Pattaya's 24-hour alcohol ban before Election Day: ensuring a peaceful and fair vote, but frustrating some foreign tourists. (File Photo)
PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City Police have announced a strict 24-hour alcohol ban in the run-up to Election Day for the Provincial Administrative Organization Members and Chief across Thailand including Chonburi province. The regulation, which will prohibit the sale, distribution, and serving of alcoholic beverages, is designed to maintain peace, order, and fairness during the election period.
The alcohol ban will be in effect from 6:00 PM on Friday, January 31, until 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 1. Violators of the ban will face legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment.
The rationale behind this regulation is to ensure a calm and orderly environment, allowing voters to focus on making informed and responsible decisions during the elections. Local authorities hope that by temporarily limiting alcohol availability, they can minimize potential disruptions and promote civic engagement.
However, the announcement has sparked dissatisfaction among foreign tourists in Pattaya, who argue that the alcohol ban is unfair and inconvenient for those who have no stake in the election. Many foreign visitors, who are not eligible to vote, feel that the ban infringes on their rights and affects their travel experience.
Some tourists have expressed frustration, noting that they are not involved in the electoral process yet are subject to restrictions that impact their leisure time. This has led to calls for a reconsideration of such measures for international visitors who are not participating in the election.
As Election Day approaches, authorities in Pattaya continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, while also addressing the concerns of tourists who feel caught up in the restrictions.
The alcohol ban will be in effect from 6:00 PM on Friday, January 31, until 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 1.
A foreign tourist has sparked outrage after being caught on video urinating in the middle of Phuket International Airport, seemingly unfazed by the presence of other passengers and airport staff.
The 13-second clip, which was shared widely on social media by the Facebook page "Hod Jung Phuket," shows the tourist relieving himself openly inside the airport terminal in Mai Khao, Thalang district, despite being warned by officials. The post was captioned: "Quality tourist. No shame, no care. Urinating in Phuket Airport. Officials warned him, but he didn't listen!"
The incident has provoked a wave of criticism online, with many Thai netizens expressing frustration over the lack of action against such behaviour. Comments on the post included:
• "If it were a Thai person, they'd have been arrested the moment they unzipped."
• "They must think they can do anything in Thailand. Our laws only apply to locals."
• "Free visas, free to do anything – even urinate in public!"
• "Why didn't anyone stop him? Just standing and watching?"
• "He should be fined to set an example."
The video has led to widespread calls for authorities to take strict action against the tourist, whose nationality remains unknown, with many demanding penalties to deter similar behaviour in the future.
Local officials have yet to confirm whether any legal action has been taken against the individual. The incident has reignited discussions on tourist conduct in Thailand.
Overhauling national visa rules across six countries faces enormous hurdles.
Thailand's unilateral policy to reform entry requirements makes a Schengen-style "six countries one destination" ever more distant. Thailand is the only south east Asian country to allow most tourists a no-charge 60 days visa exempt, whilst plans to introduce a digital landing card – which specifically isn't a visa application – for all foreign entrants from May 2025 is another unique feature.
ASEAN has been struggling since the turn of the century to find common visa ground. The idea was a favorite of the previous Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin in 2023, but he envisaged that international tourists would need to enter Thailand first to qualify for seamless onward entry without any cost. This elitist proposal was quietly opposed by neighbors as it seemed unduly to benefit Thailand and would potentially deprive them of revenue.
There is no coordination of immigration technologies across the region. Whilst most visitors to Thailand are free and visa-exempt, Cambodia and Laos require virtually all international tourists to pay for an e-visa online or risk long delays at airports. Vietnam has a complex visa system which appears to change details on a regular basis. Myanmar is in a class of its own as it has no international tourism because of the civil war.
Given that Thai authorities already have significant problems coordinating their own border control protocols and security data bases, the chances of uniformity throughout the region any time soon are indeed negligible. Although the Malaysian government has envisaged a common visa future, she and Thailand have the lion's share of international tourism in ASEAN and are competitors as much as they are collaborators.
A further issue is whether ASEAN nationals would be able to work across the region (as in the Schengen arrangements) rather than require a work permit in each country. Given the current panic, particularly in Thailand, about illegal workers and border scams, progress towards such labour flexibillity looks out of the question. ASEAN was set up as an economic free-trade zone and has a long history of avoiding cross-border political agreements. The dream of a common visa remains something to sleep on.
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren't binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty.
The biggest revelation? It's far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through the paperwork jungle for a local extension. A review of the DTV Facebook group shows that 75% of holders believe a simple border hop is the safest bet over the five-year validity of the visa.
For those daring enough to request an extension within Thailand, be prepared for a bureaucratic rollercoaster. The list of required documents is overwhelming:
Proof of at least 500,000 baht (US$14,000) in funds
A detailed Thai address history (blue book, ID, rental agreements, TM30, and TM47)
Updated proof of activity (employment verification, work portfolios for digital nomads, and photos of skill-learning for soft power holders)
Some categories face extra hurdles—artists need government-issued invitations, while boxing and cooking students must prove they're still learning years after their courses began.
But the real ticking time bomb? Tax liability. If you stay in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year, you could be on the hook for income tax on overseas earnings. Many DTV holders are clueless about Thailand's tax identification number (TIN) and potential obligations, reported Pattaya Mail.
The bottom line? The DTV is effectively a five-year tourist visa, requiring holders to exit at least twice a year unless local immigration miraculously bends the rules. Whether staying 179 days or less is the ultimate loophole remains the million-baht question.
Different Thai embassies and consulates may interpret DTV requirements differently, leading to inconsistencies in application processing and approval. Some applicants have reported difficulties during the immigration process, including denied entry and additional scrutiny, especially if transitioning from other visa types.
At 1:30 PM on January 27th, 2025, the Thai Immigration Bureau, Suvarnabhumi Airport Authority, and related agencies convened to implement measures enhancing airport safety and combating call center scams.
The initiative follows directives from the National Police Chief to address rising concerns about tourist safety.
Key measures include thorough checks on foreign arrivals to prevent criminal activities and scams. Authorities will also monitor car rental services and tourist travel data, especially for those heading to border areas, with immediate coordination with local police if risks are detected.
Technology upgrades include AI-powered facial recognition, license plate tracking, and integrated CCTV systems to quickly identify individuals or vehicles involved in suspicious activities.
Tourist Help Center 1155 has been enhanced to provide round-the-clock support in eight languages, including translation services for tourists and officials. The airport has also reorganized passenger pickup areas and mandated registration for individuals holding signage to prevent exploitation.
These actions aim to create a safer and more welcoming environment for international visitors.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that all foreign passport holders will need to fill in a pre-departure online TM6 form starting in May. The main reason is likely the introduction of 60 days visa exempt for umpteen millions of tourists which began last July. They can just turn up at the airport or border post without any documentation, a move which critics say is an open invitation to wannabe criminals (notably Chinese) of one sort or another. Presumably the computerized form, not yet available, will ask for Thai address details as well as passport-related information.
The Ministry says that the online TM6 – a replacement for the old manual landing card which was suspended years ago because of the impossible-to-read scribbled writing, is not a visa but just an information card. Immigration officials at airports and borders can still access via their installed computers an individual's travel history, and whether he or she is banned and/or has a previous conviction or is wanted by Interpol. The new part is a statement by the traveller of his or her local address in Thailand. How all this affects other address-related bureaucracies post-arrival, such as TM30 (in theory completed by the hotel or house master) and TM47 (the 90 days report) still remains up in the air.
But the Ministry wants all foreigners, not just the visa exempts, to complete the TM6 computerized form prior to arrival. This is likely to produce some head scratching. Many expats have already provided details of their Thai address to local immigration, including documentary proof such as rental contracts or condominium unit ownership or a blue/yellow house book. But they now find themselves having to duplicate that information if they leave the country and return. A separate issue are the Destination Thailand Visa holders who are in the digital nomad category: many frequently change their address as they are neither retired and settled, nor workers earning money within Thailand.
Apparently, there are further entry procedures under review. An ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization as well as a form to collect 300 baht tourist tax are still being mulled over, even though government publicity last year claimed they would be in force, or at any rate on pilot, by January 2025. It is small wonder that many visitors to Thailand are befuddled by the ongoing confusion, mostly created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in charge of embassies and entry rules) and not by the Immigration Bureau (in charge of processing and monitoring arrivals).
Whilst neighboring Cambodia has about a quarter of the number of visitors to Thailand, she has an entry system which appears simpler and more comprehensive. Most arrivals have applied online for an e-visa and/or be required to obtain one at the airport or border. The required details include a Cambodian address and phone number. If an individual stays longer than 30 days, to apply for an extension or to take advantage of a variety of longstay permits, he or she must ensure inclusion on the computerized data base Foreigner Present in Cambodia System or FPCS. The app must be updated every time the visitor moves home internally. Not a perfect system by any means, but at least it doesn't spread confusion and disenchantment about the host country. Those concerns are all too obvious in the Land of Smiles.
All foreign passport holders will have a new pre-journey task from May.
What will happen?
All – yes all – foreigners hoping to enter Thailand by air, land or sea from the beginning of May will need to complete a digital "landing card" form in advance of making their journey. The online form, known as TM6, is not yet available. It will be free. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the only exceptions will be those travelling on a Thai passport.
What information will the TM6 require?
You will need the usual biographical details on your passport, together with a local telephone number and your initial Thai address. This information used to be collected on the manual TM6 form which was once handed out to tired passengers just before arrival. That pointless paper system was suspended in stages – first for air arrivals and then for land and sea – and is not currently in use. Immigration staff often could not read the scribbled details anyway written in haste after a long flight. The paper on-arrival TM6, in practice a waste of time as the information was not entered into the immigration system, is being replaced by an online version to be submitted prior to your journey to Thailand.
Does it matter whether I am visa-exempt for 60 days or have a visa?
No. The new rule applies to all non-Thais whether they are visa-exempt, visa on arrival, non-immigrant visa holders, Elite, Destination Thailand Visa, Long Term Residence etc etc. All must fill in the online TM6 form separately from any other embassy or immigration bureaucracy. Also irrelevant is whether or not you have a re-entry permit. None of it makes any difference. Tourists from 93 countries who currently obtain 60 days on arrival without any forms will need to complete the TM6 online. But nothing more.
So the online TM6 isn't a visa?
It's not a visa but an entry requirement irrespective of visa status. It is obvious that the key information is for the foreigners to give his or her address in Thailand. In theory, this information is available on a manual TM30 form submitted in paper form soon after arrival. But many tourists and expats do not regularly update their TM30, or have never heard of it, leading to enormous gaps in the immigration data base. The assumption is that the TM30 will disappear and replaced by the online TM6. If foreigners change their address whilst in Thailand, they will presumably be able to update the TM6 on their mobile device.
Why all this fuss about knowing your address in Thailand?
There are lots of reasons: to help track down criminals and unsavory characters, to streamline entry procedures, to reduce manual form filling etc. Embassies for their part are keen that immigration offices know the address of foreigners in Thailand in case of an emergency, eg a relative has died. If foreigners fail to update their Thai address details, and are found out, there will presumably be penalties but that's another wait and see issue.
Is TM6 different from Entry Travel Authorization?
ETA, a forthcoming pre arrival form for visa exempt categories, has been postponed. They and all other foreigners must use the TM6. Also postponed is the 300 baht entry tax which has been debated for eight years and is still not in operation and won't be any time soon. TM6 is free. It should be noted that most countries now have some kind of computerized bureaucracy which details the foreigner and his or her local address shortly before arrival.
Will there be more details published by the government?
Yes there are ambiguities, some highlighted in the above paragraphs. The final details hopefully will be announced next month after a briefing meeting for stakeholders on January 31. The immigration bureau has already reviewed the upcoming online system. Eventually the government hopes to integrate the TM6 bureaucracy with other immigration screening procedures. Eventually!
Online TM6 form for visitors to Thailand comingon May 1
Tourists walk through the arrivals hall at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to promote the online TM6immigration form, which will be compulsory for all foreign arrivals entering Thailand as of May 1, though the government is reluctant to start collecting the 300-baht tourism fee this year.
When the suspension period ends on April 30 this year, a digital version of the TM6 will replace the paper-based one, said Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry's permanent secretary.
She said the online form is expected to help track tourists while they are in Thailand, increasing confidence in safety as the country combats negative perceptions.
This week the ministry held an internal meeting and invited the Immigration Bureau to demonstrate the online system.
It will also hold a meeting on Jan 31 with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, airlines, hotels and tour agencies, to learn more about the online form and help to publicise the process to foreigners.
Mongkon Wimonrat, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, said the government would prioritise the digital TM6 before adopting other types of entry screening planned earlier to prevent confusion among tourists.
He said the online TM6 applies only to foreign arrivals. The free online form will be compulsory for all arrivals by air, land and sea, said Mr Mongkon.
The cabinet is expected to approve the scheme next month to allow related parties to prepare, he said.
A source at the ministry who requested anonymity said that with the online TM6 form coming soon, there is a greater likelihood the 300-baht tourism fee will be postponed.
The government wants the TM6 process to operate without any problems, and it could take months or a even a year until the system runs smoothly, said the source.
As the country copes with news regarding illicit networks using Thailand as a transit hub to neighbouring countries, the government may believe now is an inappropriate time to start collecting the fee, added the source.
Implementing another pre-screening measure, such as an electronic travel authorisation, which some countries have used to enabled visa-free travellers to gain approval prior to arriving in the country, would also be delayed to pave the way for the online TM6 process to operate smoothly, said the source.
In 2025, several alcohol-free days are scheduled in Thailand. On these days, most bars and entertainment venues will be closed to observe religious or local events. Additionally, sales of alcohol, even at restaurants or convenience stores, are forbidden these days.
Here are the dates to note if you are visiting Thailand in 2025:
Chonburi local elections (for people in Chonburi Pattaya): Likely from January 31st at 5 PM to February 1st at 5 PM. This is not yet final as of press time but is nearly certain. In Thailand, by law, election days prohibit alcohol sales for a 24 hour period the night before the election and during voting hours, regardless if one is eligible to vote or not. There may be local elections in other parts of Thailand throughout the year but this is the main election to be concerned about for Pattaya, focused on provincial positions. The Pattaya Mayor position is NOT up for election this year.
Religious Holidays
Makha Bucha Day: Wednesday, February 12th.
Visakha Bucha Day: Sunday, May 11th. A government holiday will be scheduled for Monday, May 12th, but that will not see bar closures.
Asalha Bucha Day: Thursday, July 10th.
Buddhist Lent Day: Friday, July 11th.
End of Buddhist Lent Day: Tuesday, October 7th.
These days are observed to honor Buddhist traditions or support local elections. Plan your activities accordingly during these dates! It's worth noting that some sports bars or restaurant/bar hybrids may be open but are legally not allowed to sell alcohol on the religious holidays. Generally speaking the closure times are 24 hours in total, from midnight to midnight, but may occasionally differ slightly based on local authorities.
In a move causing a stir among the tourism community, Thailand's Prime Minister recently unveiled plans to elevate Phuket to "premium" tourist status, seemingly leaving Pattaya in the shadows. This decision positions Phuket as a primary international hub, celebrated for hosting significant tourist events and benefiting from substantial private sector investment.
This strategic push is aimed at capitalising on the thousands of tourists flocking directly to Phuket and bolstering its appeal through projects tackling urban challenges like traffic congestion, waste management, and organised crime, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail
Instructions have been issued to local Phuket authorities to initiate innovative solutions for these urban issues, like community-led recycling efforts and promoting sustainable tourism. The president of the Phuket Tourism Association has joyfully embraced this designation, seeing it as a pathway to enhanced global attractiveness and economic growth.
However, Pattaya, a long-standing competitor to Phuket in the tourism sector, finds itself conspicuously missing from this "premium" narrative despite boasting many similar attributes.
The term "premium," often thrown around in tourism circuits, lacks formal definition and has been criticised for its ambiguity. This isn't the first time the label has caused a fuss.
Back in 2018, Pattaya had its moment of triumph when Democrat Party deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij expressed a vision for the city to become a "premium" resort destination—albeit to rally support for the party's local election candidates.
Pattaya's exclusion from the new "premium" label should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt. The city can effortlessly hold its own against Phuket, both in terms of tourist draw, bustling events, and tackling the same urban issues concerning traffic and waste.
The notion of "premium" tourism has faced scrutiny from figures like former Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who urged a move away from low-cost tourism to lure in higher-spending visitors.
In light of this, Pattaya's stakeholders might find solace in ignoring labels and continuing to focus on the tangible qualities that have established the city as a staple on Thailand's tourist map.
Perhaps it's time to retire the vague "premium" tag to the realms of marketing, alongside ice cream promotions and exclusive visa privileges. Pattaya remains a vibrant, competitive destination, with or without the label, offering a unique blend of attractions capable of captivating a global audience.
Temperatures are set to plunge from Friday as a four-day cold spell sweeps the country, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)'s latest weather advisory.
.Cold air carried by a strong high-pressure system from China will blanket Thailand and the South China Sea, also bringing strong winds to the whole region, the TMD said on Wednesday.
.
Thailand has announced a total of 436 deaths with 2,376 injuries from 2,467 road accidents of the Ten Dangerous Days New Year Road Campaign from December 27th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025.
The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on January 6th, 2025 that the highest total number of fatalities was in Bangkok with 26 deaths. The highest number of injuries and accidents were Surat Thani with 100 injuries from 89 accidents.
The DDPM reported details on the tenth day (January 5th) of the road campaign. There were 29 deaths and 128 injuries in 239 road accidents.
Accidents were mostly caused by speeding (34%). Most accidents involved motorbikes (82%). Fifty percent of road accidents occurred most on national highways. Most accidents occurred between 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.. (10%).
The world of Thai visas and immigration is forever on the move.
Entry Travel Authorization (ETA)
This will apply to the tourists from 93 countries currently taking advantage of the visa exempt, no-charge category: 60 days on entry plus, if needed, a further 30 days extension at local immigration for a fee of 1,900 baht (US$55). Currently, the only registration procedure is the post-arrival form TM30 submitted to local immigration by the hotel, condo owner, house master or tourist in person. Enforcement of TM 30 is selective and is a paper-driven bureaucracy.
The new ETA will require a pre-flight or pre-entry submission by e-portal, but the Thai Cabinet has yet to endorse fully the details. If the Cambodian equivalent is any clue, these tourists will need to upload the ID page of their passport and provide details of the proposed Thai address, proof of entry and exit tickets and a phone number. A key advantage of the new system, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be possible use of electronic gates at Thai airports by using the ETA's QR code thus bypassing an immigration counter. ETA is free but requires a new submission on every entry. The latest starting date for most tourists is June 2025, but that is still provisional.
Tourist fee of 300 baht
In spite of many announcements, the fee for stepping onto Thai soil (Kha Yeap Pan Din) has not yet been introduced. The 300 baht (US$8) fee would pay for limited insurance for short-stay tourists – mostly compensation for death or serious injury – and provide funds for improving tourist sites, e.g. installing or upgrading toilets. Some versions of the proposal reduce the fee to 150 baht if entering by land or sea, but a common charge is thought more likely. The delay in implementation is the difficulty of collecting the fee and deciding who is or is not a "tourist". The most likely outcome later this year will be a pre-entry electronic payment linked to Krungthai Bank. Another possibility is linking payment to the "free" ETA. Critics say the whole fee exercise isn't worth the effort and will lead to unnecessary confusion.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
This five-year validity "Activity" visa was the brainchild of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated in July 2024. More than 70,000 have been issued in many dozens of Thai embassies abroad. The ambiguity arises because the actual admission of visitors, together with extensions, is the responsibility of the immigration bureau which is part of the Ministry of the Interior which has never uttered a single word about DTV. Immigration officers individually have the right to challenge or refuse entry or extension irrespective of the visa category. The prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is known to be a firm supporter of DTV. Any significant changes to DTV policy is most unlikely to affect existing visa holders. The rest is guesswork at present. There will be feedback from late January onwards as early-bird DTV holders request extensions at local immigration.
Annually renewable retirement and marriage
The "O" non-immigrant retirement visa and annual extension of stay is by far the most popular long-stay permit for those over 50 years. A former top police general Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn promised to reform the process by ending the scam practice of applicants using third party funds to maintain a bank account minimum, but nothing has been heard of late. Nor has there been any rumored change in the situation whereby the retiree OA visa (awarded at embassies abroad) requires ongoing medical insurance, whereas the O version (awarded at immigration offices in Thailand) does not.
The "O" non-immigrant marriage visa for a longstay foreigner with a Thai spouse is used mainly by married men under 50. This is likely because the retirement alternative is available from that age and has a less onerous application and extension bureaucracy. An early change may be the admission of same sex marriages, available from late January 2025, into the visa system. However, the government has said that while the marriage ceremony becomes a legal entity very soon, there may be a delay before the regulations covering adoption, pensions and hospital care in terminal cases come into play.
Elite and Long Term Residence
Elite or Privilege visa lasts from 5-20 years with limitless multiple entries, if needed, and has perks such as fast-track immigration and discounts on shopping, sports and hotels. It has had a checkered history and has been threatened with closure on a couple of occasions. Until the end of 2024, the initial checking fee of 50,000 baht (US$1,500) had been temporarily cancelled. A new five year Bronze Elite visa is available until June 2025 at a knock-down cost of 650,000 baht (US$20,000). The majority of new subscribers to Elite are Chinese citizens according to the Ministry of Tourism and, with a grand total of over 40,000 customers, the future in 2025 looks safe enough.
LTR is a ten year multiple entry which has several application routes including wealthy retirees (minimum annual income US$80,000) and business people and executives. The visa is sponsored by the Board of Investment. One of the attractions of LTV is apparent exemption from income tax due on overseas transfers of cash to Thailand. People in business can receive tax incentives whilst freedom from regular address reporting to immigration is a perk. No statistics have been issued as regards LTR applications, but an early report stated that the majority of successful applications were from the retirement category.
Tax identification number (TIN)
There has been ongoing speculation in social media that, starting in 2025, renewal of longterm visas will require holders to show that they have a TIN issued by the Thai Revenue Department. This is a very unlikely scenario. Many "tax resident" foreigners in Thailand for six months or more in a calendar year have no requirement to obtain a tax number based on remittances from overseas. They include foreigners who did not transfer any overseas cash in the calendar year 2024, or those who are (or will be) transferring savings in foreign bank accounts held there before on December 31 2023. Many Elite holders live in Thailand for far less than 180 days in a year but enjoy the travel flexibility given by the visa. For these and many other reasons, Thai immigration cannot equate visa eligibility with tax status. Nor will officers want to get involved.
