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Thailand's Digital Card Chaos: Say Goodbye to TM6, Hello to Confusion! Picture courtesy of Vietnam Investment Review Thailand is scrapping its much-dreaded TM6 arrival form, replacing it with a new digital system—the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—from May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356153-thailands-digital-card-chaos-say-goodbye-to-tm6-hello-to-confusion/

Picture courtesy of Vietnam Investment Review Thailand is scrapping its much-dreaded TM6 arrival form, replacing it with a new digital system—the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—from May 1. However, travellers should hold off on celebrating as the latest digital venture appears as perplexing as the form it replaces. The TDAC might ease entry formalities eventually, but the system launch is anything but smooth. For years, non-Thai passport holders have filled out blue-and-white cards to enter the country, but the digital transition is meant to streamline this decade-old process. The new system requires entrants to fill in personal, travel, and accommodation data online, promising a seamless experience with a QR code to present at immigration. But alas, the jargon-heavy user manual and an unreliable video tutorial only leave people scratching their heads. As users grapple with a non-functioning tutorial and murky submission procedures, confusion reigns supreme. In fact, there's no word yet on whether travellers must continue carrying a paper form alongside their digital submission. Screenshots from TDAC website Further complicating matters, the authorities haven't confirmed if the TDAC will double as a customs declaration or whether an exit card is on the horizon. Contrary to visa requirements, the TDAC is a separate consideration. No matter their visa status—whether visa-free for up to 60 days, extended duration, or work permits—foreign nationals must fill out the TDAC. The digital card is part of the grand plan to digitise Thailand's immigration, but right now, users are faced with a tangled web of uncertainty. As the May 1 deadline looms, travellers are left wondering if the immigration process will be ready for prime time or if more chaos will ensue. Without clear instructions and user-friendly solutions for tech-challenged visitors, the initiative is in danger of reinforcing red tape, not removing it. How the situation unfolds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Thailand's digital promise is a work-in-progress. Stay tuned for more updates. Based on a report by The Thaiger -- 2025-03-29

Rescue Efforts Continue After Earthquake Collapse Leaves Eight Dead and 100 Missing in Bangkok Rescuers work at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Bangkok felt the tremors of a powerful earthquake in Myanmar. A 30-storey skyscraper under construction in the Chatuchak district crumbled. Eight found dead, and approximately 100 workers remain missing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356134-earthquake-rescue-efforts-continue-after-building-collapse-kills-eight-100-missing/

Bangkok Declared Disaster Zone Following Powerful Myanmar Earthquake People who evacuated from buildings following earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Chutima Lalit) Bangkok is reeling after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Myanmar shook Thailand's capital. The extreme seismic activity has forced the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to declare a Level 2 disaster zone. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356130-bangkok-declared-disaster-zone-following-powerful-myanmar-earthquake/

PM Paetongtarn Faces Tax Storm: Scandal Brewing Over Shares People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn at the Revenue Department Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces heat over potential tax loopholes in a family share transfer worth a whopping 4.4 billion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356126-pm-paetongtarn-faces-tax-storm-scandal-brewing-over-shares/

Rescuers work at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Bangkok felt the tremors of a powerful earthquake in Myanmar. A 30-storey skyscraper under construction in the Chatuchak district crumbled. Eight found dead, and approximately 100 workers remain missing. Rescue operations continue with soldiers and sniffer dogs scouring the ruins. So far, 12 workers have been rescued and are receiving care at nearby hospitals. A makeshift centre now teems with anxious family members, clinging to hope. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the scene, sharing the bleak news of the rising death toll. The families' anxiety is palpable, with people travelling from across Thailand to search for loved ones. Despite the devastation, there's a unified hope for more survivors. Among the desperate, a woman persistently calls her husband, a foreman. His phone lies silent amid the rubble. Tears and anguish frame her face, yet she dials on, unwilling to accept the worst. Another shares her story as she frantically seeks her parents. Both electricians, they worked across the tall building. She awaits their return, hoping beyond hope that they are safe, hidden among the debris. The incident has sent a wave of sorrow and fear through the community. Families watch the rescue efforts unfold, hoping the nightmare will end with loved ones safe. The air is thick with anticipation, each passing hour testing their patience and resolve. While uncertainties loom large, the united efforts of rescue teams offer a glimmer of hope. The search continues, candles flickering in the night, illuminating the shadows of the tragedy still unfolding. Based on a story by Thai PBS World -- 2025-03-29

People who evacuated from buildings following earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Chutima Lalit) Bangkok is reeling after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Myanmar shook Thailand's capital. The extreme seismic activity has forced the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to declare a Level 2 disaster zone. This comes as tremors were felt all across North and Central regions, leading to significant damage, especially in Bangkok. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the critical situation, urging residents to brace for possible aftershocks. With tremors felt as far as Mae Hong Son province, a rapid response from authorities is underway as they assess damage and prepare to assist citizens. The announcement stressed that public safety is a top priority, in accordance with the 2007 Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act. As the city grapples with the quake's aftermath, a tragedy unfolded in Chatuchak district. A building under construction collapsed, trapping 43 workers. Reports from the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Services Centre reveal a tense rescue operation is ongoing, though seven workers have managed to escape unscathed. This collapsed structure was part of an “Integrity Pact” project, aimed at ensuring transparency alongside the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand and the State Audit Office of Thailand. While the project had initially been celebrated for its cost savings – approximately 386.15 million baht from the original 2.52 billion baht construction price – it now faces scrutiny amid the disaster. As Bangkok remains on high alert, communities are advised to stay informed on developments and heed official guidance. Based on a report by The Nation -- 2025-03-29

People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn at the Revenue Department Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces heat over potential tax loopholes in a family share transfer worth a whopping 4.4 billion baht. The spotlight is on her cosy promissory notes to family members, allegedly dodging the 5% tax on share transfers. The move has sparked uproar, questioning her transparency and legal compliance. The Revenue Department is under pressure to act, following a call from People's MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn. Wiroj urged the department's director-general, Pinsai Suraswadi, to probe such actions, fearing they might set a reckless precedent. As Paetongtarn brushes off the allegations, insisting those promissory notes will be settled next year, tensions brew around her integrity. Among those implicated are her immediate relatives, including brother Panthongtae and sister Pinthongta, with whom she exchanged shares for notes. Under current rules, promissory notes stay tax-free until cash payment, leaving Wiroj suspicious of this deliberate delay. In the tense air of recent censure debates, opposition echoes demand clarity from their leader. Promissory notes, often accused of vague terms, have positioned Paetongtarn in a potentially precarious legal landscape. With public trust teetering, many watch closely to see how the Revenue Department navigates political tides. For now, Paetongtarn's reputation remains under scrutiny as she holds firm amid the allegations. The ongoing situation highlights a larger national discussion on transparency and fair governance. Both Thai citizens and lawmakers are closely monitoring developments, seeking a resolution that upholds principles of fairness and accountability. The outcome remains uncertain, but it could present political challenges for the Prime Minister. Based on a report by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-03-29

UPDATE: Aftershock Warnings: Thai PM Stresses Calm and Clarity Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand was sent into panic when a hefty earthquake in Myanmar made itself felt all the way to Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is urging calm amid warnings of potential aftershocks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356091-77-quake-shakes-myanmar-thailand-on-alert-for-aftershock/#findComment-19692424

Aftershock Warnings: Thai PM Stresses Calm and Clarity Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand was sent into panic when a hefty earthquake in Myanmar made itself felt all the way to Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is urging calm amid warnings of potential aftershocks. She advises the public to tune in to official channels like NBT for their quake updates to avoid any panic or misinformation frenzy. After an emergency chinwag in Phuket, where she was schmoozing at a tourism conference, Ms Paetongtarn dashed back to Bangkok. Her mission? To keep a keen eye on the government's response as it unfolds. Meanwhile, in the wake of the tremor, many in the northern, northeastern, and central regions are still left guessing the extent of the damage. Among the chaos, the most dramatic scene unfolded as a 30-storey building under construction for the State Audit Office crumbled, leaving scores of workers trapped. Reports are streaming in of damages in eight provinces, highlighting a rough day for countless communities. The drama started with a roaring 7.7 magnitude quake that shook Mandalay at 1.20pm, triggering a bout of aftershocks including a mild 3.3 shake felt in Pai district, Mae Hong Son, at 2.49pm. The quake's epicenter, thankfully distant at 326 kilometres northwest of Mae Hong Son’s Pang Ma Pha, likely saved Bangkok from worse. No need to worry about tsunamis, says Pichit Sombatmak, Mineral Resources Department’s big cheese, as the quake hit far from any oceanic mischief. Nonetheless, Phuket’s governor Sophon Suvannarat is keeping a wary eye, ensuring tourists sipping margaritas on resort beaches feel assured. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-03-29

Singaporean Suspect in Thai Girlfriend's Death Hiding in Myanmar Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวไว ThaiNews A Singaporean man, Daniel Benjamin Goh Wei-en, is suspected of murdering his Thai girlfriend, Proudphilas Paladon, in a Bangkok condominium and reportedly fleeing to Tachileik, Myanmar. Proudphilas, aged 30, was discovered dead and unclothed in her Bangkok accommodation on March 25. Her body, partially covered with cloth and blankets, showed no visible wounds but was found to have bruises on her arms and mouth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/135609

Bangkok Shop Owner Defends Right to Sell Controversial Shirts Photo via Facebook/ ชลธิชา นาวาทอง In a recent online post, Chonticha Nawathong, the owner of a second-hand clothing store in Bangkok, publicised her frustration with foreign tourists demanding she stop selling shirts featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler. Located at the Bang Sue Junction near Chatuchak Weekend Market, her shop showcases rare shirts, some involving contentious figures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356092-bangkok-shop-owner-defends-right-to-sell-controversial-shirts/

Thailand on Alert for Aftershock Earthquake in Bangkok Earlier today, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand, alarming residents in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The initial quake struck near Mandalay and prompted immediate evacuation of high-rise buildings due to the noticeable swaying, particularly in Bangkok and other major Thai centres. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356091-77-quake-shakes-myanmar-

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 29 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1356089-thailand-live-saturday-29-march-2025/

Earthquake Rocks Bangkok: Building Collapses with at least 40 people inside A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, sending shockwaves as far as Bangkok and causing widespread devastation. The epicenter was near Mandalay at a depth of 10 kilometers. The impact was strongly felt, prompting chaos and evacuations across the Thai capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356087-earthquake-rocks-bangkok-building-collapses-with-40-people-inside/

Earthquake Rocks Bangkok: Building Collapses with 40 people inside A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, sending shockwaves as far as Bangkok and causing widespread devastation. The epicenter was near Mandalay at a depth of 10 kilometers. The impact was strongly felt, prompting chaos and evacuations across the Thai capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356087-earthquake-rocks-bangkok-building-collapses-with-40-people-inside/

High Rise Building Collapses in Chatuchak, Workers Flee for Their Lives A building collapse in Chatuchak, Bangkok, has left authorities scrambling to assess the number of casualties and possible survivors trapped under the rubble. The structure, still under construction, crumbled into dust in a matter of seconds, sending construction workers running for their lives. Footage circulating on social media captures the terrifying moment workers flee from the towering structure. Just moments after they escape, the entire building collapses with a deafening crash, sending a massive cloud of dust and debris into the air. Eyewitnesses described the scene of panic, with workers shouting and sprinting to safety as the building shook and ultimately gave way. “It was like an earthquake,” said one witness. “The ground trembled, and then, in an instant, the whole building just came down. It was horrifying.” Authorities have yet to confirm the number of injured or missing persons. Rescue teams, including Bangkok emergency responders and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, are conducting thorough searches of the wreckage to locate survivors. The collapse followed a 7.7 earthquake in Burma which shock many parts of Bangkok. -- 2025-03-28

Deputy PM Refutes 10 Million Baht Bribe Allegation File photo courtesy of Xinhua The plot thickens in Thailand's political theatre as Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong dismisses fiery accusations that the government tried to buy votes. The main opposition, People's Party (PP), claims their Rayong MP was courted with a cool 10 million baht (around £220,000) to sway his vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a recent no-confidence showdown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356061-deputy-pm-refutes-10-million-baht-bribe-allegation/

File photo courtesy of Xinhua The plot thickens in Thailand's political theatre as Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong dismisses fiery accusations that the government tried to buy votes. The main opposition, People's Party (PP), claims their Rayong MP was courted with a cool 10 million baht (around £220,000) to sway his vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a recent no-confidence showdown. Prasert, who also serves as the digital economy and society minister, has poured cold water over these claims. He insists the government comfortably commands more than 300 MPs—enough to clinch the confidence vote without resorting to under-the-table tactics. The alleged evidence? A Facebook post by Mr. Mr Krit, the PP MP, featuring a snapshot of a Line app chat purportedly showing a cash offer. The drama unfolded as the two-day censure debate wrapped up, culminating in a Wednesday morning vote. Out of 488 MPs, 319 backed the Prime Minister, leaving 162 against and seven on the fence. Interestingly, a handful of opposition MPs crossed the aisle, backing Ms Paetongtarn against the grain of their parties. Among them were seven defectors, including Kanchana Changwa from Palang Pracharath and Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit from the Thai Progressive Party. Prasert waves away the vote-buying narrative as exaggerated, arguing some opposition MPs may have genuinely been swayed by Ms Paetongtarn's staunch defence. "Groundless," he calls Mr Krit's Facebook allegation. Prasert also shoots down rumours that turncoat MPs hope to climb aboard the government's bandwagon for future perks. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin chimes in, advising the opposition to bolster their claims rather than fling unsubstantiated allegations. He also took a swing at opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut for approaching the PM post-vote under the guise of snapping a photo, only to demand more comprehensive answers to his supposedly unanswered queries. Somsak isn't having it, labelling Natthaphong's actions as disrespectful. "In my four-decade parliamentary career, I've seen nothing like it," he remarks. Natthaphong's tactic of feigning a photo op before badgering the PM hasn't gone down well. While the government stands firm in the eye of this political storm, the ripple effect of these claims hasn't gone unnoticed. Insiders wonder whether all this noise hints at bigger plays behind the scenes. Amidst the allegations and counter-allegations, the political stage remains ever captivating, with all eyes on the next act in this unfolding drama. Surely, there's more to come. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-03-28

British Expats' Thai Villa Xanax Empire Lands them in Jail Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police A British couple, living the high life in Thailand, has been slapped with a 10-year prison sentence for orchestrating a vast drugs empire. Brian Pitts, 30, and Katie Harlow, 27, masterminded a multi-million-pound operation, producing and distributing fake Xanax pills via the dark web, amassing an astonishing £4 million (176 million baht). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356044-british-expats-thai-villa-xanax-empire-lands-them-in-jail/

Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police A British couple, living the high life in Thailand, has been slapped with a 10-year prison sentence for orchestrating a vast drugs empire. Brian Pitts, 30, and Katie Harlow, 27, masterminded a multi-million-pound operation, producing and distributing fake Xanax pills via the dark web, amassing an astonishing £4 million (176 million baht). Their luxurious Thai villa between 2018 and 2019 was a façade for their sinister dealings. Behind the glamorous exterior lay a massive counterfeit pill operation, churning out up to 11 million fake Xanax tablets from makeshift labs scattered across the West Midlands. Using cryptocurrency, they cleverly concealed their profits, laundering dirty money through bitcoin. Their glamorous crime spree met its end after a five-year international investigation, championed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Ltd. The couple's jet-set lifestyle crumbled in August 2019 as they landed in the UK from Thailand, smugly carting designer gear and Rolex watches. The harrowing details of their scheming were laid out at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 27. Pitts, the brains from Bilston, West Midlands, admitted to conspiracy to supply class C drugs and trademark offences. His confession saw him sentenced to eight years behind bars. Meanwhile, Harlow, residing with Pitts in a plain semi-detached house, admitted to money laundering and received a sentence of two years and one month. The scale of their operation was unearthed in a police raid at a Tipton shed, housing a counterfeit Xanax factory, complete with an industrial powder mixer. Meanwhile, a Wolverhampton garage inspection revealed a tablet press machine, metal pill casts, powders, and even a handwritten recipe list. Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police Detectives tracked their purchase of four pill press machines from a UK firm, costing £30,000 (1.32 million baht), capable of churning out 10,000 pills an hour. Notably, a significant shipment of Alprazolam and analogue Adinazolam powder from China, along with various bulking agents, was intercepted. Their courtroom drama extends beyond Pitts and Harlow. Three other gang members were handed hefty sentences, while five more await judgment. Lee Lloyd, 48, from Tipton, received seven years and two months for conspiracy to supply Class C drugs. Kyle Smith, 26, from Willenhall, was given four years, while Mark Bayley, 63, from Wolverhampton, was jailed for six years and five months for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Speaking on the case, Jonathan Kelleher from the Crown Prosecution Service underlined the potential havoc caused by the gang's reckless pursuit of profit. "This was a case of fake medicines being produced on an industrial scale, with significant potential harm to the public," he declared. Detective Inspector Dave Hollies of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit added, "The scale of production of these counterfeit tablets ran in the millions." The gang’s acquisition of over two tonnes of bulking agent, compounded with 220kg of active ingredients, highlighted the chilling efficiency of their operation. Xanax, powerful for treating anxiety and panic attacks, isn't available on the NHS, though it’s prescribed privately in the UK. The gang's counterfeit concoctions could have wreaked havoc, posing an insidious threat now neutralised. For Pitts and Harlow, the game is over. Their lush lifestyle, funded by crime, now stands as a stark warning about the risks of dabbling in the perilous world of international drug trafficking. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-03-28

CCTV Catches Chinese Man Leaving Suspicious Bag at Shrin Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath In a bewildering incident, a Chinese national left a bag at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak district, prompting a police investigation. Authorities were alerted to the scene around 7:30 PM on 27th March, following reports of a suspicious package being abandoned at the site by a man who then fled. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356042-cctv-catches-chinese-man-leaving-suspicious-bag-at-shrine/

Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath In a bewildering incident, a Chinese national left a bag at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak district, prompting a police investigation. Authorities were alerted to the scene around 7:30 PM on 27th March, following reports of a suspicious package being abandoned at the site by a man who then fled. Police responded promptly, with Pol. Lt. Shawarit Chan-gern leading the investigation at the shrine located near the entrance of Soi Phaholyothin 18/1. The incident caused concern among locals and visitors due to the high-profile location, necessitating the deployment of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to ensure safety. Upon inspection, the abandoned bag was found to contain personal effects, including clothing, a mobile phone, and a wallet. The wallet held an identification card revealing the man's identity as a resident of Kunming, China. These items have been secured as evidence in the ongoing investigation. Deputy Police Inspector Pol. Lt. Worapat Sukhthai commented on the situation, explaining that CCTV footage captured the individual calmly placing the bag before making a quick exit. Initial assessments suggest the motive might have been to create a commotion rather than cause harm, as there is no indication of any violent intent or association with extremist groups. In collaboration with The Immigration Bureau, the police are reviewing records to track the individual's entry into Thailand. Efforts are underway to locate the man and bring him in for questioning to understand his motives fully. The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the need for vigilance in handling suspicious activities in public areas. Based on a story by Thai Rath -- 2025-03-28

Thailand Considers Shortening Visa-Free Stays for Chinese Tourists Photo courtesy of Invest Bangkok Property Thailand is mulling a change to its tourist policy, potentially shortening visa-free stays for Chinese visitors. Currently, the visa-free duration stands at a generous 90 days. The new plan could see this slashed to a mere 30 days, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356022-thailand-considers-shortening-visa-free-stays-for-chinese-tourists/

Thai Govt Frets as Uyghur Issue Jolts EU Trade Talks FILE - This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 27, 2025. (Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP, File) Thailand's current spat with the European Union could complicate crucial free trade discussions, following the country's controversial deportation of Uyghur individuals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356029-thai-govt-frets-as-uyghur-issue-jolts-eu-trade-talks/