New revenue department rulings clarify overseas income concerns for expats. Pattaya Mail

New revenue department rulings clarify overseas income concerns for expats

Pattaya MailSeptember 28, 2024

Victor Wong clarifies new revenue department rulings on overseas income concerns for expats.

Many expatriates residing in Thailand have raised concerns about Section 41 of the Thai Revenue Code, particularly when it comes to income earned overseas and held in foreign bank accounts. The core worry revolves around whether this foreign income, even if not brought into Thailand, would still be subject to Thai taxation. In response, the Revenue Department has issued new rulings, 161/2566 and 162/2566, which provide clarity on how these incomes will be treated from January 1, 2024, onward. Here's what expats need to know.

What Does Section 41 Say?

Section 41 mandates that individuals who reside in Thailand must report and pay taxes on any income earned abroad, provided the income is brought into the country within the same tax year. However, with the new rulings, the interpretation of this section has been updated to account for a more comprehensive set of factors related to overseas income.

Key Points in the New Revenue Rulings (161/2566 and 162/2566)

1. Residency Requirement. If an individual spends more than 180 days in Thailand in any given tax year, they are considered a tax resident and must report their global income. However, if they spend less than 180 days, any income earned overseas will not fall under Thai tax obligations.
2. The correct interpretation of the new rulings, based on Revenue Department orders 161/2566 and 162/2566, specifically states that:

Income Earned After January 1, 2024: Income earned overseas after this date, once brought into Thailand, must be declared and taxed regardless of the year in which it is transferred. This applies even if the income is brought into Thailand in a future tax year. Essentially, if the income is generated after January 1, 2024, it will be taxable once it is transferred to Thailand, regardless of when the transfer takes place.

Income Earned Before January 1, 2024: For income earned before this date, even if it is brought later into Thailand, it will not be subject to these new rules. This provides a clear distinction between how pre-2024 and post-2024 income is treated under the updated tax regulations.

This distinction is important for expatriates or anyone with overseas income, as it clarifies that the tax obligations on income earned before January 1, 2024, are different from those earned after that date, even if the income is transferred later.

3. Types of Affected Income: The rulings apply to various types of income, including salaries, profits from the sale of foreign assets, royalties, and dividends. Any such income brought into Thailand after January 1, 2024, will be subject to Thai tax laws.

Anyway, for those from countries that have signed Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with Thailand, these agreements provide substantial relief by preventing the taxing of income twice. Here's how expats can benefit from these agreements:

1. Prevention of Double Taxation: If taxes have already been paid on foreign income in the country where it was earned, DTAs ensure that this income will not be taxed again in Thailand. This is particularly beneficial for expatriates who split their time and income between two countries.

2. Reduced Tax Rates: For certain types of income, such as interest, dividends, or royalties, DTAs may offer reduced tax rates. This allows those from signatory countries to benefit from more favorable tax treatment compared to non-DTA countries.

3. Tax Credits: In cases where taxes are paid abroad, DTAs often provide tax credits. These credits can be applied to offset tax liabilities in Thailand, minimizing the risk of double taxation and ensuring fair tax treatment for expatriates.

The new revenue rulings, combined with the benefits of Double Taxation Agreements, provide clearer guidance for expatriates who have income streams both in Thailand and abroad. Those who spend more than 180 days in the Kingdom, and who have foreign income, should be particularly aware of the new requirements that came into effect on January 1, 2024. As always, consulting with a tax professional is recommended to ensure full compliance with Thai tax laws.

In the next issue I will talk about using foreign cash cards in Thailand.

Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri)
victorlawpattaya@gmail.com
Tel: 062-8795414

Thai tax riddle: As the TRD gears up to release new tax forms before Christmas for the 2024 calendar year, expectations run high. Thailand’s unique tax structure raises questions, especially for retirees relying on pensions already taxed in their home countries. Additionally, many countries maintain double taxation agreements with Thailand, aimed at preventing individuals from being taxed twice on specific earnings. | Thaiger

Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?

Puntid TantivangphaisalPublished: 16:37, 27 September 2024

Thai Real Estate Leaders Urge Bank of Thailand to Tackle Strong Baht as Foreign Condo Buyers Face Struggles. On September 25th, 2024, Mr. Prasert Taedullayasatit, the chief executive of a property business, urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to implement measures to prevent the baht appreciation from negatively impacting key sectors such as exports, tourism, and real estate.- The Pattaya News

Thai Real Estate Leaders Urge Bank of Thailand to Tackle Strong Baht as Foreign Condo Buyers Face Struggles

Kittisak PhalaharnThursday, 26 September 2024, 17:26

National —

On September 25th, 2024, Mr. Prasert Taedullayasatit, the chief executive of a property business, urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to implement measures to prevent the baht appreciation from negatively impacting key sectors such as exports, tourism, and real estate. 

Prasert highlighted that over 86 billion baht worth of condominiums are awaiting ownership transfers in Q4 2024, with around 20-30% of these properties being purchased by international buyers. The strong baht is making Thailand's property market less attractive to foreign investors, as they now require more capital to complete transactions.

Mr. Khajornsit Singsaensern, the President of Siamese Asset PCL, echoed these concerns, stating that the current exchange rate, which has dropped below 33 baht per US dollar, has weakened foreign demand, particularly in the condominium market. 

Khajornsit urged the BoT to consider lowering interest rates to weaken the baht, which would not only benefit the real estate sector but also revitalize other areas like exports and tourism. Additionally, he noted that lower interest rates would ease the financial burden on businesses and reduce loan repayment costs for citizens.

Mr. Vichai Viratkapan, the Acting Director of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), added that while the real estate sector is seeing support from government measures, it needs additional stimuli, such as lower interest rates and relaxed loan-to-value (LTV) regulations. 

These actions would help boost the market, especially during the crucial final quarter of the year. He emphasized the importance of foreign buyers, who account for 25% (approximately 100 billion baht) of the total condominium market, valued at over 400 billion baht.

Despite some slowdown in Q2 due to financial transfer issues faced by buyers from Myanmar, China, and Russia, Vichai believes the situation will improve. He is optimistic that international transfers for 2024 will reach levels similar to 2023, which saw 73 billion baht in foreign condo transfers. 

As of the first half of 2024, foreign transfers have totaled 32.9 billion baht, with Chinese buyers remaining the dominant group, remarked Vichai.

Visa policies threaten soft power hippos, gay marriage and gambling. Visas, entry rules and extensions of stay are the Achilles heel in the marketing debate. Not to mention the policy to tax some overseas income transmitted to Thailand since January 2024 and the devilish plan (which requires a change in the law) to tax worldwide income from next year whether transmitted or not. The current panic and confusion about taxation for residents – living here for 180 days or more in a calendar year – is arguably without precedent in Thai immigration history. Soft power is always at serious risk when bad news is the headline talking point. - Pattaya Mail

Visa policies threaten soft power hippos, gay marriage and gambling

Pattaya MailSeptember 25, 2024

Cute animals are the latest highlight in Thailand's soft power.

If soft power is the ability of nations to influence others by persuasion and attraction, then Thailand is leading the pack. If India has its yoga, Bollywood and stylish curries, then Thailand has its cute zoo animals, same sex unions (coming soon) and licensed casinos (coming later). All this on top of the commerce minister's "Ignite Thailand", a fiery boost to the national coffers through international festivals of music, art, fashion, food and the like.

The term soft power, coined by American writer Joseph Nye in 1990, has been especially promoted in Thailand. It emphasizes a global smiling face which, for example, contrasts strongly with China's wolf-warrior foreign policy which threatens military doom against perceived enemies: thus Beijing cancelled the arrival of South Korean boy bands because Seoul militarily supports the United States.

Thailand is currently emphasizing visa policy as soft power: tourists can enter for 60 days visa-exempt, whilst the Destination Thailand Visa welcomes digital nomads, cookery enthusiasts and those with hospital appointments. Yet ambiguities persist. The plan to insist all visa-exempt tourists obtain pre-visit online permission has now been postponed, but not cancelled. Apparently, the likely confusion amongst millions of Indian and Chinese wannabe tourists has not been thought out.

The DTV is notably weak on details, especially whether documentation will need to be updated over the notional five years tenure. Since the immigration bureau, which will actually implement the system has been silent, it's all guess work. Hardly soft power. Nor is the recent revival of the messy and controversial scheme to tax foreigners, but not Thais, 300 baht for every visit they make here. Most expats as well as tourists will be caught in the web.

Visas, entry rules and extensions of stay are the Achilles heel in the marketing debate. Not to mention the policy to tax some overseas income transmitted to Thailand since January 2024 and the devilish plan (which requires a change in the law) to tax worldwide income from next year whether transmitted or not. The current panic and confusion about taxation for residents – living here for 180 days or more in a calendar year – is arguably without precedent in Thai immigration history. Soft power is always at serious risk when bad news is the headline talking point.

Chiang Mai downtown now under water: Emergency response in full swing. PBS World

LISTEN 

Troops and volunteers have been mobilised to fill sandbags to strengthen the flood wall as overflows from the swollen Ping River flooded vast areas of downtown Chiang Mai, including the commercial zone on Chang Klan Road, last night.

The water depth in the Ping River at Nawarat Bridge was measured at 4.45 meters at 6 am today.

Dusit Pongsapipat, the chief of the Office for Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, meanwhile dismissed a widespread rumor that the flood wall at Ban Ko Klang in the Pa Daet sub-district had completely failed.

He did mention, however, that sandbags installed by villagers to form an embankment to protect their village had crumbled, adding that more sandbags have been sent to reinforce the embankment.

Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn has had mobile units surveying water levels in the Ping River at various locations, especially low-lying areas, since last night, as part of their close coordination with the Royal Department of Irrigation.

Numerous cars parked on Chang Klan Road are submerged, but the road remains passable for larger vehicles; smaller ones are advised to avoid the area.

Calls for help, especially from families with bed-ridden relatives, began to be received by the provincial command center last night.

The ongoing flooding in Chiang Mai has been attributed to the recent Soulik storm and a low-pressure cell, which have brought widespread heavy rain to the area since last Saturday, according to the provincial office of the Royal Irrigation Department.

The office warned that the water level in the Ping River will stabilize for a short period before rising again due to the arrival of runoff from the Taeng and Ping river basins in Chiang Dao District, which were lashed by torrential rain last night.

Thailand Delays Automated Entry System for Foreign Tourists. Initially scheduled to roll out in December 2024, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system's debut has yet to be determined due to ongoing coordination with relevant agencies. ASEAN NOW

 

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that the launch of the nation's highly anticipated automated entry system for foreign tourists has been postponed. Initially scheduled to roll out in December 2024, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system's debut has yet to be determined due to ongoing coordination with relevant agencies.

 

The ETA system aims to simplify immigration processes for international visitors by allowing tourists from 93 visa-exempt countries to register online before arriving in Thailand.

 

These travellers would then receive a QR code upon registration, enabling them to pass through automated immigration gates effortlessly. The ETA system is part of Thailand's broader strategy to transition towards a fully electronic visa system.

 

Despite the delay, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the ETA system. It stated that it is currently working closely with other government agencies to finalise the necessary details and ensure the system operates smoothly upon its eventual launch.

The postponement comes as Thailand continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with tourism being a critical sector for the nation's economy.

 

Streamlining entry procedures through tools like the ETA system is seen as crucial for attracting more visitors and boosting tourism revenue, reported The Nation.

 

For now, travellers planning a trip to Thailand should stay informed by keeping an eye on updates from the Foreign Ministry and the Immigration Bureau. These agencies will provide the latest information on the ETA system's new launch date and any interim travel procedures that might be in place.

 

In summary, while the introduction of Thailand's ETA system is delayed, its importance in facilitating smoother and faster entry for foreign tourists remains clear. The Thai government continues to work diligently to bring this system online, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience for millions of international visitors annually.

 

TOP File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-25

Electronic entry clearance topples seamless travel dreams. Some commentators are predicting the age of seamless travel has arrived. But sometime next year – the new foreign affairs minister Maris Sangiampongsa says the start dates are still under review – it will be compulsory for all visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-flight approval via the online portal known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Nobody has seen the forms yet, but they could well require an accommodation address in Thailand and an exit strategy to leave Thailand post-vacation.- Pattaya Mail

Electronic entry clearance topples seamless travel dreams

Pattaya MailSeptember 24, 2024

No matter where you want to go, prior authorization is becoming necessary.

Thailand, along with many other countries, has expanded its visa-exempt policy for foreign tourists to boost national income. Currently, most foreign visitors here can obtain 60 days on arrival, without prior clearance, and are eligible for a 30 days extension at local immigration. Some commentators are predicting the age of seamless travel has arrived.

But sometime next year – the new foreign affairs minister Maris Sangiampongsa says the start dates are still under review – it will be compulsory for all visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-flight approval via the online portal known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Nobody has seen the forms yet, but they could well require an accommodation address in Thailand and an exit strategy to leave Thailand post-vacation.

Thailand's neighbors are adopting a similar approach. Visa-exempt tourists to the Philippines must register online at least 72 hours prior to departure and Cambodia is busy testing out a compulsory pre-flight authorization for flights landing at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The UK is currently requiring visa-exempt tourists to apply three days in advance (but recommends 30 days), whilst the EU is launching an authorization program for those foreigners wishing to enter the 30 countries but do not have a formal visa.

Governments in Thailand and elsewhere argue that electronic authorization does not mean the introduction of compulsory visas via the back door. They say that visa-exempt travelers have to provide less information than for formal visa applicants and that personal interviews are not required – forgetting that many embassies no longer allow specified visa applicants on their premises – because everything is online. 

The reality is that prior electronic authorization, whether for a visa or to allow a visa-exempt entry, is an approval mechanism. It allows governments to assess any criminal activity, travel history and even some health data, whilst documenting accommodation details and outward flights, if any. It will certainly make impossible spur-of-the-moment foreign travel and replace it by a cost-benefit vetting procedure. Does the foreign government really want you? That's the new question we have hardly begun to debate.

Of course, the move to prior vetting for all is inevitable in today's world. For example, the Thai government is clearly concerned by the influx of so many Chinese tourists, amongst them an unknown number working illegally or exploiting in cartels traditional Thai hospitality for financial gain. The introduction of electronic clearance for visa-less entrants is in fact the triumph of national security concerns over free- flow traffic. The Thai foreign minister has called the 60 days on arrival "a policy renewable at all times with ease". Surely it's a bit more complicated than that.
Editor's Note: If you wish to quote or reference this article, please credit the Pattaya Mail

Entry Thailand: The portal to paradise. Dubbed “Entry Thailand,” this innovative platform not only features an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system but also prepares for a future 300-baht fee for incoming visitors. | Thaiger

Entry Thailand: The portal to paradise

Bob ScottPublished: 09:10, 19 September 2024

Latest anti-cannabis moves reflect political compromise not moral outrage. The draft would restrict cannabis use to medical treatment, research by official agencies and as an optional extra to food and herbal products. Stiff penalties, including stiff fines and possible jail time, thus theoretically await those naughties caught in criminal deviance. But this is not formally defined anywhere in the draft. No mention of smoking for pleasure.- Pattaya Mail

Latest anti-cannabis moves reflect political compromise not moral outrage

Pattaya MailSeptember 22, 2024

A new cannabis law won't necessarily be free of ambiguity. (Photo NNT)

The health ministry's latest draft law on cannabis reflects the Cabinet's determination to avoid a parliamentary split between friends and foes. The draft would restrict cannabis use to medical treatment, research by official agencies and as an optional extra to food and herbal products. Stiff penalties, including stiff fines and possible jail time, thus theoretically await those naughties caught in criminal deviance. But this is not formally defined anywhere in the draft. No mention of smoking for pleasure.

Doubtless those favoring recreational cannabis will be accused of moral turpitude by endangering young people, causing traffic accidents and conspiring to injure Thailand's reputation as a great family resort. The government is attempting to look both ways at once – an apparent crackdown on drugs with loopholes. That's not an unusual legislative procedure. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but the most relevant law – the entertainment venue act of the 1960s – can hardly be accused of having stamped out cash for sex.

The draft's silence on cannabis for enjoyment is a subject of glowing interest to Thailand's 9,500 sales outlets (according to Weed Map). On Pattaya 's Walking Street, Khun Cherry runs an outside wooden-table stall where a simple roll of Thai weed will set you back 100 baht, or 3 US dollars. Or you can go inside a neon-lit and comfortable unit where bean bags, mood music and psychedelic opportunities are on offer. "We may face another registration in the future, but I don't think the Thai government will want to kiss goodbye the 1 billion dollar revenue at stake," predicts Cherry.

She is likely correct as Thailand's drug laws have always been about politics. The 1979 narcotics act with jail time up to 15 years, was partly motivated by American servicemen and other tourists openly smoking pot in public. After the coup of 2014, the military government needed a solution to over-full jails and the eventual decriminalizing of cannabis in 2022 led to thousands being released. There has been a handful of official warnings for weed-smoking in public, but foreigners have been largely untouched apart from occasional pub raids to test the color of the pee of those dancing the night away.

Because the decriminalization of 2022 was not backed by detailed legislation, there has been a free-for-all-market and the technical restrictions on the psychoactive ingredient THC have been ignored. The current Pheu Thai-led administration fought the last election on an anti-cannabis platform but now has to quieten its parliamentary "allies", in particular powerful interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai party which is the second-biggest partner in the current coalition. Anutin is not in favor of giving tourists a free ride, but wants to protect his rural constituent farmers who grow cannabis plants for profit.

The current draft law is up for discussion until the end of the month. A spokesman for the Cannabis Future Network said he absolutely didn't believe recreational use would be formally banned. Ganja shops, he thought, would need to re-register as street pharmacies (or similar) or perhaps customers would sign a slip to confirm they wanted the weed for their health. This would have the effect of reducing the number of ganja selling points, unable to deal with the bureaucracy, whilst offering a way out for the larger or popular ones, especially in tourist areas. The main enforcing agency could well be the Food and Drugs Administration which is notoriously short of staff. The Royal Thai Police has been noticeably hands-off ever since weed decriminalization in 2022. As the Roman poet Juvenal asked 2,000 years ago: "Who is watching the watchers?"



Re: Baht's biggest surge since 1998 poses risk to tourism and Exports. The Thai baht is experiencing its sharpest rise in 26 years, reaching levels last seen during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. This surge has hampered Thailand's recovery in the tourism and export sectors, Bloomberg News reports. ASEAN NOW

Guten Morgen Ola , meine Freundin Lada ist im Palmtree und sie hat im Anbau D3 bei mir eine schwarze oder braune Schlange gefunden . Die Schlange 🐍 ist von meinen Grundstück runter , also aufpassen. LG.Thomas Micklisch

Ola Jansved <olajnsvd@gmail.com> schrieb am Sa., 21. Sept. 2024, 00:30:

 

The Thai baht is experiencing its sharpest rise in 26 years, reaching levels last seen during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. This surge has hampered Thailand's recovery in the tourism and export sectors, Bloomberg News reports.

 

While the baht's rise is partly linked to a weakening US dollar ahead of the Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cut, its unexpected appreciation against key trade currencies has made Thai products less competitive abroad.

 

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul have called on the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to take action to curb the baht's rapid rise and manage exchange rate volatility.

 

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), noted that the strong currency has driven up production costs and worsened the influx of low-cost imports from China. "We need a stable baht and help managing financial costs," Kriengkrai emphasized.

 

Paophum added that it's vital for the baht to remain "neither too strong nor too weak, but above all, stable."

Despite continued growth in tourism, the stronger baht may reduce tourists' spending power, particularly affecting shopping and accommodation. Surawat Akaraworamat, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, pointed out that the higher exchange rate makes goods and services appear more expensive to foreign tourists.

 

The baht's strength may also hamper Thailand's ability to meet its tourism goals for the year. This presents a fresh challenge for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is focused on boosting the economy and lowering living costs amid slower growth in Thailand compared to other ASEAN countries. Both tourism and exports are vital economic drivers, repoerted The Nation.

 

Picture courtesy: TTG Asia

 

The BOT has voiced concern over sharp currency fluctuations, with the baht appreciating 9.14% against the US dollar in the past three months, significantly above the yearly average of 7.96%. This volatility has put the export sector under additional pressure.

 

The BOT has committed to stepping in to stabilize the baht and mitigate further damage to the economy. Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, deputy managing director of Kasikorn Research Center, noted that the currency's sustained strength will be a key topic for the BOT's Monetary Policy Committee meeting on October 16.

 

TOP Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-09-21

Baht's biggest surge since 1998 poses risk to tourism and Exports. The Thai baht is experiencing its sharpest rise in 26 years, reaching levels last seen during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. This surge has hampered Thailand's recovery in the tourism and export sectors, Bloomberg News reports. ASEAN NOW

 

The Thai baht is experiencing its sharpest rise in 26 years, reaching levels last seen during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. This surge has hampered Thailand's recovery in the tourism and export sectors, Bloomberg News reports.

 

While the baht's rise is partly linked to a weakening US dollar ahead of the Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cut, its unexpected appreciation against key trade currencies has made Thai products less competitive abroad.

 

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul have called on the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to take action to curb the baht's rapid rise and manage exchange rate volatility.

 

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), noted that the strong currency has driven up production costs and worsened the influx of low-cost imports from China. "We need a stable baht and help managing financial costs," Kriengkrai emphasized.

 

Paophum added that it's vital for the baht to remain "neither too strong nor too weak, but above all, stable."

Despite continued growth in tourism, the stronger baht may reduce tourists' spending power, particularly affecting shopping and accommodation. Surawat Akaraworamat, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, pointed out that the higher exchange rate makes goods and services appear more expensive to foreign tourists.

 

The baht's strength may also hamper Thailand's ability to meet its tourism goals for the year. This presents a fresh challenge for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is focused on boosting the economy and lowering living costs amid slower growth in Thailand compared to other ASEAN countries. Both tourism and exports are vital economic drivers, repoerted The Nation.

 

Picture courtesy: TTG Asia

 

The BOT has voiced concern over sharp currency fluctuations, with the baht appreciating 9.14% against the US dollar in the past three months, significantly above the yearly average of 7.96%. This volatility has put the export sector under additional pressure.

 

The BOT has committed to stepping in to stabilize the baht and mitigate further damage to the economy. Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, deputy managing director of Kasikorn Research Center, noted that the currency's sustained strength will be a key topic for the BOT's Monetary Policy Committee meeting on October 16.

 

TOP Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-09-21

PM Faces Pressure Over Thaksin's Alleged Hospital Fake-Out. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in a precarious position, with her political career hanging in the balance due to legal issues surrounding her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. The complication arises from allegations that Thaksin, the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai party, faked a critical illness to avoid jail time by staying at Police Hospital, Bangkok. ASEAN NOW

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reads the policy statement at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Paetongtarn appeared Parliament for the first time to lay out how her government envisions to improve the country. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in a precarious position, with her political career hanging in the balance due to legal issues surrounding her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. The complication arises from allegations that Thaksin, the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai party, faked a critical illness to avoid jail time by staying at  Police Hospital, Bangkok.

 

On September 18, a petition was submitted, urging Paetongtarn to reveal the truth regarding her father's hospital stay. The petition demands a full and transparent disclosure of the evidence, including CCTV footage, that purportedly documents Thaksin's activities in the hospital's private ward. Thaksin was granted an unusual six-month stay in a ward generally off-limits to other convicts.

If Paetongtarn complies, she risks incriminating her father, potentially leading to his arrest and imprisonment for perjury. Thaksin was already sentenced in absentia to eight years for power abuse and misconduct, but received a royal pardon reducing his sentence to one year. Yet, he had not spent any time behind bars, owing to his claimed critical illness.

 

Conversely, if Paetongtarn refuses to act, she could face charges of neglecting her official duties. This dereliction of duty might lead to her impeachment and removal from office, a partisan source indicated.

 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) seeks evidence allegedly being withheld by the Police Hospital and the Corrections Department. They believe this evidence will reveal the truth behind Thaksin's "critical illness" and verify whether he genuinely required detention outside a prison.

 

This episode is eerily reminiscent of the plight faced by Paetongtarn's aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, over a decade ago. Yingluck was sentenced to five years in jail for failing to curb corruption in a rice subsidy scheme during her term.

 

With her father's fate hanging in the balance and her own political future at risk, Paetongtarn must navigate this legal and ethical minefield carefully. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for her premiership and the future of the Shinawatra family's political legacy.

 

-- 2024-09-19



Thai government tweaks guidelines on latest visas. The Interior Ministry has issued fresh guidelines for the much-discussed Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the boost for visa-exempt tourists from 30 to 60 days.- Pattaya Mail

Thai government tweaks guidelines on latest visas

Pattaya MailSeptember 17, 2024

Attending business meetings doesn't require a work permit as long as there aren't too many.

The Interior Ministry has issued fresh guidelines for the much-discussed Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the boost for visa-exempt tourists from 30 to 60 days. The DTV is seen as groundbreaking as it frees remote workers from needing a work permit as long as their employment is with overseas companies or contractors. The ministry has now doubled-down by insisting that "such work must not impinge in any way on the Thai economy", a very broad restriction.

Meanwhile, those tourists entering Thailand with a visa-exempt 60 days – the vast majority – must watch their step when they are not sightseeing. An initial announcement by the Tourist Authority of Thailand last July mentioned that "ad hoc or urgent work" could be undertaken for up to 15 days provided the tourist had notified the Department of Labor. Examples given were attending conferences or meetings and – more surprisingly – repairing machinery, auditing accounts or inspecting products.

The Interior Ministry now states that, whilst attending occasional meetings is ok, temporary work permits (maximum of two for 15 days each) will be needed for the more weighty stuff mentioned above. Answering complaints that the ruling is a tad ambiguous, the ministry said that more detailed rulings would be available in due course. This is likely a timely reflection of the 10 Pheu Thai governmental priorities for the next year, announced on September 14, which include an "overhaul of visa processing".

This projected overhaul is likely to encompass a great deal more. Government spokespeople last July pointed out that the types of non-immigrant visas should be reduced as functions such as medical tourism, family visas and permission to make movies in Thailand might be subsumed by the new DTV. Not to mention the different rules for retirees under the OA and O extension of stay regulations.

Also awaiting clarification is the ETA, or electronic travel authorization, which next year will require all visa-exempt travellers to seek permission in advance of their journey. Once this data base is integrated with that overseeing the issuing of visas, a stated government aim, there will be no significant difference. Everyone will be checked on the same data base for past criminal convictions and/or deportation from Thailand as well as for Interpol warrants.

The visa overhaul also gives an opportunity for the immigration bureau to influence the upcoming bureaucracy. There are so many agencies involved in publicity about visas – Tourist Authority of Thailand, Board of Investment, The Cabinet, Department of Labor etc – that it's often forgotten that the actual implementation is performed by immigration officers at airports and borders. So far, the bureau has been strictly silent.