george

Not yet announced by The Immigration Bureau , the announcement was done by MFA just yesterday after the cabinet meeting. Immigration is normally not fast with policy updates, so watch this space for updates when it happens.

UPDATE: Thailand makes sweeping changes for foreign travellers in record tourism bid Changes will be made for digital nomads, students and retirees BANGKOK: -- Thailand's government has announced sweeping changes to tourism in the country. Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a big source of employment. The country said on Tuesday it had approved longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students and remote workers, and better visa conditions for retirees, in a move to boost its crucial tourism sector as its economy stutters. Starting in June, Thailand will allow travelers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days, up from the current 57 nations, while more will also be eligible for visas on arrival, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told reporters. Foreign students will be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed, he added. The new measures come as part of an effort to boost visitors, especially from its main and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits to 60 days from 30 days for on-arrival visas. The validity of so-called “digital nomad” visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from 60 days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days. Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists in from January to May 26 this year and is targeting a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion). In pre-pandemic 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht. -- independent.co.uk 2024-05-28

Moved to forum support

UPDATE: BANGKOK: -– The Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, including easing visa rules to boost tourism and attract more foreign visitors. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, as the country faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt. The Cabinet meeting reached a unanimous conclusion that Thailand needs to generate new income by fully accelerating tourism policies, which are considered the only economic engine that will yield rapid returns. Key points of the plan are divided into three phases for 2024-2025. The government aims to generate this short-term measures no less than 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024. Short-term measures: - Visa exemption for tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (up from 57), allowing stays of up to 60 days. - Expansion of Visa on Arrival (VOA) to 31 countries (up from 19). - Introduction of a new visa category, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely (workcation). Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) eligibility and benefits: - Skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaging in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events. - Spouses and legal children (under 20) of DTV holders. - Proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for the duration of stay. - DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht. Improved benefits for foreign students: - Foreign students pursuing bachelor’s degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will have an easier time finding work and staying in Thailand after graduation. - Extended stay of 1 year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Medium-term measures: - It will be implemented from September to December 2024. - Restructuring and reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, starting in September 2024. - Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024. - Reducing the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels: 40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients. - Expanding the e-Visa service from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide by December 2024. Long-term measures: It will be fully implemented by June 2025. - Developing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption. - Using technology and innovation to enhance the screening of foreign nationals by integrating data with the Immigration Bureau. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong stated that while these measures to facilitate tourism will result in a loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD) in government revenue annually, the expected return from increased tourism, estimated at 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD), led the Cabinet to approve the measures. -- Khao Sot 2024-05-28

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Moved to visa forum.

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Do you have a source for this?

After nearly three decades, the pioneering messenger service ICQ will shut down on June 26th, 2024. Developed by Israeli company Mirabilis in 1996, ICQ quickly became a global phenomenon, introducing millions to real-time online communication. Its unique user identification system, based on assigned numbers instead of usernames, was a defining characteristic. ICQ's popularity peaked in the late 90s and early 2000s, boasting over 100 million users at its zenith. However, the rise of competing platforms like AIM, MSN Messenger, and later, social media giants, gradually eroded its user base. In 2010, Russian tech company Mail.ru Group, now known as VK, acquired ICQ. Despite attempts to revitalize the platform with new features and mobile versions, it failed to regain its former glory. VK's announcement of ICQ's closure came as no surprise to many, as its user base had dwindled significantly. VK encourages remaining ICQ users to transition to their other messaging platforms, VK Messenger and VK WorkSpace. While ICQ may be disappearing, its legacy as a trailblazer in online communication remains. It paved the way for the countless messaging apps we use today and will forever be remembered as a significant milestone in internet history. The closure of ICQ marks the end of an era for many who grew up using the platform. It serves as a reminder of how rapidly technology evolves and how even once-dominant platforms can become obsolete. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-05-25

Wrong. I'm flying a lot of domestic and always only show DL. Have passport with me as a backup but never been asked for it.

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Video of the departing ambulances: video_509119225546932579-SSUY1pNG.mov

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This discussion could end up with legal trouble, as libel/defamation is a serious crime in Thailand, even if claims are true. We have to be careful here!

BANGKOK: — The Bank of Thailand is actively expanding the digital payments ecosystem to enhance accessibility for both Thai citizens and foreigners, as stated by an official at the institution. Here are the key points: The BOT is engaging in collaborations with various countries, including China, to establish partnerships centered around QR code payment systems. Thailand's PromptPay system is already operational in several countries such as Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, and Vietnam. The projected global transaction value in the digital payments market within the SEA region is expected to hit US$287.20 billion this year. Pariwat Kanithasen, the BOT deputy director of payments and fintech department, emphasized the expansion of Thailand's digital payment ecosystem during the "Cross-Border Payment, Now and Beyond" seminar at the 24th Money Expo Bangkok 2024. Thailand's PromptPay facilitates mobile banking and payments, enabling users to transfer money using their mobile phone number or National ID number. Launched in 2017, PromptPay has gained popularity within Thailand and neighboring countries, promoting financial inclusion and streamlining cross-border transactions and e-commerce activities. The Bank of Thailand is working with other regions to establish QR code-based payment links, allowing tourists and residents to scan QR codes and make payments directly at cross-border merchants. Discussions are underway with China to expand the reach of cross-border digital payments. The Southeast Asia (SEA) region stands at the forefront of the digital payments industry with significant growth. The projected transaction value by the end of the year is substantial, indicating a strong annual growth rate and a promising future for digital payment systems. Virtual wallets, particularly mobile wallets, have become pivotal in the digital payment landscape, offering convenience and security for users seeking online and in-store payment solutions. Additionally, virtual credit cards like PayWithus are gaining momentum, providing efficient payment options that integrate various methods such as cryptocurrencies. — Bangkok One 2024-05-21

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Could you please forward one or two of these emails to admin at aseannow.com and we will have a look at it. We don't spam for sure, so I'm curious what it can be. Cheers

BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport departure passport control area are installing new automatic channel for passport screening to replace the existing system. In the international departure passport control area, Zone 2, on the west side of the 4th Floor of the passenger terminal building, some areas will be closed until June 4, 2024. Passengers departing on international flights are advised to arrive at BKK airport at least 3+ hours before their scheduled departure time. This extra time allows for check-in, security checks, and any unexpected delays. Safe travels! -- Source: AoT / THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL

I'm a durian lover, big time.

Scammers in Thailand use SIM cards registered under other people’s names to call potential victims and lure them into sending money or take control of their phones remotely to steal money with banking apps. The NBTC is working with banks and mobile network operators AIS and True to ensure that connected phone SIM cards and mobile banking accounts are registered to the correct individuals. NBTC is examining mobile-phone numbers linked to an estimated 106 million mobile banking accounts to see if the owners’ names match and is taking several steps to verify the identity of SIM card owners. These steps include: Requiring all SIM card users to register their SIM cards with their national identification cards. Cross-checking SIM card registration information with other government databases. Using facial recognition technology to verify the identity of SIM card owners. The NBTC is also working to raise public awareness about the dangers of using unregistered SIM cards. The agency has launched a campaign to educate people about how to protect themselves from phishing attacks, malware, and other online threats. The campaign includes public service announcements, educational materials, and workshops. Online scams are a serious problem in Thailand and can have a devastating impact on victims. The NBTC’s measures will help protect people from online scams, as well as Thailand’s critical infrastructure and businesses, making Thailand a safer place to do business. -- The Thaiger 2024-05-19

Authorities in Khon Kaen have launched an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse after the arrest of a school director and a retired teacher accused of purchasing sex from a 12-year-old student. The school director has been reassigned to the local educational services office and will face disciplinary action, according to Thee Pawangkhanan, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec). The educational services office in Khon Kaen has initiated a fact-finding inquiry following orders from Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and Obec secretary-general Thanu Wongjinda. Thee confirmed this development recently, emphasising the seriousness of the situation. “The education minister and the Obec secretary-general have expressed concern about the mental state of the abused student,” said Thee. “They have instructed the educational services area office to follow up this case, assess her mental state and draw up remedy measures for her.” Poj Puramphaka, 58, who leads a public school in Chumphae district, in Khon Kaen province, was among five individuals arrested on charges related to child sex abuse. Pol Maj Gen Sarut Khwaengsopha, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), confirmed the arrests on Friday. Others arrested include retired teacher Wichai Manad, 69, along with three others — two women and a man — accused of procuring young people for the sex trade. During Thursday’s operation, police also rescued three victims: the 12-year-old student and two female teenagers, both aged 17. Authorities reported that these individuals had been coerced into the sex trade. The investigation continues as authorities aim to uncover the full extent of the abuse and ensure justice for the victims. -- The Thaiger 2024-05-18