Thai Opposition Demands House Dissolution Amid Coup Concerns. In a significant escalation of Thailand's political crisis, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives. ASEAN NOW

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant escalation of Thailand's political crisis, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives. This demand follows the fallout from a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has intensified tensions within the Thai government.

 

The incident centres around a controversial call where Prime Minister Paetongtarn reportedly referred to a Thai military commander as the "opposite side" during discussions with Hun Sen. The conversation, which took place after a border skirmish on May 28, involved the commander's suggestion to close border crossings with Cambodia— a measure the government ultimately softened to merely reducing checkpoint operating hours.

 

The leak has sparked a political storm, leading to the abrupt withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition government. Additionally, Paradorn Prisnananthakul, a Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong, resigned from his role as the second Deputy House Speaker, further destabilising the coalition.

 

Addressing Parliament, Natthaphong criticised the government's inability to fulfil its promises and tackle major issues such as constitutional reform, economic challenges, and military bureaucracy restructuring. He highlighted that the current coalition, led by the Pheu Thai Party, has been plagued by unwieldy cross-party alliances and broken pledges.

 

"The credibility of Prime Minister Paetongtarn is in tatters due to this leak," Natthaphong stated, urging her to dissolve the House and return the mandate to the people. He warned that failure to address the situation might lead to pressure groups inciting unrest and jeopardising democracy.

 

Natthaphong and his fellow MPs issued a clear demand: the prime minister must dissolve the House and step down, allowing for a new election to restore legitimacy. "Thailand needs a government formed through democratic mechanisms to effectively solve the country's problems," he asserted.

 

The opposition leader also cautioned against potential escalations, reminding the public that a military coup is not a viable solution. He emphasised the importance of maintaining democratic processes, even amidst growing public dissatisfaction and potential protests.

 

In the wake of the leak, Hun Sen has denied any involvement in its dissemination but offered to provide the entire audio to Thai authorities for greater transparency. This development comes as a critical moment for Prime Minister Paetongtarn, whose ability to navigate this crisis could have lasting implications for her leadership and the coalition's stability.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-19

So, what is happening in Thailand? Here’s a brief summary:. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has not resigned despite opposition calls following the leak of a private phone conversation between her and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Thai Enquirer



Thailand in Trouble: Expats Exit as Vietnam Steals the Show. For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite. ASEAN NOW

Hoi An, Vietnam

 

For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite.

 

Dual pricing in Thailand has escalated into a significant sticking point for foreigners. Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they're not locals.

 

What was once a tolerable annoyance is now perceived by many as institutional exploitation. As one expat cheekily puts it, the "Land of Smiles" now feels more akin to the "Land of Profits".

 

Visa complexities add to the exasperations, as Thailand's formerly amicable immigration policies have transformed into a bewildering maze of paperwork and procedures. For long-term visitors, the congested immigration offices and fluctuating requirements have turned what used to be a simple procedure into a daunting ordeal.

 

Many retirees and long-stay tourists find themselves frustrated, pushing them to seek more straightforward paths elsewhere. It feels, as one retiree lamented, as if the calculations have been altered to push expats out slowly.

 

Moreover, Thailand's once-renowned nightlife, a historical cornerstone of its charming allure, faces similar criticism. Rising prices and aggressive behaviours in major tourist hubs, such as Pattaya and Phuket, have soured the once vibrant scene.

 

Once praised for its relaxed atmosphere, the nightlife seems to have grown more hostile and commercialised, dampening Thailand's once bright appeal among expats, writes Michael Schwerzer for Wochen Blitz.

 

On another front, Vietnam emerges as an exciting alternative, offering simpler visa arrangements, lower living costs, and a generally welcome attitude towards foreign guests. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly popular among expats drawn by affordable living, authentic cuisine, and a community spirit that is still very much alive.

 

Although Vietnam comes with its own set of hurdles, including some corruption and freedom of expression concerns, expats find these less intrusive compared to the hurdles in Thailand.

 

In terms of value, Vietnam appears to offer more for less. Rent is cheaper, food is often praised as more authentic, and general living expenses remain manageable, even on modest retirement incomes.

 

The difference isn't only financial; many expats report an emotional relief found in the warmth and genuine welcome they encounter. "In Vietnam, people celebrate you as a guest," said one British expat. "That special feeling is vanishing in Thailand."

 

The Thai tourism industry is at a critical juncture. Failing to address these significant grievances could mean losing its long-standing expat community. Vietnam, with its welcoming environment and competitive cost of living, increasingly captivates and offers a vibrant alternative.

 

If Thailand does not take decisive action to reduce bureaucracy, abolish dual pricing, and re-establish its welcoming spirit, it risks being outshone by Vietnam as the leading expat destination in Southeast Asia.

 

The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Thailand can reclaim its esteemed position as the expat capital of Southeast Asia or whether Vietnam will seize that role for good. One thing remains evident: Expats are voting with their feet, and increasingly, they're making their way east.

 

Phuket, Thailand

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Wochen Blitz 2025-06-19



Drive Drunk, Lose Your Car: Thailand’s OAG Pushes Tough New Proposal. A bold new initiative by the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) might see drunk drivers losing more than just their licence – their cars could be seized too! Renowned legal academic Pokpong Srisanit from Thammasat University has thrown his weight behind these newly introduced guidelines, suggesting that those who drive under the influence demonstrate a blatant disregard for public safety, warranting such stringent measures. ASEAN NOW

File photo courtesy of Facebook Pattaya News

 

A bold new initiative by the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) might see drunk drivers losing more than just their licence – their cars could be seized too! Renowned legal academic Pokpong Srisanit from Thammasat University has thrown his weight behind these newly introduced guidelines, suggesting that those who drive under the influence demonstrate a blatant disregard for public safety, warranting such stringent measures.

 

Mr Pokpong, dean of the Faculty of Law, asserts that confiscation is justified when there's clear intent to break the law. Driving over the legal alcohol limit clearly falls into this category, he explains, making violators eligible for asset forfeiture.

 

However, he cautions that such stringent actions should only apply to serious or repeated offences, similar to laws in France where vehicle seizure is reserved for repeat offenders or where accidents result in severe consequences.

 

Consistency is the magic word for meaningful deterrence, according to Mr Pokpong. He warns that without unwavering enforcement, these measures could fail, potentially muddied by corruption. To bolster transparency, he urges mandatory use of police cameras at checkpoints.

 

In a twist, car owners unknowingly lending their vehicles to intoxicated drivers could reclaim them, but knowingly enabling such behaviour would mean losing the vehicle for good.

 

Complementing this, Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Phonpornklang emphasises the need for prosecutors to charge offenders under Section 43 of the Land Traffic Act, for reckless driving.

 

Harsh words indeed, but they might just be what's needed to jolt drivers into staying off the road when they've had one too many. In a noteworthy step, Thailand's judicial system aims at reducing fatalities by hitting offenders where it hurts – their cherished cars.

 

The move decisively shifts focus to preventing future incidents by ensuring serious consequences for taking such dangerous risks. While the proposal is receiving praise for its potential impact, only time and consistent enforcement will determine its true effectiveness.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-16

Viktig information om förändringar i intygsverksamheten. - Svenska Ambassaden / Sweden Abroad

Viktig information om förändringar i intygsverksamheten.

Ambassaden kommer upphöra att utfärda följande affidavit/intyg från och med den 1 september 2025

• Intyg om familjerelation till ansökan om visum för maka/make/barn
• Intyg till ansökan om folkbokföring (gula husboken) i Thailand
• Intyg om ändring av namn / efternamn i Sverige
• Intyg om äktenskapsskillnad från Sverige
• Intyg om svenskt äktenskap för anmälan till thailändsk myndighet
• Intyg om samboförhållande
• Intyg om dödsfall

Ansvarig myndighet i Sverige som intygar uppgifter från svensk folkbokföring är Skatteverket.

För fler frågor kring vilka utdrag eller dokument som kan utfärdas, vänligen kontakta Skatteverket Kontakta oss | Skatteverket

Svenska handlingar som är begärda av eller ska uppvisas för en utländsk myndighet kan behöva legaliseras innan de kan brukas i Thailand.

Det är viktigt att du i god tid innan avresa från Sverige ser till att kontakta de lokala myndigheterna i Thailand och Thailands ambassad i Stockholm för att förbereda de handlingar som du kommer behöva använda i Thailand.

Följ dessa steg:

(1) Kontrollera med mottagande myndighet i Thailand: Bekräfta vilka handlingar som behöver legaliseras.

(2) Förse handlingen med stämpel och underskrift: Handlingen måste ha en stämpel och underskrift från den utfärdande svenska myndigheten.

Om handlingen är utfärdat av privatpersoner, privata företag eller är en kopia utan originalunderskrift måste det först certifieras av en notariuspublicus, du kan hitta dessa ombud genom att söka på internet.

Översätt handlingen till engelska: Om handlingen är på svenska, måste den översättas till engelska av en auktoriserad översättare i Sverige. 
Sök översättare i Kammarkollegiets register 

Många utdrag från Skatteverket kan numera fås på engelska.

(4) Legalisering hos Utrikesdepartementet (UD): UD kan legalisera handlingen genom att intyga att namnteckningen och stämpeln är äkta.

All information om hur du går till väga finns på deras webbplats: UD Legaliseringar - Regeringen.se

(5) Legalisering hos Thailands ambassad: Efter UD, måste handlingen sedan legaliseras av den Thailands ambassad Stockholm.

För mer information, vänligen se deras webbplats: Legalization – Royal Thai Embassy Stockholm

 När du är i Thailand:

(6) Översättning: Om thailändska myndigheter kräver att handlingen är på thailändska, översätt handlingen från Thailands ambassad hos en lokal översättningsbyrå.

(7) Bestyrk/legitimera: Handlingen måste sedan bestyrkas/legitimeras hos Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (thailändska utriksdepartementet).

Tidsbokning görs på deras webbplats: ONLINE RESERVATION FOR LEGALIZATION SERVICE

(8) Lämna över din handling tillberörd thailändsk myndighet: När du har fått dina dokument legaliserade hos thailändska utrikesdepartement behöver du inte någon ytterligare underskrift eller stämpel från Sveriges Ambassad i Bangkok. Ambassaden kan inte översätta eller hjälpa till med att intyga översättningar från svenska till engelska eller thailändska.

Om du redan är i Thailand, kan du anlita ett ombud i Sverige för att utföra dessa tjänster. Du kan hitta ombud genom att söka på internet.

För thailändska medborgare hittar du all information på thailändska på thailändska ambassadens hemsida (สำหรับภาษาไทย): การรับรองเอกสาร – Royal Thai Embassy Stockholm

Ambassaden har skriftligen informerat thailändska myndigheter om denna ändring.

Senast uppdaterad 13 juni 2025, 13.03 



Visa runners and hoppers to Cambodia affected by martial law imposition. This means that military orders are superior to civilian laws in affected border areas. The Thai army can, if necessary, close any or all border crossings without the approval of any civilian authorities.- Pattaya Mail

Visa runners and hoppers to Cambodia affected by martial law imposition

Pattaya MailJune 9, 2025

Long queues form at the Poipet Thai-Cambodian border, May 8 2025.

Most Thai-Cambodian border posts remain open or semi-open, but travel and visa agencies report inevitable disruption and delays. Using the 1914 martial law act, Thai army chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthunk has granted regional army units full authority to manage checkpoint operations on a case by case basis in seven provinces and at (currently) 16 crossing points. This means that military orders are superior to civilian laws in affected border areas. The Thai army can, if necessary, close any or all border crossings without the approval of any civilian authorities.

Although martial law is usually associated with military coups in Thailand, strictly regional implementation in a security emergency has several precedents. For example, it has been enforced on several occasions in three of Thailand's southern provinces with a secessionist Muslim movement wanting union with Malaysia. Martial law nationally was last declared by army leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha 48 hours before a bloodless coup in 2014.

Some border posts on the Thai side are now operating from 8 am to 4 pmrather than 6 am to 6 pm. They include the popular crossings at Aranyprathet-Poipet and Pong Nam Ron (Hot Water Spring) in Chanthaburi province popular with Pattaya-based hoppers. Latest reports say foreign tourists are not being hassled, but long queues have formed whilst ID checks are carried out on Thai nationals and local Cambodian traders.

In the eastern province of Trat, the Hat Lek checkpoint opened at 8 am on the Thai side but an hour later on the Cambodian. At some posts six wheel trucks are banned from entry and Thais hoping to visit casinos are being "discouraged". There are reports that some smaller posts in Trat and Ubon Ratchchathani are only open mornings for two or three days a week. The disputed northern border Emerald Triangle where a Cambodian soldier died after an exchange of gunfire last month is particularly sensitive.

Some foreigners are using land border crossings between Thailand and Laos or Malaysia which are unaffected, if busier than usual. Others are travelling by air. Those still persevering with Cambodian border posts are being advised to take the advice of Thai visa agencies which use minibuses for same-day service. Khun Veerut, who owns a fleet of minibuses in Pattaya, said, "Believe me, we won't be wasting our or your time unless we are sure that the border post can process customers efficiently."

There is at present a jumble of options for settling the border crisis. Both China and Malaysia have offered mediation in the 20 years old dispute, whilst ASEAN in theory has mechanisms to deal with members' quarrels. Cambodia wants to take the whole dispute to international arbitration, whilst Thailand wants direct negotiations between the two protagonists. The basic problem is that when Thailand and Cambodia make their public case, they produce different maps drawn up in vague colonial treaties more than a hundred years ago. 



Explainer: The Current Cambodian and Thailand Border Dispute Explained in Simple Terms. The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute remains a complex issue driven by history, nationalism, and unresolved territorial claims. While both sides express a desire for peace, the risk of further clashes persists due to the sensitive nature of the disputed areas.- The Pattaya News

Explainer: The Current Cambodian and Thailand Border Dispute Explained in Simple Terms

Adam JuddSunday, 8 June 2025, 15:22

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute is a long-standing issue rooted in historical territorial claims, colonial-era mapping, and nationalist sentiments. The conflict, centered around areas like the Preah Vihear Temple and other border regions, has flared up periodically, with the most recent escalation occurring in May and June of 2025. This article provides a clear and factual overview of the dispute's history, what triggered the latest tensions, and the situation as of June 8, 2025, for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Historical Background

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute traces back over a century, primarily tied to the 817-kilometer border established through treaties between France (Cambodia's former colonial power) and Siam (modern-day Thailand) from 1867 to 1907. A key issue stems from a 1907 French-drawn map that Cambodia uses to claim territories, including the area around the Preah Vihear Temple, while Thailand contests its accuracy, arguing the border should follow natural watershed lines.

The Preah Vihear Temple, an 11th-century Khmer Hindu temple in the Dângrêk Mountains, is at the heart of the dispute. Built during the Khmer Empire, which once controlled parts of modern Thailand and Cambodia, the temple's ownership has been contested due to its cultural and historical significance. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple and a small surrounding area belong to Cambodia, a decision Thailand disagreed with and continues to dispute regarding adjacent lands. The ICJ reaffirmed this in 2013, ordering Thai troops to withdraw from the area. However, believing the ICJ is biased to Cambodia, due to the France involvement, Thailand has essentially not recognized their authority or jurisdiction since 1960.

Other disputed areas include the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabei temples (called Ta Muan Thom, Ta Muan Toch, and Ta Kwai in Thailand) in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province and Thailand's Surin province, as well as the Emerald Triangle (Mombei area) near the borders of Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, and Koh Kood South of Pattaya. These sites fuel nationalist tensions due to their historical and cultural importance.

Tensions escalated significantly in 2008 when Cambodia successfully registered Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prompting Thai protests and military buildup. Between 2008 and 2011, clashes in the region killed around 40 people, including civilians, with a notable weeklong artillery exchange in 2011. Despite a 2000 Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resolve border issues peacefully, progress has been slow, with only 13 of 24 border segments demarcated as of 2022.

What Triggered the Latest Conflict?

The current escalation began on May 28, 2025, when a brief firefight broke out near Morokot village in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province (known as the Chong Bok area in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province). A Cambodian soldier was killed, and both sides accused the other of initiating the clash. Cambodia claimed Thai forces fired first on a Cambodian patrol, while Thailand stated that Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed area, prompting Thai troops to respond after failed negotiations.

This incident followed earlier tensions in February 2025, when Cambodian troops and their families entered the Ta Moan Thom temple, sang the Cambodian national anthem, and clashed verbally with Thai forces. Additionally, Thai sources reported that Cambodian soldiers burned a Thai-built pavilion in the Chong Bok area in March 2025, further escalating friction. These events, combined with ongoing disagreements over undemarcated border areas, set the stage for the May clash.

Current Situation (June 8, 2025)

As of June 8, 2025, the situation remains tense but has not escalated into large-scale conflict. Both countries have reinforced their military presence along the disputed border, with Thailand citing "worrisome" signs of Cambodian military buildup. The Thai military has stated it is prepared for a "high-level operation" to defend its sovereignty, while Cambodia stresses its defensive stance and commitment to international law.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. On May 29, 2025, the army chiefs of both nations—Cambodia's Mao Sophan and Thailand's General Pana Claewplodtook—met at a border checkpoint in Surin province to de-escalate tensions. Both sides agreed to pursue dialogue through the JBC, with a meeting scheduled for June 14, 2025. However, Cambodia has announced it will exclude four disputed areas (Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei, and the Emerald Triangle) from JBC talks.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for calm and respect for international legal frameworks, while Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed a commitment to peaceful resolution despite domestic pressures from nationalist groups.

On June 7, 2025, Thailand closed two border crossings to tourists as a safety measure, tightened hours at six others, and banned six-wheeled vehicles at some checkpoints, though trade and worker crossings remain unaffected. Social media posts reflect heightened nationalist sentiments, with images of military exercises circulating, but both governments continue to pledge peaceful resolutions.

Key Points to Understand

• Historical Context: The dispute originates from colonial-era mapping and competing claims over culturally significant sites like the Preah Vihear Temple, awarded to Cambodia by the ICJ in 1962 and 2013, though Thailand disputes surrounding areas.

• Recent Trigger: A May 28, 2025, clash in the Chong Bok/Morokot village area, resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death, reignited tensions, fueled by earlier incidents like the February 2025 Ta Moan Thom event.

• Current Status: Both nations are reinforcing troops but engaging in diplomatic talks, with a JBC meeting planned for June 14. Cambodia seeks ICJ intervention, while Thailand favors bilateral solutions, and border crossings face restrictions.

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute remains a complex issue driven by history, nationalism, and unresolved territorial claims. While both sides express a desire for peace, the risk of further clashes persists due to the sensitive nature of the disputed areas.





News management by Thai government sorely needed. As international tourist numbers fall and expat numbers remain in the doldrums, Thai authorities need to take steps to reverse the trend. There is negative news on practically a daily basis, publicized by local and social media and highlighted by the British press in particular.- Pattaya Mail

News management by Thai government sorely needed

Pattaya MailJune 7, 2025

International tourism policy in Thailand lacks a unified government response.

WEEKEND EDITORIAL

As international tourist numbers fall and expat numbers remain in the doldrums, Thai authorities need to take steps to reverse the trend. There is negative news on practically a daily basis, publicized by local and social media and highlighted by the British press in particular. Several popular daily UK newspapers have online Thailand pages only too happy to report awful conditions in Thai jails, public urination and other salaciousness. It's called clickbait, it's universal and we all have to live with it on a daily basis.

The news is the news, as Dr Goebbels used to say, but the Pheu Thai administration doesn't help in the policy arena. Take the mess-up about expats and income tax on transmitted overseas income. Longstay foreigners spent last year worrying about the Thai revenue department, only to be told earlier this year by the finance ministry that there had been a rethink. But we still don't know the small print as the promised ministerial order, when eventually written, has first to go to the Council of State and the Cabinet. More delays, head-scratching and damaging speculation.

Or take the TDAC (Thai Digital Arrival Card) initially announced as a friendly, online version of the old and discarded landing card written in scrawly handwriting. Then, amid a flurry of publicity about foreign criminals abusing Thai hospitality, we discover it's actually a rigorous police check linked to other government data bases. Public cameras in crowded spaces can also snap passersby and use artificial intelligence to check if they are on any "lists". Many – maybe most – other countries have adopted similar technologies, but Thai spokespersons somehow manage to give the false impression that this is a police state like no other

Not to mention visas. When the 60 days visa exempt discretion was introduced for 93 countries in July 2024 without any checks or paperwork of any kind, the Thai government realized (or should have) that there were bound to be abuses. Widespread illegal working, mule bank accounts galore and corrupt practices by police and bank officials were all predictable. Then there's the Destination Thailand Visa, a variety of non-immigrant visas and the schemes to encourage rich businessmen and wealthy retirees – Long Term Residence and Privilege – which have led to a somewhat bewildering field of choices.

Involvement now goes way beyond the Interior Ministry and Immigration, with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism as well as the Board of Investment now apparently deciding some policies. Too many competing agencies and a lack of coordination are plain to see. Even the current crackdown on tourists opening bank accounts reflects confusion between banks and the Ministry of Finance. The former say they are acting under strict government orders whilst the latter says there's room for discretion.

In other words, international tourism in Thailand is the responsibility of too many competing departments. A single agency – responsible for marketing, visas and the media – is urgently required as suggested gingerly by deputy prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul, even though the practicalities are doubtless titanic. With a huge financial dependence on tourism, Thailand risks being overtaken by regional competitors only too keen to boost their national coffers at her expense. The case for overall tourism reform, both in formulating policy and making public announcements, is now overwhelming. A single governmental voice won't solve all the problems by any means. But it sure is necessary.