Auto checkout at Suvarnabhumi for foreigners from Friday. Immigration Police Division 2 (international airports) commander Pol Gen Choengron Rimphadee said the new automatic channels were for passengers carrying e-passports, and complied with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Bangkok Post

 Auto checkout at Suvarnabhumi for foreigners from Friday

Immigration Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Itthipol Itthisanronnachai, second right, inspects new automatic departure channels for foreigners at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday. The new channels will open on Dec 15. (Photo: police) 

Automatic channels for passport checks for out-bound foreign passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport will be available from Dec 15, to speed up boarding of departure flights, Immigration Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Itthipol Itthisanronnachai said on Monday.

He said Suvarnabhumi airport started using 16 automatic channels for passport checks for out-bound travellers from 2012, but only for Thai nationals. It takes only about 20 seconds to scan the face and fingerprints of each passenger. A channel manned by an immigration officer normally takes about 45 seconds.

At present Suvarnabhumi airport handles 50,000-60,000 out-bound passengers per day. Congestion is high when there are more than 20 departure flights per hour. If the immigration and security screening process is slow, passengers can miss their flights.

The Immigration Police Bureau was improving the process so passengers could be processed more quickly, he said. This was in line with government policy to promote tourism.

Pol Lt Gen Itthipol said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spoke to him at the airport before leaving for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in mid-November.

The prime minister expressed concern over the slow outflow of passengers and asked him to look into installing automatic channels to check the passports of out-bound foreigners.

Action had been taken.

New automatic channels for checking the passports of departing foreigners had been installed at Suvarnabhumi airport and would be open for use from Dec 15.

Immigration Police Division 2 (international airports) commander Pol Gen Choengron Rimphadee said the new automatic channels were for passengers carrying e-passports, and complied with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Foreigners with ordinary passports, and children and the disabled, although holding e-passports, would stil be required to go through the ordinary channels manned by officials.

Outflow of passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport was expected to improve from about 5,000 to 12,000 per hour. Despite the faster immigration process, the machines could still detect people wanted under arrest warrants, those banned from traveling abroad, and those who had overstayed their visas, he said.

Arriving passengers would still have to be checked by immigration officers, for security reasons. As more automatic channels were installed for departures, more immigration staff could be moved to the arrival channels to more effectively cope with the inflow of passengers during peak times, Pol Maj Gen Choengron said.

Pattaya residents and tourists demand stricter law enforcement. PATTAYA, Thailand – A wave of frustration and discontent has swept over Pattaya, as residents and tourists alike have voiced their concerns over the rampant illegal activities that plague the city. Several issues, ranging from illegal parking to public smoking and marijuana use, have raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in Pattaya.- Pattaya Mail

Pattaya residents and tourists demand stricter law enforcement

Pattaya MailDecember 10, 2023

Food carts line up along Jomtien Beach Road, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience for motorists and pedestrians. The issue is one of the many illegal activities that residents and tourists have complained about in Pattaya.

PATTAYA, Thailand – A wave of frustration and discontent has swept over Pattaya, as residents and tourists alike have voiced their concerns over the rampant illegal activities that plague the city. Several issues, ranging from illegal parking to public smoking and marijuana use, have raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in Pattaya.

The city, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment industry, has also been facing problems such as street vendors and fireworks sellers on the beach, roadside food stalls, begging, especially with children, foreigners selling flowers at night, women engaged in solicitation, double-parked taxis, and sidewalk obstructions. These issues pose safety risks and inconvenience to both residents and tourists, and also tarnish the city's image as a tourist-friendly destination.

Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, who is in charge of maintaining order in Pattaya, has the power to enforce cleanliness regulations directly. However, in matters where direct legal enforcement is difficult, he needs to coordinate with relevant agencies to address the issues. Residents and tourists alike have expressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective approach to tackle these problems. They fear that if these concerns are not addressed, Pattaya may lose its competitive edge as a tourist destination.
The call is clear: a sincere and collaborative effort is required to uphold the city's reputation and make it a safe and appealing place for all.



Covid-19 in Thailand: Is XBC Fake News or a Real Threat? Health Ministry debunks new year cancellation over XBC Covid variant scare as fake news. Nevertheless, some doctors stepped forward to voice their opinions that the number of Covid patients increased significantly this month, | Thaiger

Party on: Health Ministry debunks new year cancellation over XBC Covid variant scare as fake news

Petch PetpailinPublished: 16:00, 08 December 2023

Photo by Norbert Braun via Unsplash 

The Ministry of Public Healthdismissed the cancellation of new year celebrations in Thailand due to the purported spread of a new Covid-19 variant, XBC, as fake news. No unusual outbreaks or dangerous variants have been reported.

A Thai Facebook user recently reported that the government was planning to cancel all new year holiday events due to the spread of the new Deltacron XBC variant. The user stated that Deltacron XBC spreads more easily and quickly than the previous variants and is three times more dangerous than others.

The fake news sharer also added that many Thai people had been infected with deltacron XBC. The post included statistical and random studies that were supposedly published by Chulalongkorn University to make the information reliable.

Many netizens shared the messages, causing many people to panic about another outbreak and some to worry about their businesses during the high season at the end of the year.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Opas Karnkawinpong, announced today, December 8, that the messages were fake. Dr Opas said the ministry had not yet discovered any unusual situation or dangerous spread of Covid, so there were no plans to cancel the new year's celebrations in Thailand.

Opas urged Thai netizens not to share the post to avoid panic among the public. He added that residents could contact the authorities to verify the suspicious information before sharing it with others.

According to the Public Health Ministry's report, 536 people were infected with Covid and treated in hospitals from November 26 to December 2.

The number of patients increased slightly compared to previous weeks as Thailand entered the cold season. This is a normal period for the number of respiratory cases to increase. The ministry advised residents to wear face masks and wash their hands more often to avoid infection.

Nevertheless, some doctors stepped forward to voice their opinions that the number of Covid patients increased significantly this month, and the government department should report the real situation for residents to take care of themselves.

A pediatric specialist in respiratory diseases from the Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Jirarut Chomchoei, reported to DailyNews that eight out of ten of his patients were infected.

Jirarut suggested that people, especially those who cough, have a runny nose or are sick, wear masks to avoid spreading the disease to others. He also urged people to wash their hands often before eating or touching their faces.



Minimum wage to be hiked by around 2.4% from January 1. Thailand’s daily minimum wage is set to increase nationwide from January 1, 2024, in the range of 330 to 370 baht per day according to the province, the Labour Ministry said. The new daily minimum wage by province, from highest to lowest, are as follows: The Nation

Minimum wage to be hiked by around 2.4% from January 1

Thailand's daily minimum wage is set to increase nationwide from January 1, 2024, in the range of 330 to 370 baht per day according to the province, the Labour Ministry said.

The tripartite committee on minimum wage, comprising representatives of employers, employees and the government sector, met on Friday to finalise the details of minimum wage adjustment across all 77 provinces.

The new rates will be submitted to the Cabinet when it meets next Tuesday (December 12), and will take effect from January 1, Labour Ministry permanent secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien, who chaired the meeting on Friday, said.

The new daily minimum wage by province, from highest to lowest, are as follows:

370 baht: Phuket

363 baht: Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon

361 baht: Chonburi and Rayong

352 baht: Nakhon Ratchasima

351 baht: Samut Songkhram

350 baht: Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai

349 baht: Lopburi

348 baht: Suphanburi, Nakhon Nayok and Nong Khai

347 baht: Krabi and Trat

345 baht: Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Phang Nga, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Rai, Tak and Phitsanulok

344 baht: Phetchaburi, Chumphon and Surin

343 baht: Yasothon, Lamphun and Nakhon Sawan

342 baht: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bueang Kan, Kalasin, Roi Et and Phetchabun

341 baht: Chai Nat, Singburi, Phatthalung, Chaiyaphum and Ang Thong

340 baht: Ranong, Satun, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Maha Sarakham, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Uthai Thani and Ratchaburi

338 baht: Trang, Nan, Phayao and Phrae

330 baht: Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala

Currently, the lowest minimum wage in Thailand is 328 baht and the highest is 354 baht, varying from province to province. The increase in the daily minimum wage will range from 2 to 16 baht, or an average of 2.4%.

The Pheu Thai-led government had previously promised to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day by January 1 as a New Year's gift for workers nationwide. However, in October, the Labour Ministry said this was unlikely to happen after considering several factors, including the inflation rate.



Myths about Thai expats and those income tax changes starting very soon. Most expats in Thailand live on income or capital, or both, built up over many years with tax already paid in the country of passport. They are understandably worried by the imminent change in Thai Revenue practice - Pattaya Mail

Myths about Thai expats and those income tax changes starting very soon

Barry KenyonDecember 8, 2023

Thai Revenue will likely take several months yet to clarify its latest income tax enforcement policy.

Most expats in Thailand live on income or capital, or both, built up over many years with tax already paid in the country of passport. They are understandably worried by the imminent change in Thai Revenue practice – it is not a new law passed by parliament – which will potentially tax new and assessable foreign-sourced income beginning in January 2024. Pattaya Mailhas received more concerned reader feedback about this issue than any other during 2023. With inauguration day fast approaching, here is our summary for the typical expat who does not indulge in major currency speculation, huge profit-taking from overseas businesses nor off-shore bank accounts hiding their cash.

Has the Thai Revenue clarified the position of typical expats? No. It is commonly assumed that the Revenue is mainly interested in rich Thais and foreigners who have manipulated Thai tax rules in the past to avoid payments from overseas. Typical expats with home-country pensions or social security allowances are not part of this agenda, though in theory they could be caught in the crossfire. Talks are continuing between senior accountancy firms, lobby groups and the Revenue about this and other issues. Don't expect answers any time soon.

Will my international cash transfers to Thailand from January 1 2024 be reduced on arrival by a Bank of Thailand tax levy? No. There will not be any changes from current practice. You pay tax in arrears in Thailand by registering at the Revenue for a tax identification number and paying tax due, if any, in the next fiscal year. There is no PAYE procedure in Thailand. The misunderstanding that Thailand will tax international transfers as the cash arrives is a widespread misconception

Should I apply for a tax identification number? Not unless you receive an instruction from a government source or the immigration, both very unlikely scenarios. It is almost certain that, at any rate in the early years, tax registration will be voluntary. If you believe you have been taxed already on your cash sent to Thailand, it's best to do nothing now. There is no need to employ the services of tax accountants if you are a typical expat (unless working here on a work permit which is a separate subject). The tax situation as regards cash sent to Thailand to purchase property is a separate source of ambiguity.

Most countries with expats here have a double taxation treaty with Thailand, so is that relevant? That depends on the exact wording of complex documents which differ substantially one from another. Double taxation treaties are designed to be used only in cases where Thailand and the first country cannot agree on who has the right to tax. If Thai Revenue were to clarify unambiguously that previously taxed income would not be retaxed, the issue would largely die.

If I need to later, how will I prove that my cash transfers to Thailand have already been taxed? This will vary on an individual basis. An expat's tax return or the response by the internal revenue service of the first country might suffice, or a simple statement on a tax form might be acceptable. Few experts, if any, believe that the Thai Revenue has the staffing or the expertise to deal with more than 300,000 expats who are tax residents because they spend more than 180 days here in a fiscal year. It bears repeating that the registration process will likely be voluntary. The Thai government is looking for the big fish, Thai or foreign, and not the small fry.

How does Thai Revenue know about your international cash transfers? Most countries in the world, around 120 and including Thailand, are now part of the CRS (Common Reporting System) which requires financial institutions worldwide to fight tax evasion and to protect the integrity of tax systems by sharing your banking transactions with partner countries. This means that your international transfers have been/ are/ will be monitored by Thai financial authorities. Some experts believe that Thai Revenue will use CRS as the route to question rich Thais and foreigners about large international transactions. Amongst the countries not registered for CRS are North Korea and the Vatican.

What is the Thai government really up to? The new post-coup government simply wants to raise cash, in part to help pay for its populist policies such as the 10,000 baht give away scheme. One can assume that nobody in authority has yet thought seriously about the effects of the change on the expat market here and the potential unpopularity amongst long-term visa holders including one year retirement extensions, Elite and the 10 year Long Term Residence. If you are an expat living in Thailand for at least half the year, without any major financial secrets to keep from Thai Revenue, then it's best to do nothing until the situation is clearer. That'll take several months yet. But no point in packing your bags in disgust and leaving for Cambodia. They are a CRS country too.



These are the dates for the upcoming public holidays for this month which will also mean Immigration offices will be closed. 🗓️ 9-11 December 🗓️ 29 December - 1 January Best to avoid going to immigration the first day after a long weekend as it will be very crowded. Richard Barrow

 





Another immigration holiday looming. Monday December 11 sees another public holiday in recognition of Constitution Day. All government offices nationally, including immigration, will be closed and will reopen the following day at 8.30 a.m.- Pattaya Mail

Another immigration holiday looming

Barry KenyonDecember 7, 2023

Chonburi (Jomtien) immigration tends to be very busy just now before and after a public holiday which falls on December 11 next week.

Monday December 11 sees another public holiday in recognition of Constitution Day. All government offices nationally, including immigration, will be closed and will reopen the following day at 8.30 a.m.



Chonburi (Jomtien) immigration tends to be very busy just now before and after a public holiday. Hence, the working days Friday December 8 and Tuesday December 12 are likely to witness overcrowding, especially with the weekend intervening prior to the formal closure on Monday December 11. Best to get there early if you must!



Flygbranschen varnar – prischock väntar resenärer. Mer än 800 kr dyrare blir flygresan för en barnfamilj redan år 2026. Det på grund av att de nationella skatterna nu kompletteras av europeiska regelverk. Nu måste regeringen se över flygskatten, pandemiunderskottet och produktionen av hållbart flygbränsle. Det visar en ny rapport beställd av Transportföretagen.- Travel News

Flygbranschen varnar – prischock väntar resenärer

Mer än 800 kr dyrare blir flygresan för en barnfamilj redan år 2026. Det på grund av att de nationella skatterna nu kompletteras av europeiska regelverk. Nu måste regeringen se över flygskatten, pandemiunderskottet och produktionen av hållbart flygbränsle. Det visar en ny rapport beställd av Transportföretagen.

Maila reporter

I en rapport av Johan Nyström, sammanställs hur beskattningen av svenskt flyg hämmar tillväxt, mobilitet och konkurrenskraft. Kostnader inom ETS (EUs utsläppshandelssystem), Refuel EU Aviation och den svenska flygskatten kan medföra kostnadsökningar för det nationella flyget på 4 miljarder kronor redan 2026 och 6,5 miljarder kronor 2030 i jämförelse med 2019 års nivå.

Det innebär att år 2030 skulle kostnaden för de tre styrmedlen ha ökat med 352 procent jämfört med 2019. Kostnadsökningar som skulle slå hårt på biljettpriserna.

År	2026	2030
Prisökning per enkelresa i SEK	+201	+264
Prisökning för en familjs flygresa (enkelbiljett)	+804	+1 054

Till detta skall läggas pandemiunderskottet i avgiftssystemet om 7 miljarder kronor som kommer att läggas på biljettpriset de kommande åren, samt kraftigt stigande bränslepriser.

– Om inte resenärerna klarar det högre biljettpriset och istället minskar sitt flygande finns det en akut risk för Sveriges flyginfrastruktur och tillgänglighet. Det betyder att alla inte kommer ha samma tillgång till högspecialiserad vård, att det samhällsviktiga flyget inte har någonstans att starta och landa samt att totalförsvaret försämras. Utöver privatpersoner och samhällsviktiga tjänster slår det mot företagens konkurrenskraft då de kan få det svårare att rekrytera nyckelkompetens, säger Fredrik Kämpfe, branschchef på Transportföretagen flyg i ett pressmeddelande.



Thailand's plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid. Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? | Thaiger

Thailand's plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid

Puntid TantivangphaisalPublished: 13:08, 03 December 2023

Power rate hike plan 'shocks' Srettha. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold a discussion with relevant agencies after news emerged that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is planning to raise the power tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January-April next year. Bangkok Post

Power rate hike plan 'shocks' Srettha

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks to reporters at Government House. On Thursday, the prime minister says the power tariff rate is too high. He will call a meeting with relevant agencies to discuss the rate. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) 

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold a discussion with relevant agencies after news emerged that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is planning to raise the power tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January-April next year.

News of the possible rate increase has prompted renewed calls for the government to revamp the country's allocation of domestic natural gas supplies to ensure access and fair prices.

"The rate is unacceptable. It's too high. As chairman [of the ERC], I'll call a meeting to discuss the rate. I can't allow that," he said.

That said, he conceded that the power rate is likely to be raised anyway, though by how much has yet to be decided. He also insisted the government will find a win-win solution, both for consumers and plant operators.

When asked if the government will review the country's energy structure, Mr Srettha said the issue "will be discussed".

The cabinet agreed to cut the power tariff from 4.45 baht to 4.10 baht per unit in an effort to help reduce the cost of living on Sept 13. Another meeting held on Sept 18 decided the rate would be further decreased to 3.99 baht per unit from September to December.

The reduction was proposed by Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga following talks with the ERC.

Responding to the prime minister's statement, Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, spokesman for the Energy Ministry, said on Thursday the new rate of 4.68 baht per unit is only a suggestion.

The final decision has not been made as it is subject to review by Mr Pirapan, he said.

He said he was confident that the new power tariff would be lower than the proposed rate. "It's based on an initial calculation by the ERC that is based on a sole factor, which is debt repayments to Egat," he said.

The spokesman said Mr Pirapan had asked all agencies concerned to find ways to ensure electricity prices remain reasonable after the New Year holiday, adding ideally, the rate would be set at a little over 4 baht per unit.

Meanwhile, Isares Rattanadilok na Phuket, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the government is unlikely to adopt the proposed rate and will find ways to push the costs down.

He said the private sector has made some suggestions, including the reallocation of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand, adding that he thinks the power tariff should not exceed the current rate of 3.99 baht per unit.

It is reported that the ERC's calculation took into consideration the impact on consumers and Egat's long-term sustainability. The higher rate is meant to compensate for rising fuel costs, offset some losses the Egat absorbed and provide it with the necessary liquidity to service its debts.

Woraphop Wiriyaroj, a list-MP from the Move Forward Party, said electricity bills are expensive because, in Thailand, power generation relies on LNG imports while much of the domestic supply goes to petrochemical industries.

He said natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand, which is cheaper, should be reallocated for generation to help bring down electricity bills. He called on the government to act fast to bring down power bills.

Check-in counter closing times for all Thai Airways flights departing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Airways

Check-in counter closing times for all Thai Airways flights departing at Suvarnabhumi Airport are as follows:

Domestic flights🇹🇭🛫: Check-in counter closes 40 minutes before departure time.

International flights🌍🛫: Check-in counter closes 50 minutes before departure time.

For a smooth journey, We kindly ask all passengers to arrive early at the airport to prevent missing their flights. Especially during festivals and long holidays.

For more information, please contact THAI Contact Center +66-2-356-1111.

✈️ THAI Resumes Flight Operations to 9 Domestic Destinations. Thai Airways

 ✈️ THAI Resumes Flight Operations to 9 Domestic Destinations

In the Winter Flight Schedule from 29 October 2023 – 30 March 2024, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) is operating roundtrip flights to nine destinations utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. Flight details are as follows:

1. Bangkok - Chiang Mai: 35 flights per week.

2. Bangkok - Phuket: 56 flights per week, starting 1 December 2023.

3. Bangkok - Udon Thani: 21 flights per week, starting 1 December 2023.

4. Bangkok - Chiang Rai: 14 flights per week, starting 1 January 2024.

5. Bangkok - Khon Kaen: 28 flights per week, starting 1 January 2024.

6. Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani: 14 flights per week, starting 1 January 2024.

7. Bangkok - Krabi: 14 flights per week, starting 1 January 2024.

8. Bangkok - Hat Yai: 21 flights per week, starting 1 January 2024.

9. Bangkok - Narathiwat: 7 flights per week, starting 1 January 2024.

Thailand ranks low in English proficiency . Thailand lags behind many other nations in the region when it comes to the English language, a recent survey conducted by the international language institute, Education First, revealed. Here are some rankings: . The Nation





Pattaya expats lobby Thai prime minister for better visa treatment. A group of expats based in Pattaya, mainly holding one year extensions of stay for retirement or marriage, have written to Premier Srettha Thavisin to campaign for more humane treatment. - Pattaya Mail

Pattaya expats lobby Thai prime minister for better visa treatment

Barry KenyonNovember 26, 2023

Although retirees here are sometimes seen as beach bums and bar stool sitters, they make a sizeable contribution to the Thai cash economy.

A group of expats based in Pattaya, mainly holding one year extensions of stay for retirement or marriage, have written to Premier Srettha Thavisin to campaign for more humane treatment. Leader John Foulds, a British retiree, said that the government seemed to be interested only in expanding short term tourists by abolishing visas for mass markets, such as China and India, and easing the life of wealthy expat professionals on large salaries. He quoted the recent announcement about 10 year executive or professional work permits in the Eastern Economic Corridor offering specially discounted tax rates on earnings and confirming avoidance of 90 days reporting.

Mr Foulds explained, "By contrast, there never seems to be any good news for the mainstay expats who have retired here on pensions or are supporting Thai wives and families over many years. Now it looks like we may be faced by demands to register with the Thai tax system because of changing revenue rules and face more hurdles in renewing their annual visas." He suggested that expats on one year renewals should be exempt from revenue regulations, at any rate until the system was open and equitable. "The very idea that expats like me living on an already taxed pension need to produce a whole load of annual paperwork to justify why we should not be re-taxed is a very sour notion."

Amongst other visa complaints raised by the group are recent changes to the 90 day reporting system which require (in Chonburi) a new form and accompanying passport copies every three months, an increasing amount of paperwork required from Thai banks about the account holder's cash balance and periodic alarm raised about compulsory medical insurance. "It's as if older retirees in my position are being deliberately squeezed or forced into expensive visa options such as the 10-year Long Term Residence or 5-20 years Elite," added Mr. Foulds. He said many retirees he knew were already planning to leave Thailand or relocate to more friendly visa regimes in Vietnam or Cambodia.

Expat visas in Thailand are now a complex field of options, each with its own set of rules. More recent choices have been aimed at wealthier foreigners or those prepared to pay lavishly upfront for a specific number of years. As regards the traditional one year extensions of stay based on retirement and marriage, there are thought to be at least 300,000 mostly-male visa holders including a sizeable number financially supporting Thai wives and families. Although Thai immigration does not publish comprehensive data, there may be 200,000 more foreigners living here part time on tourist and non-immigrant visas which they use together with spells of time outside the country.

A spokesperson for the Tourist Authority of Thailand said that she was well aware that the recent Thai revenue announcement had caused alarm in some expat quarters, but feedback was still being fed into headquarters. A representative of the Thai immigration hotline pointed out that the regulations for retiree and marriage annual extensions had remained basically the same for the past 15 years, if subject to some minor local variations. Given Thailand's former good reputation as a retirement haven and the high daily spending by many foreigners with annual retiree or family permits, Mr. Foulds' group is advising the Thai premier not to ignore these contributions to the national coffers. A sizeable market is in danger of being lost.