More than 100,000 retirees in Thailand now scattered amongst many visa programs. There are no regular Thai government updates on visa volume overall. Thus the commonly-asked question “how many retired foreigners live in Thailand?” can produce only a speculative answer.- Pattaya Mail

More than 100,000 retirees in Thailand now scattered amongst many visa programs

Pattaya MailSeptember 27, 2025

Thai visas are on the move, but those covering retirees are many and complex.

There are no regular Thai government updates on visa volume overall. Thus the commonly-asked question "how many retired foreigners live in Thailand?" can produce only a speculative answer. Several visa options are on the table with choice largely dictated by age, available finance and whether migration is intended to be more or less permanent.

The 10-year LTR (long Term Residence), introduced in 2022, currently has "more than 7,000 enrolments" according to a September 2025 report by the Board of Investment (BOI) secretary general Narit Therdsteerasaukdi. LTR is designed for several markets, including professionals in new industries requiring a digital work permit, but 2,658 "wealthy pensioners" are included in that summary, the biggest single category for eligible membership.

Retirees in the LTR program, at least 50 years old, need an income of at least US$80,000 annually or heavy cash investments in the Thai economy. The key advantages are no limit on the number of dependants, tax-free status for transmitted overseas income, annual reporting instead of the 90 days report and access to the BOI one-stop shop. Almost half the retirees in the program are Europeans with a further near-20 percent from The United States.

Another longterm visa, Elite or Privilege, has been a rolling program since 2003 and, according to the current website, has "over 40,000" members from 50 countries. There are no age restrictions. Visa length and bonuses vary according to the upfront payment, but the popular Bronze offers a five years validity for 650,000 baht or US$20,000. There are no figures on the number of retirees in Elite, though it is said to be most popular with foreigners who want to travel frequently in and out of Thailand with a permit which is multi-entry without re-entry bureaucracy.

Several annually renewable visas cater specifically for the retiree aged at least 50. The embassy-controlled "O/A" and the immigration-granted "0" differ in detail, but broadly require proof of 800,000 baht or US$25,000 in a Thai bank. "OA" has a requirement about medical insurance, variously interpreted. The UN Network on Migration in Thailand said that, in 2023, there were 126,654 retirees living in the kingdom. But the quoted data is soft. Whether that assumed total has since increased or gone down is disputed by immigration gurus. The immigration bureau itself remains strictly silent.

In July 2024 the 5-years validity Destination Thailand Visa made its appearance. The most recent government figures, in January 2025, show about 30,000 awarded to digital nomads and a further 50,000 to "soft power" applicants such as medical tourists, foreigners with Thai families and learners of Thai boxing or cookery. Some retirees are known to have switched to DTV from specific retiree visas by enrolling for eligible adult education classes. DTV, which requires the applicant to visit a Thai embassy abroad, does not require a Thai bank account as the 500,000 baht security bond can be in a foreign financial institution.

Although 100,000 (to 150,000) is a reasonable minimum guesstimate for retiree numbers, nobody knows a precise figure as there is no single definition of a retiree. Thus some are known to travel frequently to Thailand on the visa exempt category, but are not based here. Collecting data from embassies, for the O/A and DTV visas, is problematical as each consulate is semi-independent and operates its own protocols. Currently, there is no central Thai agency coordinating visas: the immigration bureau, the BOI and the foreign affairs and tourist ministries are all involved.

Moreover, the ground may well be shifting. Retirees on annually renewable visas, who rely on friends or third parties loaning them cash, are now having problems with some Thai banks requiring 800,000 baht to be frozen and untouched for up to four months. Some retirees are known to have panicked about personal income tax, prematurely as Thai lawyer Victor Wong stressed in a recent Pattaya Mail article. Meanwhile, there are calls for a Thai golden visa which would offer permanent residency or a second passport to the global wealthy.

But the most fundamental do-not-know is the recent change of government. With premier Anutin Charnvirakul at its head, we could see a new ministry coordinating all visas, changes to cash requirements, a new and comprehensive immigration act or maybe none of the above. What is clear is the administration's commitment to increasing digitalization and centralization of the whole immigration system. Further clarity will likely be delayed until after the next general election early next year.

New Thai Cabinet to Take Oath Before His Royal Majesty The King on September 24th. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that his Cabinet will take the oath of allegiance before His Majesty the King on September 24th, coinciding with Mahidol Day. He described the occasion as both a profound honor and an auspicious start to his administration.- The Pattaya News

New Thai Cabinet to Take Oath Before His Royal Majesty The King on September 24th

Adam JuddSunday, 21 September 2025, 0:56

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Thai court verdict insights

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that his Cabinet will take the oath of allegiance before His Majesty the King on September 24th, coinciding with Mahidol Day. He described the occasion as both a profound honor and an auspicious start to his administration.

Immediately following the royal audience, Anutin will lead the Cabinet's first meeting. The session is expected to include the distribution of responsibilities among Deputy Prime Ministers and the appointment of the Prime Minister's Secretary-General, who will serve as a key coordinator to ensure the government's operations begin smoothly.

The prime minister also said he will meet with the President of the National Assembly to arrange the presentation of the government's policy statement. The timing will depend on the Assembly President's ability to call members of both Houses, but Anutin indicated he wants the process to move forward quickly.

Attention has turned to the policy statement session, where opposition lawmakers are expected to challenge the qualifications of some Cabinet members. Anutin said the Cabinet Secretariat had already coordinated with seven relevant agencies, including the Office of the Council of State, to conduct thorough vetting. He added that individuals found to lack the required qualifications were removed from the list before submission.

With these steps in place, the government is preparing to formally begin its work by setting out its policy agenda before Parliament, a required process before implementing new programs and directives.

Source: Thai National News Bureau PR

Bangkok Post - More bank accounts may be frozen: Bank of Thailand.

More bank accounts may be frozen: Bank of Thailand

Police display bank books impounded from scam suspects at the Central Investigation Bureau in Nonthaburi province on Dec 23, 2021. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) 

More people could face frozen bank accounts as authorities widen investigations into transfers linked to mule accounts, in an effort to recover money for scam victims, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has warned.

Daranee Saeju, BoT assistant governor in charge of consumer protection, said on Saturday that numerous accounts had already been frozen as the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), together with commercial banks, intensified operations to trace and return stolen funds.

"Only accounts that received money from mule accounts have been frozen. The AOC and commercial banks are expanding their probe into financial transactions to retrieve funds connected with mule accounts and return as much money as possible to affected victims," Ms Daranee explained.

She acknowledged that the measures could impact more people as the investigations progress.

According to Ms Daranee, the BoT has discussed the issue with the AOC and commercial banks, and they have tentatively agreed to adjust procedures for freezing and unfreezing accounts in order to reduce the impact on innocent account holders. Further talks were scheduled for Sunday, and new measures could be introduced immediately afterwards, she said.

She said the central bank investigated the incident and found that it stemmed from two causes.

The first involved a technical error on Sept 1 when some banks failed to update end-of-day transactions, leaving some accounts showing outdated balances.

This was corrected the following day, and the banks were instructed to compensate affected customers and put in place measures to prevent a recurrence.

The second occurred after police ordered banks to freeze suspected accounts linked to scams.

In some cases, the amount to be frozen exceeded the actual balance, causing the system to show negative figures.

The banks were asked to clarify such cases directly with customers.

Ms Daranee said freezing suspected accounts was vital for tracking and returning stolen funds to scam victims while stressing that authorities were working to improve the freezing and unfreezing procedures so scammers were dealt with effectively while ensuring ordinary customers were not affected.

She said agencies would speed up the release of funds for individuals found to be uninvolved in scams and urged customers to call its 1213 hotline for immediate assistance if their problem was not resolved by their banks.

BOT, TCSD and banks hold urgent talks Sunday to ease account freeze measures The Nation

The Bank of Thailand is holding urgent talks with the TCSD and commercial banks to ease account freezes linked to mule accounts, aiming to protect innocent citizens and simplify suspension procedures.

Daranee Saeju, assistant governor for payment systems oversight and financial consumer protection at the Bank of Thailand (BOT), clarified that in cases of account freezes linked to so-called "mule accounts", only those accounts found to be in the money trail receiving transfers from mule accounts are affected.

She noted that the Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression Center (TCSD) and commercial banks have stepped up efforts against mule accounts by widening the scope of money-trail tracking. The aim is to freeze funds connected to fraudulent accounts and return them to victims. 

However, this broader approach has resulted in more accounts being temporarily suspended, affecting a larger number of citizens.

Amid growing public concern, the BOT has held discussions with the CCIB and commercial banks, reaching a preliminary agreement to accelerate revisions to both the account-freezing process and the procedures for lifting suspensions. These changes aim to ease the impact on law-abiding account holders. 

A joint meeting is scheduled for Sunday (September 14), after which the new measures will be implemented immediately.

For innocent account holders affected by recent suspensions, the BOT advised contacting the AOC Centre on 1441 (extension 2) to request removal of restrictions.

What premier Anutin has said about visa and immigration reform. Under Anutin’s stewardship, Thailand in July 2024 permitted tourists from 93 countries to have two months’ visa-free entry, with a further 30 days extension at local immigration. Whilst there has been some concern that this liberal policy has resulted in the entry of illegal workers, especially Chinese, it is unlikely there will be a major revision as Thailand struggles to keep the momentum in increasing tourist arrivals.- Pattaya Mail

What premier Anutin has said about visa and immigration reform

Pattaya MailSeptember 13, 2025

Immigration police attend a new technology and artificial intelligence briefing in Bangkok.

New prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has chosen to retain the separate role of interior minister, which he held in the now defunct Pheu Thai administration from 1 September 2023 to 19 June 2025. Whilst the motivation to maintain both portfolios is doubtless to keep control of local administrative units in the runup to a likely general election in 2026, Mr Anutin is keenly interested in the visa world.

Under Anutin's stewardship, Thailand in July 2024 permitted tourists from 93 countries to have two months' visa-free entry, with a further 30 days extension at local immigration. Whilst there has been some concern that this liberal policy has resulted in the entry of illegal workers, especially Chinese, it is unlikely there will be a major revision as Thailand struggles to keep the momentum in increasing tourist arrivals. The TDAC or digital arrival card, compulsory for all foreign entrants, potentially allows for a closer inspection of non-Thai nationals.

July 2014 also saw the introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa. Critics, such as Thai national and American attorney Benjamin Hart, have stressed that this visa was the brainchild of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and likely did not have the support of either the interior ministry or the immigration police. "DTV," said Mr Hart in a feisty video, "is in need of revision or even cancellation as its purposes are ill-defined and open to abuse". Many observers believe changes are inevitable sooner or later.

Two years ago, Mr Anutin endorsed the idea of a new, overarching Department of Immigration which would swallow the responsibilities and overlap of other ministries. Currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for visa policy in Thai embassies and consulates, but the Interior Ministry (through the immigration bureau) is in charge of foreigners once they arrive here at an airport or border post. Moreover, extensions are exclusively in the domain of the immigration police.

Prime minister and interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul has a track record of pioneering immigration-related reforms.

Another example of departmental overlap is in the issuing of work permits. These are traditionally the purview of the Ministry of Labour, but there are separate regulations for Board of Investment prompted companies with relaxed capital and employee requirements. BOI also registers applications for the 10-years Long Term Residence visa and the Smart visa which is now focused exclusively on startup entrepreneurs. Not to mention the Tourist Authority of Thailand which manages the Elite (now Privilege) visa. It's a confusing picture to say the least.

The premier has also expressed support for the streamlining of immigration policing in matters such as national security, residency permits, citizenship and civil registration. Artificial intelligence is also being developed to analyze data, offer language translation, create chatbots and catch criminals through linking photographs of persons to a central data base of criminals. This is the age of the surveillance camera.

In the past few years, immigration bureaucracy has become more digitalized with online facilities for specified functions. Under Anutin's stewardship, these developments will likely continue apace. There is even a government working party looking at the implications for an end to the issuing of traditional passports and their replacement by a digital system that uses biometric data like facial recognition and fingerprints for border control. The good news in such a transformed world is that foreigners won't have to worry about filling in manually so many forms before and after they set foot in the kingdom. Immigration reform in September 2025 is still in its infancy.

Thaksin’s Journey: From Thai PM to Exile to Prisoner in Thailand. This marks a significant downturn for Thaksin, 76, whose daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently ousted as prime minister and replaced by a rival. Thaksin's political party, Pheu Thai, has also been relegated to the opposition.- ASEAN NOW

 LThaksin's Journey: From Thai PM to Exile to Prisoner in Thailand

snoop113020 hours ago

Picture courtesy of The Business Times | AFP

Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, began a one-year prison sentence for past convictions of corruption and abuse of power. This marks a significant downturn for Thaksin, 76, whose daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently ousted as prime minister and replaced by a rival. Thaksin's political party, Pheu Thai, has also been relegated to the opposition.

Thaksin, a contentious figure in Thai politics, has long challenged the royalist-military establishment. After being ousted in a coup, he spent years in exile before making a dramatic return to Thailand two years ago. His brief return to power was supported by former adversaries aiming to counter the progressive People's Party, though he was quickly sentenced to eight years in prison, received a royal pardon, and avoided serving time—until now.

Experts note that despite his setbacks, Thaksin may still hold value for the royalists wary of the progressive movement. Paul Chambers from Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute suggests that Thaksin remains a strategic asset. After his sentencing, Thaksin pledged to devote his life to the monarchy and Thailand, signaling a shift in his public stance.

Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party, once a dominant force, has seen declining support, exacerbated by Paetongtarn's removal and nationalist uproar over a conversation with Cambodia's Hun Sen. Pheu Thai's loss of grassroots support is highlighted by defections to the now-ruling royalist party, Bhumjaithai. Critics argue Thaksin's focus on family leadership and failure to adapt to Thailand's changing political landscape have eroded his party's influence.

As Thailand prepares for elections next year, Thaksin's future role remains uncertain. The political climate is shifting, with parties like Bhumjaithai gaining ground and newer movements challenging traditional powers. Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai is now the sitting prime minister.

Key Takeaways

• Thaksin starts serving his prison sentence amid changing Thai politics.
• His party's influence wanes as rivals gain power and support.
• Future elections may determine Thaksin's enduring political relevance.

Khao Lam Road nu på morgonen 10/9.

Efter ytterligare 50 mm i natt och 35 mm igår natt blir det svårt med "torrläggningen".

Thai baht hits four-year high, affecting exports and tourism. KResearch warns currency strength may drag on economic growth and export revenues. The Nation

Thai baht hits four-year high, affecting exports and tourism. KResearch warns currency strength may drag on economic growth and export revenues.

The Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) reported that the Thai baht touched its strongest level in over four years at 31.58 baht per US dollar on the morning of September 9, before easing slightly to 31.74 baht in the afternoon. The movement mirrored regional currencies, including the Chinese yuan, amid US dollar selling pressure following expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

In September, the baht strengthened sharply, supported by rising global gold prices and net purchases of Thai government bonds by foreign investors. Overall, the baht has appreciated 7.5% since the start of 2025, ranking among the strongest currencies in Asia.

Thaksin releases statement just now prior to being escorted to the Bangkok Remand Prison to serve his one year prison sentence. Pattaya News

Thaksin releases statement just now prior to being escorted to the Bangkok Remand Prison to serve his one year prison sentence:

Dear respected fellow citizens,

With profound gratitude for the immense royal grace of His Majesty the King, who has graciously granted me a reduction in my prison sentence to one year, this is an unparalleled act of compassion for both myself and my family.

I humbly accept and am ready to proceed with the judicial process as determined today.

Throughout my tenure as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, I endeavored to advance policies aimed at improving the quality of life for the people, transforming Thailand's political landscape, and fostering a democracy where political parties compete through policies, creating a tangible democracy through the concrete achievements of the government. This is a source of immense pride for me as a politician elected by the people.

Although all the legal cases against me arose after the coup that overthrew my government in 2006, today I choose to look forward, letting all past matters—both legal battles and any conflicts related to me—come to a resolution.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the people who have supported me throughout, to politicians, members of the Pheu Thai Party, and friends who have stood by me in both good times and bad. I have chosen this path to inspire everyone to move forward, working for the nation, religion, the monarchy, and the people, with the shared ideology and spirit that we have held together, until the day we can walk the same path again.

From today, though I may lack physical freedom, I retain the freedom of thought for the benefit of the nation and its people. I will maintain strength in both body and mind, dedicating the rest of my life to serving the monarchy, the Thai nation, and the Thai people, in whatever capacity I may hold henceforth.

Thank you.

Thaksin Shinawatra 

September 9th, 2025

Så där JA !!

 

R E G N !!!!

Hej!

I natt har det på bara några få timmar regnat 158 millimeter !!!

Från Tropical och ner mot Khao Lam road står vattnet uppskattningsvis 30-50 cm högt och detsamma på Khao Lam Road.

De bilar som inte fått motorstopp försöker i snigelfart nå sina respektive destinationer.

Ja ! Så var det med det. För övrigt är livet mycket behagligt.

Med vänlig hälsning,

Ola

Political journey of the new prime minister. Bangkok Post

Breaking !!!!

 

Thailands Political Turmoil: A Day of Alliances, Dissolution Attempts, and Legal Challenges as PM Vote Looms This Friday. Thailand’s political landscape erupted today as the opposition People’s Party (PP) officially announced its support for Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the next prime minister. Pattaya News

Thailands Political Turmoil: A Day of Alliances, Dissolution Attempts, and Legal Challenges as PM Vote Looms This Friday

Adam JuddWednesday, 3 September 2025, 23:29

Bangkok, September 3rd, 2025-

Thailand's political landscape erupted today as the opposition People's Party (PP) officially announced its support for Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the next prime minister, only for the ruling Pheu Thai Party to counter with a controversial bid to attempt to dissolve parliament, which would immediately force new elections.

This high-stakes maneuvering comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny of Pheu Thai's caretaker leadership and sets the stage for a parliamentary vote on Friday that could crown Anutin as Thailand's 32nd prime minister. The developments show the fragile balance of power in a nation still reeling from the Constitutional Court's removal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last Friday, August 29, for ethical violations related to a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.In a morning press conference at Parliament, PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut declared the party's endorsement of Anutin Charnvirakul, the 58-year-old heir to a construction fortune and former deputy prime minister. The PP, which holds 143 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives and emerged as the largest bloc in the 2023 elections, will provide "confidence and supply" support without joining the cabinet.

This backing is pivotal, as Anutin needs at least 247 votes—half of the House—to secure the premiership.The decision followed days of internal deliberations, including surveys of over 10,000 party members, and reflects the PP's strategy to break the post-Paetongtarn deadlock while advancing its core demands. Natthaphong stated that the alliance aims to prevent "interference by powerful interests outside of politics" and avoid the return of an unstable Pheu Thai-led coalition. He described the move as a "sacrifice for Thailand during a period of crises," prioritizing parliamentary democracy over ideological purity.Anutin, speaking separately, expressed gratitude and confirmed he had secured commitments from seven parties and groups totaling 146 seats, including Bhumjaithai's 69 MPs, Palang Pracharath's 20, Thai Sang Thai's 6, and smaller factions. Combined with PP support, this coalition exceeds the required threshold. Bhumjaithai, which withdrew from Paetongtarn's government in June over the border dispute and cannabis policy clashes, positioned itself as a bridge-builder.

Anutin pledged to form a minority government focused on immediate priorities: Resolving the Thai-Cambodia border tensions, economic stabilization, and constitutional reforms. Some, however, also expect him to make a bid for full legalization of cannabis and push for passing final laws to prevent it being continually changed by regulation based on political whim.

The agreement, signed during the press conference, includes three binding conditions from the PP:
– Dissolution of the House within four months of the new government's policy statement to trigger snap elections.
– A referendum on amending the 2017 constitution, potentially leading to a new charter drafted by an elected assembly.
– The PP's stay in their role as opposition, ensuring rigorous scrutiny without ministerial positions.

This deal echoes earlier negotiations post-Paetongtarn's ouster, where Bhumjaithai first accepted PP terms on August 29. Analysts note that while the PP's progressive roots clash with Bhumjaithai's conservative push, the alliance prioritizes short-term stability over long-term governance.Just hours after the PP's announcement, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong revealed that acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had submitted a dissolution decree to His Royal Majesty the king on Tuesday night, August 29th, seeking royal approval for snap elections within 45-60 days. Phumtham, who assumed the role after Paetongtarn's suspension on July 1st and dismissal on August 29, framed the move as a return of power to the people amid "chaotic" fragmentation.Pheu Thai, with 141 seats, argued that Anutin's proposed minority government—lacking a stable majority—would increase economic woes, including sluggish growth projected at 2.3% for 2025.

Sorawong insisted a caretaker prime minister holds dissolution authority, citing constitutional ambiguities and past precedents. The party, led behind the scenes by Thaksin Shinawatra, views the dissolution as a firewall against losing influence, especially after hemorrhaging coalition partners like Bhumjaithai.However, the bid appears set to fail. Legal experts are divided, but the government's own Council of State adviser, secretary-general Pakorn Nilprapunt, opined on August 30th that a caretaker lacks such powers, aligning with constitutional scholars like former judge Charan Phakdeethanakul. Pro-government voices, including Pheu Thai deputy leader Chusak Sirinil and Thammasat University lecturer Worachet Pakeerut, counter that no explicit ban exists, leaving the decision to royal prerogative. Yet, with the PP's support tilting toward Anutin and parliament scheduled for a special session September 5th—including a PM vote on Friday—the dissolution faces procedural hurdles. As of press time, the dissolution attempt reportedly already failed due to legal questions, with Pheu Thai stating willingness to become opposition.

Phumtham warned that the PP-Bhumjaithai pact creates a "three-way split" with Pheu Thai in opposition, risking instability. Critics, however, accuse Pheu Thai of politicizing the monarchy by invoking royal approval in a bid to cling to power.Compounding the crisis, legal pressures mounted against Pheu Thai's interim administration. A list MP and activist filed a lèse-majesté complaint against Phumtham today, alleging his dissolution request misused the monarchy as a "political tool," violating Section 112 of the Penal Code. The complaint, submitted to police, claims Phumtham overstepped his caretaker authority, potentially breaching ethical standards.

Additionally, serial petitioner Srisuwan Chanyuan urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to probe Phumtham for ethical violations in submitting the decree, citing Council of State guidance. The NACC had already launched a preliminary investigation into Paetongtarn's ethics breach, which led to her ouster—a case rooted in her June phone call appearing deferential to Hun Sen amid border clashes that killed soldiers.Also, Palang Pracharath MP Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the Election Commission on September 2nd to dissolve Pheu Thai entirely, echoing earlier probes into the party's alliances.Parliament's secretary-general confirmed a special session September 3-5, with a prime ministerial vote slated for Friday, September 5. Anutin, eligible under 2023 nomination rules, emerges as the frontrunner. His coalition, bolstered by PP's 143 votes, promises a four-month interim term focused on security, economy, and reforms—potentially averting deeper deadlock.Pheu Thai's Chaikasem Nitisiri, 77 and a Thaksin loyalist, remains their sole candidate but lacks the numbers without PP support. Analysts like Chulalongkorn University's Stithorn Thananithichot predict Anutin's win could stabilize the interim but risks fragility if dissolution conditions falter. Public sentiment, per recent polls, favors elections, with PP's popularity showing youth frustration over stalled reforms.

With economic stakes high—tourism rebounding but growth lagging—the outcome will test whether alliances endure or fracture further.

Foreigners wonder what’s in store if Anutin becomes the next premier. If Ladbrokes were allowed in Thailand, the heavy betting would be on burly and natty dresser Anutin Charnvirakul becoming the next prime minister. Leader of the 69-seat Bhumjaithai block in parliament, he claims to have more than half of the 492 sitting MPs altready in the bag: deals the biggest opposition Peoples Party, the remnants of the pro-military groups, several small parties and assorted “cobras” or government MPs who might switch sides.- Pattaya Mail

Foreigners wonder what's in store if Anutin becomes the next premier

Pattaya MailAugust 31, 2025

Publicity conscious Anutin buys ice cream with Thai children.

If Ladbrokes were allowed in Thailand, the heavy betting would be on burly and natty dresser Anutin Charnvirakul becoming the next prime minister. Leader of the 69-seat Bhumjaithai block in parliament, he claims to have more than half of the 492 sitting MPs altready in the bag: deals the biggest opposition Peoples Party, the remnants of the pro-military groups, several small parties and assorted "cobras" or government MPs who might switch sides. We should know for sure in a couple of weeks.

From the foreigner perspective, 58-year old Anutin has a mixed reputation. Health minister in 2020, he blamed the covid pandemic in Twitter posts on unhygienic foreigners and blasted a bewildered tourist who refused his offer of a face mask. But Anutin later apologized. He was very influential in the legalizing cannabis in 2023, but said the main reasons were to reduce the prison population and to encourage the nascent hemp industry. He is no advocate for leisure cannabis Amsterdam-style, yet a firm believer in the herb's health-giving qualities.

Anutin speaks English as he gained a science degree in New York before becoming president of his family's engineering company in Thailand. He speaks Chinese at home and is of Thai-Chinese ancestry, personally welcoming the first official Chinese tourist group – post covid – with garlands at the airport. He has stated as interior minister (2023 until resignation on June 19 2025) that Thailand is a friend of both the US and China and he is on first-name terms with US ambassador Bob Kodek.

As regards subjects of particular interest to Thailand's expat community, Anutin has said little over the years. It is unlikely there will be major developments on visas, for example, as the next administration will likely be short-term pending a general election early next year. The preoccupation for now will be on domestic issues such as a deflated economy, the high level of household debt, tariffs and a possible referendum for a new constitution to satisfy coalition partners.

The Ministry of Finance will be pushing for the adoption of its long-promised rule change to allow foreign income to be tax-free when transmitted to Thailand, provided it arrives during the year of earning or the following year. This does not require parliamentary approval but merely the nod of assent from the Council of State and the Cabinet. To allow this key issue to languish into the next tax year, from January 2026, would be highly detrimental all round. There is much more involved here than farang retirees worrying about their pensions.

Anutin's main hobby is aircraft and he is known for delivering human organs for transplant in his private plane. He can be difficult to predict as he has attacked military interventions but campaigned in parliament against a bill designed to prevent future coups. He told Time magazine in 2023, "If the people feel I can deliver what they need, they will choose me to work for them". Nothing is ever 100 percent in Thai politics, but he is about to have his moment.

BREAKING: Paetongtarn removed from office ThaiPBSWorld

BREAKING: Paetongtarn removed from office
The Constitutional Court today removed now former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, after finding her guilty of committing gross ethical misconduct during a conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, regarding a deadly border clash between the two countries.
The ruling means her entire Cabinet is also removed from office.
#ThaiPBSWorld

Storm KAJIKI warning

Thailand Post temporarily bans all mail to United States. State enterprise Thailand Post has just banned all outgoing letters, packages and parcels to US because of changes in American customs regulations. Until now, goods valued under US$800 (26,000 baht) were exempt from import tariffs, but starting August 29 most international mail to US will be subject to new charges which could see US recipients paying US$160 extra for a parcel delivery.- Pattaya Mail

Thailand Post temporarily bans all mail to United States

Pattaya MailAugust 23, 2025

Donald Trump's executive order has created mayhem in post offices worldwide.

State enterprise Thailand Post has just banned all outgoing letters, packages and parcels to US because of changes in American customs regulations. Until now, goods valued under US$800 (26,000 baht) were exempt from import tariffs, but starting August 29 most international mail to US will be subject to new charges which could see US recipients paying US$160 extra for a parcel delivery.

Donald Trump's executive order excludes letters and documents from the surcharges, but there is ongoing confusion across the board. Even a birthday card might be subject to extra scrutiny, leading to delays in delivery throughout the United States. Thailand Post has failed to get a guarantee that even first-class letters aren't "goods intended for consumption", leading to a total cessation of handling US-destined mail.

As national postal services round the world are affected by the new US policy, Thailand is not the only country to take action. Some or all postal services to US have been suspended in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium. The UK has halted some export services to allow for the implementation of systems to handle the new import duties and taxes.

Courier mail services in Thailand, such as DHL and FedEx, are still accepting mail to US, but with much higher charges. Customers must expect closer inspection of the contents of any package both here and on arrival in US. They are also being warned that the typical three-days international transit time by air can no longer be guaranteed.

Thailand Post said that the total ban was hopefully temporary pending clarification from the US Customs and Border Protection, but mail charges were bound to rise substantially once normal services is resumed. Meanwhile, conspiracy theorists on social media are hard at work. A popular rumor is that Trump's real aim is to prevent overseas Americans from mailing-in their ballots in future elections.

Thaksin acquitted of lèse-majesté charge. The Criminal Court today acquitted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of lèse-majesté charges, stemming from a 2015 interview with a South Korean media outlet. The court ruled that the video clip submitted as evidence contained only excerpts of the interview, with limited wording, while it believed the full interview had more content. Thai PBS

Thaksin acquitted of lèse-majesté charge

The Criminal Court today acquitted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of lèse-majesté charges, stemming from a 2015 interview with a South Korean media outlet.

The court ruled that the video clip submitted as evidence contained only excerpts of the interview, with limited wording, while it believed the full interview had more content.

Since the prosecution could not prove whether the clip had or had not been edited, and because Thaksin's statements were not specifically directed at the King, the court extended the benefit of the doubt to the defendant and acquitted him.

Thaksin, who attended the closed-door reading of the verdict at the court, was seen leaving without speaking to the waiting media.

Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, stated that an appeal would depend on whether the case met the legal criteria. He viewed the court's reasoning for the acquittal as comprehensive, leaving the decision over any further litigation to the prosecution.

According to the Court's ruling document, the Court viewed that although the prosecution's witness testified that the video clip did belong to the defendant, and although the full version of the clip was unavailable, the defendant admitted that the person and voice in the clip were his.

Therefore, the Court accepted that it was indeed a genuine interview, not an edited clip.

However, upon examining the statements in the clip, the court found that the language used did not contain words or royal terminology that would clearly indicate a direct reference to the King.

Instead, the pronoun "he" was used, along with references to the Privy Council, the military, the "Palace Circle," and "people in the palace."

The Court further noted that the prosecution's expert linguistic witness was the only one of his kind, while another witness, who was politically biased as a former participant in anti-Thaksin protests, had to be treated with caution.

Therefore, it could not be concluded that an ordinary, reasonable person would interpret the statements as the witnesses had.

As for the police witnesses, they unanimously admitted that the clip could not be confirmed as the original and the source of the clip's online distribution could not be traced.

Meanwhile, in reviewing the Facebook and YouTube pages that had circulated the clip, the court found that listeners who had heard it from the beginning understood it as Thaksin criticizing the coup and military takeover, with references to Suthep Thaugsuban, the military, and the Privy Council.

They did not interpret it as a reference to the King.

Moreover since the prosecution's evidence was insufficient to meet the burden of proof, the court ruled that the defendant was not guilty of defaming, insulting, or threatening the King.

Regarding the charge of conspiring to threaten the King, the prosecution presented no evidence at all. As for the charge of importing computer data affecting national security, this too was dismissed, as there was no evidence confirming that the statements in question referred to the King.

The lawyer said that, after hearing the verdict, Thaksin smiled and expressed his delight, saying he could return to work for the country.

The acquittal marks a significant victory for Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after more than 15 years abroad in self-imposed exile.

The Pheu Thai Party, led by his daughter Paetongtarn, currently leads the governing coalition, but with Paetongtarn currently suspended as prime minister, facing a separate trial over the contents of a phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Thaksin is, however, widely believed to be behind key decisions of the administration and the party.

Thailand Tightens Mobile Banking to Curb Scams. The Bank of Thailand has announced strict new mobile banking transfer limits to combat rising financial fraud, capping daily transfers at 50,000 baht for children under 15 and seniors over 65 opening new accounts. Daranee Saeju, the assistant governor for payment systems policy, stated the measure aims to protect vulnerable customers by introducing a customer profiling system that sets transfer limits based on risk. ASEAN NOW

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The Bank of Thailand has announced strict new mobile banking transfer limits to combat rising financial fraud, capping daily transfers at 50,000 baht for children under 15 and seniors over 65 opening new accounts.

 

Daranee Saeju, the assistant governor for payment systems policy, stated the measure aims to protect vulnerable customers by introducing a customer profiling system that sets transfer limits based on risk.

 

Users are divided into three groups: suspected fraudsters, general users, and vulnerable customers, with limits categorised into three tiers: under 50,000 baht, under 200,000 baht, and above 200,000 baht.

 

The new policy is already in effect for new mobile banking applicants. Existing users will need to comply by year-end, though banks will individually determine risk classifications.

 

Customers with positive financial histories remain unaffected, and those needing higher limits can request upgrades. Special precautions will still apply to those considered vulnerable to fraud due to their increased susceptibility, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Currently, Thailand has about 12 million mobile banking users. Existing controls limit mobile banking transfers to 50,000 baht per transaction, with facial recognition, and 200,000 baht per day.

 

However, financial fraud is a serious concern, with June alone documenting 24,500 scam cases linked to money transfers, resulting in losses totalling 2.8 billion baht. On average, each fraudulent case resulted in 114,000 baht lost, with the largest single scam taking 4.9 million baht.

 

Regionally, 22% of fraud cases involve transactions exceeding 50,000 baht sent to mule accounts, yet they account for a staggering 76% of the overall losses.

 

Alarmingly, it takes scammers only three minutes to drain half the stolen funds, whereas victims generally take between 19 and 25 hours to report the crime. In the first half of the year, 78,468 scam cases involved children, while those over 65 were victims in 416,453 cases.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-20