Thailand's New Visa Rules Receives Mixed Reactions

[Video News]

 

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from Thailand's new visa rules, including a five-year Destination Thailand Visa for digital nomads, to Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo winning double Olympic gold.

 

Thailand's New Visa Rules: Mixed Reactions Thailand's new visa rules, including the five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, have received mixed reactions. The DTV permits up to 180-day stays, extendable to one year, with proof of 500,000 baht in assets. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, with entry stamps extended to 60 days. The new Non-ED Plus visa allows foreign students to stay for one year post-graduation. Despite no pre-screening for 97 countries, security measures remain strict.

 

Blacklisted Vietnamese Men Arrested for Illegal Entry in Thailand Three blacklisted Vietnamese men were arrested for illegal entry at the Nong Khai border. Phan Dinh Sy, who advertised illegal transport services, and two others, Phan Van and Tran Van Am, were detained at Nong Khai Bus Terminal. Sy faces charges under Section 64 of the Immigration Act, while Van and Am face charges under Section 81, with potential fines and imprisonment.

 

Thai Father and Children Survive Murder-Suicide Attempt Somyot, a Thai father, and his two children survived a murder-suicide attempt involving pesticide-laced soft drinks. Somyot, driven by jealousy over his wife’s job in Malaysia, sent threatening photos to her. Police, alerted by the wife's sister-in-law, rescued them from their Pathum Thani apartment. All three are safe in the hospital, with pending charges against Somyot.

 

Justice Minister Focuses on Rehabilitation in Phuket Prison Visit Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong visited Phuket Provincial Prison to promote rehabilitation. He observed inmates working on the Bang Yai Canal, provided ID services, supported a dental care initiative, and addressed debt mediation. The visit also included promoting sports with donated Muay Thai equipment and touring the prison library.

 

Thai Man Threatened with M16 Rifle After Road Incident Kiattiphum, a 23-year-old Thai man, sought help from Saimai Survive after being threatened with an M16 rifle by an influential man in Phang Nga. Following a road incident involving the man’s son, the father attacked Kiattiphum with a knife and later threatened him with a rifle. Despite police advice to drop the case, Kiattiphum plans to seek justice through higher authorities.

 

Runaway Crocodile Captured in Phuket A saltwater crocodile that evaded capture for six days in Phuket was finally caught. First spotted at a golf course in Pa Khlok, Thalang District, the crocodile was captured on August 5 and taken to a research centre. The community, initially alarmed, expressed relief. Authorities will investigate the crocodile’s origin.

 

Rebels in Indonesia's Papua Kill New Zealand Helicopter Pilot Separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia, killed a New Zealand helicopter pilot in the Alama district. The incident involved the same group holding New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens since February 2023. New Zealand's foreign ministry is seeking information, while the rebel group has not confirmed the killing but reportedly agreed to free Mehrtens. Indonesian authorities remain sceptical.

 

Filipino Gymnast Carlos Yulo Wins Double Olympic Gold Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo won two Olympic gold medals in two days, becoming the second Filipino to achieve this. His victories in the men’s floor exercise and vault earned him a condo, cash rewards, and lifetime ramen supplies. Celebrated as a national hero, Yulo’s achievements have dominated Philippine social media, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praising him. Various organizations have pledged significant rewards, highlighting Yulo’s impact on Philippine sports.