george

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.

Topic listnings on right hand sidebar will be available again shortly. We are waiting for a forum software patch for this. This week!

No. 30-days extension as we are aware of as per today.

Correct, the first info we got from MFA was clearly June 1, 2024. After that they changed their minds. The Thai legislation steps can be confusing as so many departments are involved. I think they found out that it needed change in legislation. Expect a new Police order shortly, hopefully next week. ASEAN NOW have a great direct contact with a MFA, but when when it comes to execution and launching they normally stop taking calls... TIT.

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

OK, will have a look at the topic list on front page and increase them. Cheers!

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Can you please go to a topic and take a screenshot? It should be more topic listings in the side bar there. Thanks!

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

An incredibly brave twelve-year-old girl’s revelation of enduring six years of abuse has led to the arrest of her stepfather in Bangkok. Despite the girl's attempts to alert her mother, her pleas fell on deaf ears. Police Major General Thiti Saengsawang led a complex operation resulting in the arrest of the stepfather, Amnuay Dongtan, 60. Beginning when she was only six in Tak province, the abuse continued even after the family moved to Bangkok. It was the girl's budding courage amid debilitating illness, dengue fever, in May 2024 that led her to confide in a doctor. Upon verifying the abuse, the doctor alerted the authorities, and the girl was taken into protective care in a Bangkok safe house. The victim’s brother also played a pivotal role by filing a police report that built a robust legal case against Dongtan. Though the girl’s mother attempted to mislead the police during the arrest, and Dongtan denied the allegations, Major General Teeradej Thamsuthi declared the girl's account credible. The strong evidence led the court to issue an arrest warrant swiftly. This case exposes the grim reality of child abuse within a household and urges the community to vigilantly protect its vulnerable members. -- The Thaiger 2024-06-01

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

The 30/60 days exemption is discussed in this thread:

A month ago I bought a Macbook Air M3 2024 and that's the best laptop I've ever had. My old 2010/2020 MacBook Air suddenly didn't want to charge, so I upgraded. IMO much better than iPad Pro.

A NON-Immigrant visa can only have a validity of 90 days.

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

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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.

Here is a Suvarnabhumi Airport entry stamp from today. 30 days, not 60 days!

Here is a Suvarnabhumi Airport entry stamp from today. 30 days, not 60 days!

The new regulation was announced to take effect June 1, but from reports from entry points on June 1 we are told that immigration officers still stamps only 30 days.

The new regulation was announced to take effect June 1, but from reports from entry points on June 1 we are told that immigration officers still stamps only 30 days.