partiet gick till val på löften om att lätta på landets strikta majestätslagar och avskaffa militärens politiska inflytande – men släpptes trots valsegern aldrig fram till regeringsmakten.

Det kan förklaras av att det politiska systemet är kraftigt riggat i militärens favör, enligt en grundlagsändring som genomfördes efter militärkuppen 2014. En tredjedel av nationalförsamlingen och hela senaten tillsätts av militären.

Tidigare i augusti upplöste Thailands konstitutionsdomstol Kao Klai. Enligt domstolen utgjorde partiets vallöften ett försök att störta den thailändska monarkin. Tilltaget mot Kao Klai har fördömts av EU, USA, FN och flera människorättsorganisationer.

Partier som utmanar det militära och monarkistiska etablissemanget i Thailand har även tidigare blivit ogiltigförklarade på olika vis.

Källor: Landguiden/UI med flera. 

Immigration and the New Government. The shock resignation of prime minister Srettha Thavisin is bound to reverberate in all sorts of directions. But it’s virtually certain that the new Pheu Thai-led administration will get round to immigration and visas sooner rather than later. - Pattaya Mail

Immigration and the New Government

Pattaya MailAugust 18, 2024

The resignation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to have wide-ranging impacts, while the incoming Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration may find the more liberal immigration and visa policies quite challenging to implement.

EDITORIAL

The shock resignation of prime minister Srettha Thavisin is bound to reverberate in all sorts of directions. But it's virtually certain that the new Pheu Thai-led administration will get round to immigration and visas sooner rather than later. Mr Thavisin's vision was to expand massively the entry and extension opportunities for visa-exempt tourists, whilst creating a new visa for long-stayers with a lawful activity in mind. But the foreign affairs ministry, which pushed through the changes in Cabinet, may have bitten off more than the new government can chew.

The latest rule allows visa-exempt tourists to receive 60 days on arrival with a 30 days' extension at local immigration. Nothing in print prevents these tourists from leaving the country – for example on a border hop – and repeating the procedure indefinitely. That would mean a permanent leave to remain in Thailand, without any visa, simply by briefly leaving the country – even for an hour or two – four times a year. No need to show any paperwork of any kind.

When challenged about multiple admissions, the foreign affairs ministry spokesman said that, of course, all entries to Thailand were subject to the discretion of the immigration officer. In other words, you would never be sure what might happen further down the line. One tourist might be refused, whilst another might be hassle-free, a scenario which would create the bad publicity which the Thai government abhors. The obvious solution is for the incoming Thai government to limit entries under the visa-exempt scheme to one or two in any twelve months' period.

The new Destination Thailand Visa is a long overdue measure to address the issue of digital nomads or remote workers who have been under a legal cloud for the past 20 years. The DTV allows those who report to a foreign company and/or have overseas clients to receive a multiple entry five years' visa which, with an extension at local immigration, allows them to remain in the kingdom for up to 360 days (180 on entry + 180 at extension). They must then "leave the country" to repeat the procedure. The unclear bits here are whether the remote worker's contracts or portfolio of work need to be updated, or whether no further checks are made for the five years' duration.

One can easily imagine the scenario whereby some remote workers would be checked more thoroughly than others on repeat visits or at the extension stage. Not to mention the huge queues likely to form at airports, land borders and immigration offices if the documentation is not up to standard. One way out of the confusion would be to authorize the digital nomad DTV for one year, or maybe two, before new documentation should be presented for scrutiny. Of course, the visa is strictly for remote workers with foreign clients. Any work for customers in Thailand requires a work permit, not the DTV.

The second and quite different route to the DTV is by participating in a lawful activity broadly defined as soft power. The current rules state that a foreigner may enrol for a cookery or martial arts course or be seeking medical treatment or be attending musical festivals or have a wife and/or dependants living in Thailand. Does this really suggest that someone could present a ticket for an upcoming pop concert or show a letter for dental treatment and receive, in return, a five years' multiple entry visa? Presumably not, but the lack of precise information is spell-binding. These soft power DTV visas are in need of urgent review.

The new immigration policies show every sign of having been pushed through the Cabinet without too much deliberation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted on the instruction of the previous prime minister to boost tourism and revenue come what may, leaving the awkward detail to be sorted out later at entry points and at immigration offices throughout the land. But foreigners hate ambiguity as we also see in the kerfuffle about personal tax and income from overseas. The sooner the government starts clarifying rather than dictating, the better for all concerned.

Over 9,000 Deaths Annually Attributed to Secondhand Smoke in Thailand. The report also revealed major increases in illnesses linked to epidemiological surveillance, including a sharp rise in influenza and dengue fever cases. - The Pattaya News

Over 9,000 Deaths Annually Attributed to Secondhand Smoke in Thailand

Goongnang SuksawatSaturday, 17 August 2024, 23:09

PRESS RELEASE:

A recent report by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has raised a grave concern in Thailand, where over 9,000 deaths annually are attributed to secondhand smoke, exceeding the figures reported in the United States.

The NESDC's review, covering the social conditions of the first quarter of 2024, also brought attention to the health issues exacerbated by alcohol and cigarette consumption, among other social challenges.

The report also revealed major increases in illnesses linked to epidemiological surveillance, including a sharp rise in influenza and dengue fever cases. While cigarette usage saw a slight decline, the persistent problem of secondhand smoke has led to calls for stricter enforcement of public smoking bans and the creation of designated smoking areas to protect the public

Health experts are acutely concerned about the impact of e-cigarettes, debunking myths among parents who believe them to be harmless. Experts warn that the dangers of nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes can severely affect cognitive functions and development in children, potentially leading them to traditional smoking and even illegal drug use later in life.

The situation also calls for robust public health strategies to lower smoking rates and safeguard young and vulnerable populations from the detrimental effects of nicotine addiction.

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

Thaksin Shinawatra granted Royal pardon. The Thaiger

The Shinawatra family continues to face challenges. The future of the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family is at stake as they strive to avoid repeating past mistakes and potential exile from Thailand. ASEAN NOW

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The future of the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family is at stake as they strive to avoid repeating past mistakes and potential exile from Thailand.

 

After several political upheavals, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been elected as Thailand's 31st prime minister. The political landscape remains unsettled following the Constitutional Court's ruling to dissolve the Move Forward Party, leading to a rebranding as the People's Party.

 

Recently, the Constitutional Court ordered Srettha Thavisin to step down as prime minister due to ethical violations, prompting further legal challenges. Srettha faces additional scrutiny from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), reported Daily News.

 

These developments have led to significant shifts in the government, with Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential figure behind Pheu Thai, calling for a meeting with coalition partners. Thaksin announced the cancellation of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, Pheu Thai's flagship policy, due to economic concerns.

 

With Paetongtarn now in power, attention shifts to forming a new Cabinet and potential reshuffles within key parties like Palang Pracharath and Ruam Thai Sang Chart. The upcoming policy announcement on August 28th will set the stage for Paetongtarn's administration.

 

Paetongtarn now faces the challenge of leading the country, guided by her father, Thaksin. The 2026 general election will be crucial, with the newly formed People's Party emerging as a major competitor.

 

Paetongtarn, now aligned with conservatives, must find a way to counter the "Orange Camp" representing younger voters.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

-- 2024-08-17