george

15 minutes ago, didi said:

Relying on  News websites on legal matters it's never a good idea. 

We will have to wait until everything is officially announced in all details.

Up to this point everything is maybe an educated guess but probably speculation.

When ASEAN NOW or The Thaiger post about visa changes its always after we have consulted with the MFA and/or Immigration. We then post what we know and open topics for discussion. Then it's up for the members to discuss.

We don't keep these issues secret in-house.

We will know more shortly from MFA/Immigration and will keep you guys informed as usual.

The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association in Thailand has sounded alarm bells over the possible relisting of cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants. A controversial decision by the government could lead to industry operators incurring losses upwards of 10 billion baht in combined investments.

CBD, or cannabidiol, a medically beneficial compound found in both cannabis and hemp, has skyrocketed in popularity, with registered products increasing by 33% in the first quarter of this year alone. This covers a wide variety of goods, from food supplements, oils to cosmetics.

"If the government proceeds to criminalise cannabis and hemp to suppress misuse, manufacturers and investors of these products could stand to lose over 10 billion baht of investment," stated Tossaporn Nilkamhang, the association's president. "Furthermore, it threatens to shake investors' confidence in government-led future projects."

The proposed relisting could also dash the hopes of an estimated one million applicants preparing to register their CBD products. Tossaporn urges the government to work together with operators to mutually create a solution that heralds cannabis and hemp as new economic crops, while maintaining control over drug abuse as well as usage in children.

Tossaporn proposes that rather than criminalisation, the government could enact a Cannabis and Hemp Act to moderate the use of these plants. The act, however, should recognise that CBD products with less than 0.2% of THC, which doesn't cause mental euphoria, should not be categorised as a drug.

Users perceive less potent CBD products as ineffective or useless.

Cannabis was decriminalised in Thailand following the legality approval in June 2022, yet ambiguity over usage terms and possession limits continues to stir debates.

-- The Thaiger 2024-06-02

Photo: Royal Thai Police

CHONBURI: -- In an unprecedented global crackdown, a leading cybercrime organisation, described as the world's most sophisticated hacking group, has been successfully dismantled. This victory comes as a result of a tireless combined operation between Thai and US security services.

Officers searched a target house in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, and three condominium rooms in Na Jomtien. They found 7.5 million baht in cash, both Thai and foreign currencies, 13 luxury watches including 3 AUDEMARS PIGUET watches worth over 30 million baht, 23 pieces of jewelry worth over 50 million baht. 

In addition, there was a black BMW X7 M50d, Thai land title deeds and land purchase agreements, condominium deeds, bank accounts of Mr. Wang Yunhe and Spicy Code company, data storage devices, flash drives containing encryption key data and encryption passwords.

The operation orchestrated by the FBI and Thailand's Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of three top-ranking members of the international cybercrime syndicate. The fallout of the arrests, unlike any seen before, is set to have a significant impact on global cybercrime activities.

The syndicate had been operating extensive illegal activities involving unauthorised system access, theft of confidential information, and cryptocurrency fraud across borders, wreaking havoc on the global digital economy. The arrested individuals are now facing serious charges under the Computer Crimes Act, which could equate to a decade-long sentence for each charge.

Police General Manu Mekmok, Commissioner of Thailand's TCSD, acknowledged the role of constant vigilance and rapid response required in global digital security, stating, "Technology criminals nowadays are equipped with advanced knowledge and resources. Our mission is to be two steps ahead of them."

Supported by the broader international community, this coop breaks new ground in the fight against cybercrime, shedding light on the effectiveness of international collaboration. These arrests are not just wins for Thailand and the US; they signify a victory for global digital securities, acting as a strong deterrent against similar criminal activities. By cutting off the head of this cybercrime serpent, authorities hope to significantly slow the growth and spread of similar syndicates.

The collaboration came from a request by the US to combat cybercriminal activities, focusing on Chinese national Wang Yunhe and his gang. They are accused of committing national-level online fraud, damaging protected computer systems, committing electronic communications fraud and money laundering opeartions in the US.

-- The Thaiger 2024-06-01

Blacklisted at all airlines?? Sounds impossible. Could you elaborate on who did this "blacklisting" and where was it done?

30 days, not 60 days given this morning at Ban Pakard checkpoint to a westerner who had expected 60 days.

UPDATE:

Our Thai staff just spoke to the press center at the Government Center.

They informed ASEAN NOW that "changes can take some time to enforce" and asked us to be patient. "Coming soon".

Nobody at MFA or Thai Immigration Bureau did respond or wanted to comment on this issue.

Even wikipedia has the 60 day change

The announcement of 60 days visa exempt isn't been enforced at Suvarnabhumi Airport just yet. Here is a Suvarnabhumi Airport entry stamp from today. 30 days, not 60 days! The announcement from Ministry of Foreign affairs (MFA) says June 1, 2024. TIT.