The Thai Cabinet has tasked the Interior Ministry with amending the Condominium Act to increase the foreign ownership limit in condominium projects from 49% to 75%. Additionally, they have been directed to modify the Land Act to allow foreigners to lease land for 99 years, up from the current 50 years. ASEAN NOW



Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The Thai Cabinet has tasked the Interior Ministry with amending the Condominium Act to increase the foreign ownership limit in condominium projects from 49% to 75%. Additionally, they have been directed to modify the Land Act to allow foreigners to lease land for 99 years, up from the current 50 years.

 

 

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated on Friday that the Land Act requires minimal changes. The existing law already permits a 50-year lease with an option to extend for another 50 years. The amendment aims to ensure foreign investors can secure land for up to 99 years in a single lease contract, enhancing investment confidence and viability.

 

Despite the boost in foreign ownership percentage, control over the developments will remain in Thai hands. Foreigners purchasing up to 75% of condominium units will not gain additional voting rights in the management of these properties, ensuring Thais retain control, Anutin clarified, reported Thai PBS.

 

The push to revise the Condominium Act comes as Thailand faces an oversupply of low and moderately-priced units. The Interior Minister expressed optimism that increasing foreign ownership limits will stimulate this sluggish market segment. This shift, he argues, will benefit both Thailand and its people by promoting economic activity and encouraging foreign investment.

 

The proposed changes mark a significant shift in Thailand's property market policies, designed to encourage more foreign capital flow into the country. By extending the lease period and increasing allowable foreign ownership, the government aims to make Thailand a more attractive destination for international investors.

 

These amendments, once implemented, could transform the dynamics of Thailand's real estate market, offering longer-term stability for foreign investors and opening up a wealth of opportunities within the country's property sector. This development underscores Thailand's commitment to economic growth and integration into the global market.

 

-- 2024-06-22

Cannabis entrepreneurs rally in Pattaya against government's narcotic reclassification. Rangsi Jangsombat, President of the Chonburi Cannabis Entrepreneurs for Medical and Economic Purposes Association, spearheaded a coalition of cannabis business operators and affiliates in a staunch opposition to the Thai government’s proposed reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic.- Pattaya Mail

Cannabis entrepreneurs rally in Pattaya against government's narcotic reclassification

Pattaya MailJune 20, 2024

Rangsi Jangsombat said that cannabis business leaders vehemently oppose the government's move to reclassify cannabis until scientific evidence on its benefits and risks is duly considered.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Rangsi Jangsombat, President of the Chonburi Cannabis Entrepreneurs for Medical and Economic Purposes Association, spearheaded a coalition of cannabis business operators and affiliates in a staunch opposition to the Thai government's proposed reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic.

The gathering on June 17, at the Grand Jomtien Palace Hotel was attended by both Thai and foreign cannabis industry stakeholders, marked a unified stand against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's directive to amend the Ministry of Public Health's regulations. The proposed changes would categorize cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, limiting its use strictly to medical and health-related purposes.

During the meeting, Rangsi emphasized the association's objectives, outlining a multifaceted approach:
1. Acting as the voice for its members, the association pledged to submit opposition letters and pursue legal avenues, including seeking compensation, should cannabis be reclassified.
2. Committing to provide accurate information on medical cannabis use to youth, children, and the public.
3. Serving as a liaison to interpret and communicate government regulations affecting cannabis businesses.
4. Keeping members informed about evolving cannabis laws and inviting expert insights.
5. Engaging in community-based initiatives across Thailand.

Rangsi underscored the group's stance, stating, "We vehemently oppose the government's move to reclassify cannabis until scientific evidence on its benefits and risks is duly considered. We advocate for its regulation akin to alcohol and tobacco. Should the government proceed, we will pursue legal recourse in the Administrative Court to safeguard the interests of our community enterprises, entrepreneurs, and cultivators facing potential economic losses."

The coalition plans to present their demands, including a draft of the People's Cannabis Act, and submit opposition signatures to the Mayor of Pattaya on June 26. Leveraging Pattaya's special administrative status, they seek to secure an extension for cannabis businesses to continue operations, intending to present their case directly to the Minister of Public Health.



Tourism plan for second half of 2024 unveiled. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Wednesday unveiled its tourism promotion policy for the second half of the year, saying it would focus on attracting customers from long-distance markets to help the agency meet the government’s target of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. The Nation

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Tourism plan for second half of 2024 unveiled

TAT highlights 11 'star countries' as it sets out to rake in 200-billion-baht revenue from long-haul tourists

Ny tåglinje Bangkok-Beijing på gång. Travel News

Ny tåglinje Bangkok-Beijing på gång

I juli testkörs tågsträckan Bangkok-Vientiane – den första länken i en ny tåglinje som bättre ska förbinda Thailand och Kina.

Maila reporter

2024-06-18 20:24

"Tågresenärer får räkna med en hel dags färd för att nå slutmål"

Enligt Thailands motsvarighet till SJ, State Railway of Thailand, kommer man om en knapp månad, den 13–14 juli, testköra tåg mellan Bangkok och Vientiane, Laos huvudstad. 

När den nya rutten är lanserad kommer den att nydana transporten mellan Thailand, Laos och Kina säger Ekarat Sriarayanphong, talesperson från State Railway of Thailand, i ett meddelande. 

Från Vientiane är planen att tåget senare ska fortsätta rulla till den kinesiska staden Kunming varifrån det går snabbtåg till Beijing. 

Bangkok

Det är nära nog 300 mil mellan Bangkok och Beijing; avståndet med tåg blir ännu större på grund av de försvårande villkor som regionens bergiga områden innebär. Tågresenärer får räkna med en hel dags färd för att nå slutmål, att jämföra med cirka fem timmar med direktflyg. 

Tåglinjen ses som en del i en bredare satsning på förbättrade relationer mellan Thailand och Kina. Som ett sätt att knyta än närmre band inom turismsektorn kan besökare från Kina numera stanna i Thailand upp till 60 dagar. Besökare från Thailand kan stanna i Kina upp till 30 dagar. 

Parallellt pågår även etableringen av en höghastighetslinje som även den ska länka Thailand med Kina via Laos. Enligt plan ska den vara färdig 2028. 

MED REFERENS TILL DET MAIL JAG SKICKADE IGÅR ANGÅENDE COVID-19. Thai PM takes sick leave to recover from COVID-19 infection - Thai PBS World

Thai PM takes sick leave to recover from COVID-19 infection

1 min ago

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is taking a sick leave after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Government Spokesman Chai Wacharonke said the prime minister fell ill, has felt tired since last Friday and went to see a doctor, who diagnosed a COVID infection. He was advised him to take a rest for a few days to avoid infecting others.

He said he expects the prime minister to be able to return to work as normal on Wednesday.

The prime minister wrote an "X" post today, apologising to those who had been in close contact with him since last Friday and promising to return to work as soon as possible.



MYCKET TJAT I MEDIA OM DET HÄR NU DEN SENASTE TIDEN - Thailand's new Covid-19 strain, KP.2, spreads faster than JN.1. Thailand is set to see the KP.2 strain of Covid-19 become the dominant variant, with increased transmissibility and challenges for vaccine efficacy. | Thaiger

Thailand's new Covid-19 strain, KP.2, spreads faster than JN.1

Bright ChoomaneePublished: 12:58, 16 June 2024

Om vi har tur så kanske vi får lite regn igen. 👍👍👍 Länge sedan nu !!!! Thai govt warns of monsoon mayhem, brace for floods, heavy rain | Thaiger

Thai govt warns of monsoon mayhem, brace for floods, heavy rain

Ryan TurnerPublished: 09:19, 14 June 2024

Foreigners are frantic about Thai income tax blurs. A recent informal survey of retirees in Pattaya suggested that over 90 percent were in a state of utter confusion. What is assessable income? Does it include pensions already taxed in the home country? How to make sense of double taxation treaties which are undecipherable to most folk? Will visa renewal be dependent on having a Thai tax identification number? Pattaya Mail

Foreigners are frantic about Thai income tax blurs

Pattaya MailJune 13, 2024

Many retiree expats think income tax clarifications are already overdue.

EDITORIAL

The Thai government expects its Revenue arm to collect 100 billion baht more to help fund the digital wallet give-away scheme. This surely explains why, from January 1 2024, assessable foreign income transmitted to Thailand by tax residents (Thais or foreigners here for six months plus in a calendar year) will be subject to personal income tax via Revenue tax forms. Those have to be completed no later than the end of March next year.

A recent informal survey of retirees in Pattaya suggested that over 90 percent were in a state of utter confusion. What is assessable income? Does it include pensions already taxed in the home country? What about sending your cash to your wife as a gift? How to make sense of double taxation treaties which are undecipherable to most folk? Will visa renewal be dependent on having a Thai tax identification number? What will it cost to hire accountants?

It's no wonder that many expats are muttering, or talking openly, about leaving Thailand or at least making sure they are in the country for fewer than 183 days to escape the tax residence trap. Typical retirees here live on already-taxed pensions. Getting involved with a second tax authority, accountants and tax specialists is just about the last thing they want. Not to mention the potential costs of this bureaucracy. Nonsense on social media, such as the claim that Thai banks are now deducting tax international cash arrivals, is rampant.

There's a well-known truism that Thai authorities don't take any notice of what foreigners think. The issue here is whether those same authorities are prepared to see the expat market, especially for retirees and global citizens, collapse under the pile-up of unanswered questions. What about the future of the Elite visa? What about the thousands of farang men married to Thais and with families to support? What about the property market, especially the purchase of condominiums? How can the understaffed Revenue suddenly deal expeditiously with hundreds of thousands of forms and accompanying documentation in a foreign language?

Maybe, official clarification is just around the corner. Maybe. Meanwhile, accountancy firms are busy enrolling frightened expats with the promise of updates whenever possible. What would help, of course, is a statement from official Thai authorities that income already taxed elsewhere will not be re-taxed here. Or that certain types of visa, for example annual extensions for retirement or marriage, are exempt from the tax regulations on the grounds they are not "residence" permits. Sometimes silence is the best policy. But not tax reform on this scale.



Ruskigt sommarväder bingo för researrangörerna - försäljningen 60 procent upp. Efterfrågan märks även på vinterns resor som under helgen ökade med 30 procent jämfört med vid samma tid i fjol. Thailand sticker ut och redan nu märks en ökning på 25 procent för inbokade resor. Allt tyder därför på att det blir en riktig Thailandsvinter i år.- Travel News

 Ruskigt sommarväder bingo för researrangörerna –  försäljningen 60 procent upp

Högsommartemperaturerna och solskenet som många svenskar vant sig vid under maj och början på juni ser nu att vara ett minne blott. Och i takt med att kvicksilvret dalat rejält de senaste dagarna med regn, åska och blåst som dragit in över landet kom reslusten som ett brev på posten. Hos researrangören Ving ökade försäljningen av resor med hela 60 procent jämfört med samma tid i fjol.

Maila reporter

Bangkok Post - Tourism authority seeks deals with 11 airlines. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is seeking partnerships with at least 11 international airlines in an effort to bolster rising and mature markets in the second half this year.

Tourism authority seeks deals with 11 airlines

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is seeking partnerships with at least 11 international airlines in an effort to bolster rising and mature markets in the second half this year.

With the long-haul market projected to generate at least 770 billion baht this year from 10.8 million foreign arrivals, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said the agency plans to reinforce potential markets by using airlines in those regions that operate flights to Thailand.

He said the agency's marketing in the second half of the year would focus on two potential groups: rising and mature markets.

Among the long-haul markets, the six rising markets that posted a significant increase in the first five months of 2024 were: Poland (65.2%), Italy (48%), Saudi Arabia (27.6%), Denmark (26%), Canada (23%) and Kazakhstan (17.6%).

The five mature markets that recorded gains during the same period that need to be maintained comprise: France (38.7%), Germany (32%), the UK (22.6%), Russia (14.8%) and the US (14.3%).

As of May 29, the summer flight slots for most markets already exceeded pre-pandemic capacity, led by the Middle East with a recovery rate of 141%, followed by Europe (103%) and Africa (81.3%).

Mr Siripakorn said better cooperation with airlines was needed as many countries still struggle with insufficient seat capacity and high airfares.

The agency plans to talk with airlines, encouraging them to combine airline seats with holiday packages or offer special prices for long-stay travellers aligning with Thailand's recent visa policy allowing longer stays of up to 60 days for citizens of 93 countries.

He said two airlines, one of which is Air Canada, agreed to launch long-stay airfares to entice tourists to spend longer in Thailand, as the airline plans to start direct flights between Vancouver and Bangkok from October 2024.

For the European winter, several carriers confirmed new direct flights to Thailand. Iberojet, a Spanish-Portuguese charter airline, is operating seven charter flights a week between Madrid and Bangkok. Condor, a German leisure airline, is flying four times weekly between Frankfurt-Bangkok as well as Frankfurt-Phuket.

British Airways plans to commence three direct flights per week from London Gatwick to Bangkok starting from October, while Finnair is flying direct from Helsinki to Bangkok and Phuket from November. Finnair plans to operate 19-20 flights per week combined on these two routes.

In Kazakhstan, SCAT Airlines commenced services from Almaty to Surat Thani on May 30. Thai Airways plans to relaunch Bangkok-Milan and Bangkok-Oslo services on July 1.

Mr Siripakorn said Thai AirAsia X, a long-haul low-cost carrier, expects to offer flights to four cities in Europe during its winter season this year.

"Such negotiations with airlines were not possible the past few years when the aviation sector had very limited seats, forcing all carriers to sell expensive tickets," he said.

"However, with more aircraft deliveries globally, airlines are now looking for opportunities to expand their networks, which means it is the right time to partner with Thailand, which still has strong tourism demand."



Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy. Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. | Thaiger

Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy

Puntid TantivangphaisalPublished: 15:12, 11 June 2024

Thailand's private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund.

Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government's performance over the past eight months would be rated 10 out of 10 for stimulating tourism demand, mainly attributed to visa policies.

"But for more critical problems related to Thai tourism, such as inferior supply development, we're not able to give them any score as nothing has been done to help resolve the problem."

At the opening of the northern tourism cluster in Chiang Mai, the 62 year old Thai PM said there is currently no plan to implement the tourism fee. Instead, the government aims to attract more tourists and encourage higher spending, believing the benefits from increased spending would surpass those from the fee.

Without the tourism tax, there is no dedicated financial resource for tourism development. PM Srettha said the government would allocate a budget to the Tourism and Sports Ministry for project proposals to boost tourism income. However, Chamnan expressed concerns about improving the overall tourist experience and spending without proper plans.

"It's regrettable to hear that the tourism fund won't be set up due to the postponement of the fee collection. We don't have any concerns with regard to volume, but poor tourism experiences and a lack of attractiveness are the key points."

Chamnan stressed that without a development fund, Thailand would struggle to enhance its tourism infrastructure or create new attractions, unlike countries such as China and Vietnam, which continually develop new tourism sites. He mentioned that revenue from tourism in the first five months of the year had only reached 830 billion baht, far short of the government's 3.5 trillion baht target for the end of 2024.

Chamnan proposed initiating five major man-made projects across five regions to generate tourism revenue, especially in second-tier provinces. He suggested that tour operators could integrate these new destinations into their packages, attracting more tourists in the future.

Federation of Thai Tourism Associations 

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) also called for urgent tourism development in a forthcoming white paper. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, highlighted the need for a balanced policy that prioritises supply development and demand stimulation.

FETTA urged the government to establish new key performance indicators (KPIs) focusing on supply improvement, including safety standards and environmental impacts. Sisdivachr also recommended a tourism carrier capacity blueprint to guide development.

Sisdivachr concluded that once the tourism fee is collected, 100 baht per tourist should be dedicated to sustainable tourism development and crisis management, addressing Thailand's low score on the Travel & Tourism Development Index compared to other Southeast Asian countries, reported Bangkok Post.

Politics NewsThailand NewsTourism 

A quick glance. Bangkok Post



The long-threatened Thai tourist tax finally bites the dust. Srettha Thavisin, the Thai prime minister, has finally announced that the proposed tax on tourist arrivals has been cancelled. The suggested imposition, 300 baht at airports (around US$9) and 150 baht by land or sea, had initially been suggested as the country emerged from the covid pandemic. It had been opposed by the travel industry on the grounds of ambiguity and confusion. Pattaya Mail

The long-threatened Thai tourist tax finally bites the dust

Pattaya MailJune 10, 2024

The longstanding aim to charge most visitors to Thailand with an entry tax has been abandoned.

Srettha Thavisin, the Thai prime minister, has finally announced that the proposed tax on tourist arrivals has been cancelled. The suggested imposition, 300 baht at airports (around US$9) and 150 baht by land or sea, had initially been suggested as the country emerged from the covid pandemic. It had been opposed by the travel industry on the grounds of ambiguity and confusion.

The idea from the National Tourism Policy Committee was originally promoted as a way of funding the medical costs of foreign tourists involved in accidents or who sadly passed from the mortal coil. However, it quickly became apparent that only 10 percent of the fund would be devoted to insurance and would be highly discretionary.




The proposed fund was then marketed as an essential part of repairing and restoring tourist sites such as some temples and archaeological sites. Examples put forward were to install public lavatories at tourist attractions or to restore religious images to their former glory. It was argued that the huge increase in tourist numbers post-covid would require a subsidy from the visitors themselves to keep popular sites from decay.

The issue of how to collect the entry tax was never resolved. It did not apply to Thai citizens, diplomats, work permit holders and babies under two years. Holders of the Elite visa and one-year extensions of stay, based on retirement or marriage, grumbled that they were not "tourists" in any case. Airlines opposed the tax being included in tickets as they could not tell (without detailed inquiry) who should pay it and who should not.

The next suggestion was to install special booths at airports and land borders, an idea quickly discarded because the inevitable long queues could easily ruin Thailand's positive marketing initiatives. Pre-entry use of credit cards and QR codes was put forward, but was again abandoned as an easy solution. For example, some cards refused to accept transactions for small sums whilst processing can be a time-consuming process.

The issues arising from tourist insurance were addressed in February 2024 by the establishment of the Thailand Traveller Safety Website. This permits cash refunds of between one million and 300,000 baht for untimely deaths and injuries arising from accidents. However, the scheme applies only to those with a "tourist" visa and expires in August 2024. Pre-registration before a calamity is essential for claimants.

Mr Srettha, in his cancellation address, explained that the abandoned scheme wasn't really worth the effort. He placed his confidence in the growing number of overseas visitors which means more revenue to the national cash pot. But expats – especially those living on pre-taxed pensions and policies – would now appreciate frankness about the Thai Revenue policy on taxing overseas income, both remitted and worldwide. It's another hot potato.



New Automated Passport Control Enhances Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience. The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This state-of-the-art system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints. ASEAN NOW

 

The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This state-of-the-art system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints.

 

Wisanu took part in a real-world test of the advanced automatic passport control system before boarding flight TG415 to Malaysia. The new system is part of AOT's initiative to assist immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport by addressing issues related to the old system, which had been operational for over 15 years and only served Thai nationals.

 

Outdated technology and a shortage of immigration staff have thrust passenger congestion into the spotlight, negatively impacting Thailand's tourism image. The government is keen to position Suvarnabhumi as a key gateway, welcoming tourists and international investors.

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently revealed plans to elevate Suvarnabhumi Airport to become the region's main aviation hub. AOT has thus allocated funds to implement the new Automatic Channel project. Initially, 56 new machines will be installed at international departures, replacing the existing 16 machines.

 

This increase aims to streamline passenger processing without compromising national security, akin to procedures at internationally recognised airports.

 

Wisanu highlighted that the new Automatic Channel system can process both Thai and foreign nationals at a rate of four people per minute. The process involves just two steps: scanning the passport and facial recognition. This continuous flow system eliminates the need for passengers to go through checks one at a time.

 

Currently in the testing phase, the system is expected to be fully operational by July. Plans are also underway to expand the installation to immigration checkpoints at international arrivals in Suvarnabhumi and other airports, including Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

 

"The new Automatic Channel will significantly enhance our capability to manage passenger flow more efficiently. This system not only speeds up the process but also maintains the highest security standards," Wisanu concluded.

 

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

-- 2024-06-10

ความมันส์ระดับโลกกำลังจะเกิด เตรียมตัวให้พร้อม Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024 3-7 ก.ค.2567 ณ ชายหาดบางแสน จ.ชลบุรี - Global fun is about to happen, get ready Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024 3-7 July. ค. 2567 At Bang Saen beach. Chonburi



Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme. “Late last year, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, informed me that Thailand hosts over 300,000 application developers from around the globe, making it the second largest in Southeast Asia.” | Thaiger

Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme

Alex MorganPublished: 09:08, 09 June 2024

Bangkok Post - Poll: Two-thirds of Thais dissatisfied with govt’s performance. Most Thais are not satisfied with the performance of Srettha Thavisin’s government and not confident in its ability to solve national problems, an opinion poll showed on Sunday.

Poll: Two-thirds of Thais dissatisfied with govt's performance

New cabinet members led by Mr Srettha Thavisin gather for a photo session at the Santi Maitree Building in Government House before their first meeting on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu). 

Most Thais are not satisfied with the performance of Srettha Thavisin's government and not confident in its ability to solve national problems, an opinion poll showed on Sunday.

The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration on June 4-5 on 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country to gauge their opinions on the Srettha Thavisin administration since it officially took office in September last year.

Asked if they were satisfied with the government's performance over the past nine months, the answers varied as follows:

34.35% mildly dissatisfied, citing delays in the handling of major issues and no change in sight
31.69% very dissatisfied due to total lack of progress and failure to implement the policies promised during the election campaign
25.19% mildly satisfied, saying the economy had improved because of the government's continued push to enact policies and measures, and that results from the government's problem-solving were clearly visible
7.40% very satisfied because the government was determined to help and improve people's well-being
1.37% didn't know/not interested

Asked if they were confident that Mr Srettha's government would be able to tackle the country's major issues, the answers were as follows:

35.95% not confident at all because they had not seen any changes and the government had yet to solve problems at their root causes
35.04% not very confident because the Srettha administration had not achieved its targets and only scratched the surface 
22.14% mildly confident, saying the government had the work experience and administrative skills to move the country forward
5.42% very confident, citing the government's strong determination to solve Thailand's problems and administer it effectively
1.45% didn't know/not interested.

Foreigners can now own land in Thailand - Foreign land ownership in Thailand is a complex issue, primarily dictated by the Land Code Act of 1954, which generally prohibits foreigners from owning land outright. This law is designed to maintain national control over Thailand’s valuable natural resources. Land Dept | Thaiger

Foreigners can now own land in Thailand: Land Dept

George AnderssenPublished: 08:47, 08 June 2024

PM Pushes Thailand to Create Travel Boom in 2025. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a visit to Agoda Company in Bangkok on 6 June, where he was impressed by the diverse talent from around the world working alongside Thai professionals. PRD



PM Pushes Thailand to Create Travel Boom in 2025

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a visit to Agoda Company in Bangkok on 6 June, where he was impressed by the diverse talent from around the world working alongside Thai professionals. This highlights the Government's commitment to being "Open for Business" and making it easier for international companies to thrive here and make it the Silicon Valley of Asia. Agoda's success proves Thailand's potential as a hub for global enterprises. He's also highlighted 2025 as a big year for travel in Thailand, a year that will be packed with festivals and events to draw more visitors.

Does Thailand really want humble expats any more? The answer is a resounding yes, but on Thailand’s terms.- Pattaya Mail

Does Thailand really want humble expats any more?

Pattaya MailJune 6, 2024

Anyone living in Thailand more than six months a year will need to register with Thai Revenue.

The answer is a resounding yes, but on Thailand's terms. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has championed the "new generation" of longstay visas such as the Long Term Residence, the revamped Elite, the as-yet cloudy Destination Thailand Visa and – for those working legally – income tax concessions and specialist visas such as the four-year Smart.

Together with the improvements for short stay tourists (well over 90 percent of all new arrivals will shortly get 60 days visa-exempt on entry) the reforms are imaginative if sometimes confusing to the general reader. Updated information about them comes variously from the Cabinet or the Tourist Association of Thailand or the Board of Investment or the Immigration Bureau. There is no single source for updates or corrections.

But many expats are outside of these initiatives as they cannot afford the fees. For example, the Long Term Residence requires retiree foreigners to have an income of US$80,000 a year, or even heavier financial investment, and the five year Elite registration is now US$25,000. As a result most expats, retirees and/or married to Thais for the most part, live here on annually renewable extensions of stay based on an original non-immigrant visa.

The annually-renewables are worried about the Thai Revenue's recent reinterpretation. Section 41 of the tax code, long ignored but now required, means that Thai tax residents (anyone spending more than 180 days in a year here) must obtain a tax identification number and fill in a tax form not later than March 2025 to cover their overseas income transmitted to Thailand in the calendar year 2024. If that income was pre-taxed in the first country which had a double taxation treaty with Thailand, and can be proved by documentation, it is unlikely the cash will be taxed again in Thailand.

But the Revenue has not categorically confirmed that commonly-repeated assumption. Not to mention that the detail varies in the 61 countries which have concluded tax agreements with Thailand. What will happen to the annually-renewables if they stick their heads in the sand and hope for the best nobody knows. Maybe nothing, at first, as there are much bigger fish to fry out there. Thailand tends to be a country of strict laws and poor enforcement strategies. It has been suggested that some visa renewals could be linked to registration with the Revenue, but there is no sign of that happening any time soon.

It's worth recording that Thailand is one of around 140 countries which have agreed to share with each other international banking transactions of individuals under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development which opposes tax havens and money laundering. If you flee to Cambodia or the Philippines as a wannabe tax exile remember they are OECD members too. The notion that your banking is a private and confidential affair which is none of anybody else's business is rapidly becoming an anachronism.

The Revenue in recent days has separately publicized its intent to spread the tax net even further from 2025 by suggesting that tax residents in Thailand should be taxed on income they earn globally, whether transmitted to Thailand or not. This would apparently require a change in the law and is best left alone until further clarified. But, again, most annually renewables don't own villas in Spain or any other country, salting away the rents in offshore accounts. The best defence remains to prove in documentary style your income wherever it is.

Prime Minister Srettha said this week, "Revenue collection is very important and the finance ministry is also considering additional measures to stimulate the economy." He is eyeing the big fish who have used loopholes in the Thai tax system for decades to avoid paying the Revenue. Annually-renewables are rarely, if ever, big fish in this context. But the problem is that they swim the same river.



Thailand to tax residents' foreign income irrespective of remittance. The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand. | Thaiger

Thailand to tax residents' foreign income irrespective of remittance

Ryan TurnerPublished: 11:26, 05 June 2024

Austrian Airlines expands Bangkok to Vienna flights for Winter 2024. Austrian Airlines will increase its weekly flights between Bangkok and Vienna from 7 to 13 during the busy winter period of 2024, marking an 86% capacity boost. This significant expansion is the largest capacity increase in the airline’s Winter 2024 schedule. - Aviation24.be

Austrian Airlines expands Bangkok to Vienna flights for Winter 2024

André Orban5 June 2024

Austrian Airlines will increase its weekly flights between Bangkok and Vienna from 7 to 13 during the busy winter period of 2024, marking an 86% capacity boost. This significant expansion is the largest capacity increase in the airline's Winter 2024 schedule.

Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has connected Vienna with Bangkok, meeting strong demand from European travellers to Thailand. The airline, known for its top-notch service, operates a modern fleet and offers high-quality Austrian and international cuisine on board.

Brendan Shashoua, Lufthansa Group's Senior Director Sales for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, emphasised the airline's commitment to the Thai market, following the introduction of the A380 on Bangkok-Munich flights last year. This increase in flights reflects Austrian Airlines' dedication to providing more travel options and enhanced connectivity for Thai passengers heading to Europe.

Austrian Airlines, part of Star Alliance and Lufthansa Group, leverages its Vienna hub to connect the world with Austria. This expansion reinforces the airline's long-standing relationship with Thailand and its strategic focus on the Asia Pacific region.