Bangkok Post - Finance Ministry pushes higher inflation target. The Finance Ministry has proposed moving the inflation target for next year to 1.5-3.5%, rising from the existing range of 1-3%, to provide the Bank of Thailand more room to lower the policy rate.

Finance Ministry pushes higher inflation target

The Finance Ministry has proposed moving the inflation target for next year to 1.5-3.5%, rising from the existing range of 1-3%, to provide the Bank of Thailand more room to lower the policy rate.

According to a ministry source who requested anonymity, this adjustment to the inflation target would allow the central bank to cut the policy interest rate, stimulating inflation within the new framework.

The source said the ministry wants the central bank lower the policy rate, aligning with the Federal Reserve's rate cut of 50 basis points.

However, the Bank of Thailand may view such a reduction as too aggressive, said the source, adding a cut of 25 basis points should be considered at a minimum.

"The conventional wisdom that interest rate reductions have a slower effect than fiscal policy is inaccurate. When the interest rate is reduced, 84 million loan accounts at Thai financial institutions will immediately experience a decrease in their interest burden," the source said.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is scheduled to hold discussions about the inflation management framework for 2025 with the Bank of Thailand in late October, presenting their suggestions to the cabinet for implementation in 2025.

The source said the central bank is likely reluctant to lower the policy rate because of concerns that inflation may rise, even though the general inflation rate is less than the lower limit set by the regulator. The central bank may believe the headline inflation rate will fall within the framework by the end of this year, said the source.

The source believes the Bank of Thailand is unlikely to adjust the inflation target because it considers the existing framework suitable for the recovering economy.

However, a reduced policy interest rate may still be considered, said the source.

The ministry wants the central bank to adjust the inflation target because inflation has been low for an extended period, which is not conducive to an economic recovery, particularly for trade and investment, according to the source.

"The ministry wants a lower policy rate, aligned with the interest rate policies of other countries. Having higher interest rates than other nations leads to inflows of capital seeking higher returns in the domestic market, causing the baht to appreciate, which negatively affects exports and tourism," said the source.

The baht recently strengthened to 32.15 per US dollar, close to a recent high in 2022 of 32.13 to the greenback.

The source said the factors contributing to the baht's appreciation stem from foreign currency inflows, coming from three sources: investments seeking higher domestic returns because of relatively higher Thai interest rates; foreign capital entering the Thai stock market; and revenue generated from exports.



Bangkok Post - Flood warning for lower Chao Phraya River basin provinces including Greater Bangkok

Flood warning for lower Chao Phraya River basin provinces including Greater Bangkok

An embankment was reinforced near the Niwet Woradit pier by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok last month. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) 

The Royal Irrigation Department is warning people along waterways in the lower Chao Phraya River basin, including those in Greater Bangkok, of either possible overflow or deeper flood levels due to deluges from the North, heavy rains and high seas later this month.

Lerboon Udomsap, an engineering expert at the department, said on Sunday that due to torrents of water from the North, the discharge rate of the Chao Phraya barrage – which regulates the flow of the Chao Phraya River in Chai Nat province – would gradually be raised from 2,150 cubic metres per second to 2,400 cubic metres per second this week.

According to Mr Lerboon, the faster discharge will affect waterway-adjacent areas from Sapphaya district of Chai Nat downstream to Greater Bangkok, leading to possible overflow and deeper flood levels this week.

Low-lying areas to be affected include:

• In Buri, Muang and Phrom Buri districts of Sing Buri
• Muang and Pa Mok districts of Ang Thong
• vast areas near Phong Pheng and Bang Ban canals and the Noi River in Ayutthaya
• Muang and Sam Khok districts in Pathum Thani
• about 30 riverside communities in Muang and Pak Kret districts of Nonthaburi
• thirty-two flood-prone areas in Bangkok including Song Wat area

Mr Lerboon said that Greater Bangkok could face flooding if there were high tides and heavy rains this month because the levels of waterways would already be high and obstruct the drainage of rainwater. He said high tides would occur from Oct 18 to 22.

Irrigation officials were trying to drain water from Greater Bangkok to the sea through Tha Chin and Bang Pakong rivers so that there would be more room to receive rainwater this month, Mr Lerboon said.

Surasee Kittimonthon, secretary-general of the Office of National Water Resources, said that deluges of water from the Ping River in Chiang Maiwould flow into the Bhumibol dam in Tak province and have no impact on the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkok Post - Floods drown 2 elephants, rescue efforts continue. The park is home to 126 elephants, two of which have been confirmed dead after being swept away by the floodwaters.

Floods drown 2 elephants, rescue efforts continue

Save the animals: Elephants stranded in the Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai were rescued on Saturday, along with other animals, including dogs, cats, buffaloes, horses and goats. (Photo: Sumit Athiprom) 

Two elephants have drowned from flooding at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai's Mae Taeng district. An all-out effort is underway to locate animals stranded in rising waters and fast-moving flood currents.

The park is home to 126 elephants, two of which have been confirmed dead after being swept away by the floodwaters.

Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was found dead near the Sibsan resort in Mae Taeng district on Saturday morning. The other dead pachyderm is believed to be Plang Mae Khor, who had a disabled leg. However, park staff are still working to confirm the identity.

Conservationist Saengduean Chailert, founder of the Elephant Nature Park, wrote on her Facebook page that Friday was a day of darkness and gloom for the park.

When they received the flood warning on Thursday, staff began evacuating the elephants to higher ground, and the effort continued into Friday night. However, the water kept rising, and even more elevated areas were not spared. The entire elephant village is now severely flooded.

"Our animals are adrift in floodwater. Our elephants are not chained, but remain in fenced enclosures," Ms Saengduean wrote. "The floodwater has risen to over three metres, surpassing the fences of the animals' shelters and almost reaching the roofs."

"Our blind elephant Mae Ploydaeng, Plang Mae Meeboon, and several others were swept away by the severe floods before our eyes."

Many cows and buffalo at the park also went missing during the flooding. All cats and dogs from the compound are safe, she said, though there were no cages for the animals.

She expressed her gratitude to rescue workers, volunteers, and government agencies for their help. Many elephant camps also sent their mahouts to help control the panicked elephants and assist in evacuating them. Ms Saengduean said she was heartbroken when she was informed that two elephants had been found dead.

Meanwhile, helicopters from Wing 41 of the Royal Thai Air Force, led by Gp Capt Phanpaporn Jinawat, Commander of Wing 41, helped track down the missing elephants. He said the aerial search began from the camp and extended to the surrounding area.

During the survey, the aircraft's infrared camera detected what appeared to be three elephants about one kilometre from the camp. These may have been the elephants they were searching for, and they also found a dead elephant.

The helicopter's infrared camera also detected three more elephants: one walking up the mountain and two remaining still. It is believed the elephants were sheltering on the mountain, and the coordinates were given to the mahouts to track them down.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, along with the Royal Forest Department, a team of vets, officials from the National Elephant Institute, and volunteers, assisted in rescuing the stranded elephants at the park.

Out of a total of 126 elephants, 114 have been moved to safety, while nine male elephants remain stranded, two elephants have died, and one is missing. Other animals, including buffalo, goats, dogs, and cats, have also been moved to safety, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Bangkok Will Not Flood, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Assures. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has assured residents of Bangkok that fears of flooding are unfounded, emphasising that current rainwater levels are significantly lower compared to the devastating 2011 floods. ASEAN NOW



 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has assured residents of Bangkok that fears of flooding are unfounded, emphasising that current rainwater levels are significantly lower compared to the devastating 2011 floods. On Wednesday, Ms. Paetongtarn reviewed the water situation at the Royal Irrigation Department in Nonthaburi.

 

In 2011, Thailand faced the fury of five storms and saw a rainfall increase of over 25% beyond the average. In contrast, this year's figures show only a 2% rise above usual rainfall levels, and just one storm has struck. Major reservoirs still have room to retain water, unlike in 2011 when they reached capacity, forcing massive water releases.

 

"For those concerned about potential flooding in Bangkok, there is no need to worry. Bangkok will not be flooded," assured Ms. Paetongtarn.

 

Currently, rainfall in northern areas is contributing to water flow from the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan rivers into the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat is releasing water at 1,899 cubic metres per second, a rate comfortably managed by current infrastructure.

The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring at the Bang Sai station to ensure flow rates remain under 3,000 cubic metres per second in Ayutthaya.

 

Local authorities are prepared, deploying drainage and pumping efforts to direct water efficiently to the Gulf of Thailand, managing a daily capacity of about 164 million cubic metres, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department forecasts mixed weather, with possible storms and rainfall due to a cold front from China, affecting Bangkok, among other regions.

 

Meanwhile, Jirayu Houngsub, a disaster relief spokesman, warned of potential overflow along Chiang Rai's Kok River due to expected heavy rains, potentially impacting 147 square kilometres across six districts.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-10-04

Visa companies offer “trouble-free” DTV applications. Visa agencies in tourist-orientated cities throughout Thailand are offering to help Destination Thailand Visa hopefuls cut the pain out of the bureaucracy when dealing with overseas embassies. DTV cannot be granted to foreigners present in Thailand but must leave the country to lodge an application.- Pattaya Mail

Visa companies offer "trouble-free" DTV applications

Pattaya MailOctober 3, 2024

The popular DTV has now aroused the interest of visa and travel companies who see an opening.

Visa agencies in tourist-orientated cities throughout Thailand are offering to help Destination Thailand Visa hopefuls cut the pain out of the bureaucracy when dealing with overseas embassies. DTV cannot be granted to foreigners present in Thailand but must leave the country to lodge an application.

Since the introduction of DTV last July, some foreigners have demonstrated on social media that Thai diplomatic posts do not have uniform documentary requirements. Some aspirants say they have been refused, others delayed or told to resubmit. The areas of ambiguity include what exactly counts as a cash bond, the precise evidence for a digital nomad working for overseas clients and the detailed proof about being a soft-power applicant.



What the Thai visa agencies, widely advertised on Facebook in particular, are offering is a visa run to a neighboring country and assistance in preparing the specific documentation tailored to that Thai embassy. Other services cover air or road transport to the destination, hotel accommodation (usually on a bed and breakfast only basis) and a pickup facility at the Thai diplomatic post.

The inclusive costs vary company-by-company but are generally in the 75,000 baht to 150,000 baht range (from US$ 2,400), dependent on the level of assistance given. Most agencies require applicants to fill in a pre- application form to check DTV eligibility which isn't usually a problem as the soft power categories are non-specific on detail. Applicants who have trouble proving the cash or income bond requirement may be offered a third-party guarantee by the host company.

When DTV was first announced in July, there was the expectation that the visa could be granted only in the country of nationality or of employment. This appears to have been softened, consciously or otherwise, so that applicants (whether on their own or with an agency) can request DTV in a country where are visiting briefly. This softening has enabled entrepreneurs to step into the breach, howbeit for a minority of applicants.

Embassies vary a great deal in their visa-under-consideration timescale. The informal Thai consulate in Taipei (officially the Thailand Trade and Economic Office) has a walk-in facility in the morning with the visa issued the same day. Some embassies, for example in the EU and in parts of America, are apparently taking weeks. The average seems to be about one week, though some tour companies claim three days and nights. As ever, you get what you pay for.

Thai private agencies have long experience in offering visa runs, where visits to embassies are required, and border hops where they are not. It was always inevitable that a company-assisted DTV would be attractive to those applicants who are confused, unprepared or happy to pay extra. To judge from the positive reaction in the social and mainstream media, DTV is proving overall to be spectacularly successful. For as long as the rules and regulations remain unchanged, that trend will continue.

Save the Children Thailand has issued an urgent plea for action after revealing that one in three child deaths in Thailand are caused by road accidents. Over the past decade, more than 26,930 children have tragically died in road crashes, highlighting the severity of the problem. - ASEAN NOW

Save The Children Urges Action on Child Road Deaths in Thailand

webfact2 hours ago

Bank of Thailand Intervenes to Manage Baht's Exchange Rate. On Monday, Chayawadee Chai-anant, the central bank's assistant governor for corporate relations, announced that the bank has recently taken measures to regulate the baht's exchange rate. "Our intervention intends to align with regional currency movements, ensuring stability," she stated. ASEAN NOW

FILE photo courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand

 

The Bank of Thailand has confirmed its active intervention to manage the value of the baht against the US dollar, aiming to ensure the currency's fluctuations are in sync with regional currencies.

 

On Monday, Chayawadee Chai-anant, the central bank's assistant governor for corporate relations, announced that the bank has recently taken measures to regulate the baht's exchange rate. "Our intervention intends to align with regional currency movements, ensuring stability," she stated.

 

The central bank's international reserves have benefitted from both these interventions and the depreciation of the dollar. Gross international reserves climbed to $235.6 billion in August, up from $230.6 billion in July and $224 billion in June. Similarly, net international reserves rose to $262 billion in August, compared to $258 billion in July and $252.6 billion in June.

 

Ms. Chayawadee pointed out that while the baht's appreciation against the dollar positions it as one of the leading regional currencies, it remains behind the Malaysian ringgit. She acknowledged the rapid strengthening of the baht and assured that the central bank is closely monitoring its movements to mitigate any negative impact on the economy.

 

The adjustment in the baht's value has mixed implications for local businesses. A stronger baht could reduce export revenues due to foreign exchange conversions, particularly for those lacking effective hedging strategies.

However, Ms. Chayawadee emphasized that the stronger baht is unlikely to impact the tourism sector adversely in the final quarter of this year. "International tourists generally welcome a firmer baht against the dollar, which helps them better manage their spending in Thailand," she said. Key visitor markets, including China, Malaysia, and Japan, have also seen their currencies appreciate relative to the dollar, supporting this optimistic outlook.

 

The central bank reported that foreign tourist numbers in August reached 3 million, after seasonal adjustments, marking a slight decline of 0.1% from the previous month. Despite this, tourist spending has remained steady. The bank anticipates an improvement in foreign traveler numbers in September compared to August, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Economic data shows a mixed picture: while visitors from China and Malaysia decreased in August, there was an uptick in tourists from countries like Japan and India. As per the central bank, tourism revenue remained stable, primarily due to higher spending per trip.

 

Adding to this, the Kasikorn Research Center noted that the baht strengthened to 32.17 baht per dollar during Monday's trading, hitting its highest level in 31 months. The central bank continues to monitor these trends closely to maintain economic stability.

 

-- 2024-10-02



3-meter python causes stir at central Pattaya shopping mall. PATTAYA, Thailand – A 3-meter-long python caused quite a commotion at a shopping mall in central Pattaya on September 29, slithering under a car in the parking lot, prompting a two-hour search and capture operation. The snake was initially coiled near the rear tires of a white Nissan sedan. However, as officials from Pattaya’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department attempted to capture the python, it became startled and escaped, hiding under a nearby green Toyota BB.- Pattaya Mail

3-meter python causes stir at central Pattaya shopping mall

Pattaya MailOctober 1, 2024

A 3-meter-long python caused a commotion at a shopping mall in central Pattaya after slithering under a car in the parking lot. Officials successfully captured the snake after a two-hour rescue operation.

PATTAYA, Thailand – A 3-meter-long python caused quite a commotion at a shopping mall in central Pattaya on September 29, slithering under a car in the parking lot, prompting a two-hour search and capture operation.

The snake was initially coiled near the rear tires of a white Nissan sedan. However, as officials from Pattaya's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department attempted to capture the python, it became startled and escaped, hiding under a nearby green Toyota BB.

Mongkhon, a 63-year-old taxi driver who witnessed the incident, shared details leading up to the chaos. He explained that a taxi, likely from a ride-sharing service, had just dropped off a customer at the mall. As the car departed, the python fell from the undercarriage and made its way to the white Nissan sedan, sparking the ensuing commotion.

Snake catchers quickly arrived on the scene. After a challenging effort, the team successfully captured the python and will release it back into its natural habitat. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any wildlife sightings in urban areas to ensure the safety of both people and animals.

Proposal Needed for Legal Revisions to Foreign Land Leases. A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land in Thailand for up to 99 years may require significant legal amendments, according to Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit. This proposal involves transferring privately-owned land to state property managed by the Treasury Department. ASEAN NOW



Image by Freepik

 

A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land in Thailand for up to 99 years may require significant legal amendments, according to Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit. This proposal involves transferring privately-owned land to state property managed by the Treasury Department.

 

Mr Lavaron highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive study, potentially leading to the amendment of related laws. Under the constitution, public consultations would also be required for any new legislation.

 

The concept, initially proposed by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, suggests that Thai landowners could lease their land to foreigners for up to 99 years by first transferring the title deed to the Treasury Department. During the lease period, the Thai landowner would receive full payment but relinquish ownership, with the land becoming state property.

 

Foreign lessees would gain the right to lease land for a maximum of 99 years, after which the property would revert to state ownership. To address specific concerns, conditions would prohibit foreigners from leasing land for agricultural use or developing low-cost housing for low-income individuals without requiring a down payment.

 

However, no official policy level action has been undertaken on this proposal. Implementing such a scheme would require revising multiple laws, including Treasury Department regulations that currently cap leases at 30 years.

"Extending the lease to 99 years would require legal amendments," said Mr Lavaron. "Additionally, laws concerning the transfer of state property would need to be reviewed to determine whether land can be transferred from private ownership, with specific leasing conditions for foreigners. Amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code would also be necessary, along with defining types of land use restrictions."

 

According to the 2021 ministerial regulation under the State Property Act of 2019, leasing state property is generally limited to 30 years, unless for commercial or industrial purposes approved by the finance minister. For utilisation of state property involving more than 500 million baht from private entities, rental rates must match or exceed rates approved by the State Property Committee, reported Bangkok Post.

 

A Finance Ministry source, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that similar proposals had faced opposition in the past, with critics arguing it could lead to effectively "selling the country" to foreigners. However, allowing long-term leases while maintaining Thai ownership might address these concerns.

 

-- 2024-09-30

Legal Corner: Laws in Thailand When Dogs Bite or Harm Someone. In Thailand, if a person’s dog bites or harms another person, the owner, if they exist, is generally held liable for the damages caused. Here are some key points:- The Pattaya News

Legal Corner: Laws in Thailand When Dogs Bite or Harm Someone

Adam JuddMonday, 30 September 2024, 1:54

In this week's legal corner, sponsored by our friends at Anglo Siam Legal in Pattaya, we look into a recent hot topic in the national Thai news…dog attacks.

In the past week alone there have been two cases of a person being attacked and killed by a dog, or dogs, in Thailand. We reported on these incidents here.

Lets take a look at the laws in Thailand on this subject:

In Thailand, if a person's dog bites or harms another person, the owner, if they exist, is generally held liable for the damages caused. Here are some key points:

1. Civil Liability: According to Section 433 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, the owner of an animal is responsible for compensating the injured party for any damages caused by the animal. This includes medical expenses and any other costs directly related to the injury.

2. Criminal Liability: If the owner is found to be negligent, they could face criminal charges under Section 300 of the Penal Code. This could happen if it is proven that the owner knew the dog was agitated and failed to restrain it, leading to grievous bodily harm. The penalties can include imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to 6,000 baht.

3. Local Regulations: In  Bangkok, for example, there are additional regulations that require dog owners to control their pets to avoid causing annoyance or harm to others. This includes keeping fierce breeds on leads and muzzled when in public². Fines for non-compliance can go up to 5,000 baht.

If a stray dog bites or harms someone in Thailand, the situation can be a bit more complex:

1. No Direct Owner: Since stray dogs don't have a specific owner, there's no individual to hold directly liable for the damages. This means the injured person may not be able to claim compensation in the same way they would if a pet dog caused the injury.

2. Local Authorities: In some cases, local authorities might be responsible for managing stray animals. If the authorities have been negligent in controlling stray dog populations or ensuring public safety, there might be grounds for a claim against them. However, this can be difficult to prove and may require legal assistance.

3. Public Health Measures: Local governments often have measures in place to control stray dog populations, such as vaccination and sterilization programs. If a stray dog bite occurs, it's important to report it to local health authorities to ensure proper medical treatment and to help prevent future incidents.

4. Community Responsibility: In some communities, there are efforts to care for and manage stray dogs collectively. This can include feeding, vaccinating, and even adopting stray dogs. While this doesn't directly address liability, it can help reduce the risk of incidents.

In reality, private financial settlements are often made between parties while avoiding legal action over a dog attack in Thailand, at least if the dog has an identified owner. If the dog is a stray, however, it is often difficult if not impossible to reach any sort of compensation.

It's also important to note that if the victim of an attack was trespassing on private property, either knowingly or not, laws could significantly differ and the owner may not be liable in Thailand.

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 conflicts over a dog attack.

Rising Baht Sparks Fears of Another 'Tom Yam Kung' Crisis. Thailand - Prachai Leophairat, CEO of TPI Polene Public Company Limited, expressed concern over the rising value of the Thai baht and its potential economic impact, drawing parallels to the 1997 "Tom Yam Kung" crisis. ASEAN NOW

 

Thailand - Prachai Leophairat, CEO of TPI Polene Public Company Limited, expressed concern over the rising value of the Thai baht and its potential economic impact, drawing parallels to the 1997 "Tom Yam Kung" crisis.

 

Prachai outlined 11 key risks associated with the strong baht. He emphasized that if the U.S. dollar's interest rate falls while Thailand's baht interest rate rises, the baht will appreciate.

 

A 10% increase in the baht's exchange rate combined with a 10% decrease in the dollar will raise production costs by 20%. This cost hike would make Thai products 20% more expensive than competitors, leading to a decline in primary goods and forcing secondary and tertiary industries to halt production.

The potential consequences include:

 

1. Factory closures
2. Rising unemployment
3. Reduced consumer spending
4. Halted industrial investments
5. Increased household and business debt
6. Higher bank loan costs due to rising bad debt reserves
7. Banks limiting loans to struggling businesses
8. Reduced government tax revenues and budget cuts
9. Lower government spending
10. A shrinking GDP
11. Declining foreign currency reserves
     

Prachai warned that if exports don't increase and factories continue to close, Thailand might face a shortage of foreign currency reserves. This could lead to a repeat of the 1997 crisis, leaving the country vulnerable to foreign exploitation of its assets, reported Naew Na.

 

Top: FILE photo

 

-- 2024-09-30

What will the Destination Thailand Visa look like in 2025? - Pattaya Mail

What will the Destination Thailand Visa look like in 2025?

Pattaya MailSeptember 29, 2024

The latest visa is off to a good start, but there are issues down the line.

DTV has got off to a splendid start according to the Thai foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Whilst there are no official statistics, social media bloggers suggest that between 1,500 and 2,500 have been issued in the 10 weeks since the launching. The question on the horizon is what happens to DTV holders when their initial six months are exhausted, that is assuming they want to stay in Thailand.

Tod Daniels, top contributor to the popular Facebook group destinationthailandvisa, sums up the problem. "How about we wait until December or January when the first people who got a DTV start reporting on how it will actually work and what is required?" he wrote. There will be, of course, two choices: to quit the country and return or to seek an extension at local immigration, both offering a further 180 days.

Either route has issues. As Integrity Legal's popular videos on YouTube often remind us, DTV is not actually a guaranteed entry five-year visa. The validity of the visa – when you can use it – is five years and it's true the visa is marked "multiple". Last July, the Tourist Authority of Thailand's (TAT) spokesman at the launch said that subsequent entries and extensions would not require more documentation as far as TAT was concerned, but it was open to immigration officers to request more paperwork at local offices (for extensions) or at airports and border posts (for subsequent entries to Thailand).

The silence of the immigration bureau, which controls entries and extensions, has been truly deafening during the DTV post-launch period. There is little doubt that there is the potential for abuse in DTV applications. Some digital nomads, technically working for an overseas company, are believed to have Thai customers contrary to work permit legislation. Soft power has been stretched very far, as instanced by the fact that attending pop concerts or having a dental appointment could qualify for long visa status. In theory anyway.

Dozens of Thai embassies worldwide are currently issuing DTVs, but the paper requirements vary. Some but not all require a bank account of at least three months standing. Others require the naming of a Thai guarantor and the evidence of the applicant's work-related activity in the past. Some embassies require the cookery classes to last up to six months, others three, whilst the documents needed for the registration of the Thai boxing academy are far from uniform. There are lots of embassy-related discrepancies detailed by members of the Facebook group.

Yet the likelihood is that nothing much of significance will happen soon. The prospect of DTV holders at immigration offices, airports and border posts being quizzed by officers about fresh paperwork is a recipe for daily, chaotic delays for the queuing public. Meanwhile, the government says it is working to combine different immigration data bases which will likely take most of next year to finalize. There is also an ongoing inter-departmental working party on reducing the number of non-immigrant visas which could impact DTV. There is no doubt DTV will be reformed, and likely restricted, in the light of experience. But perhaps not in 2025.