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Remember the olden days in Thailand?
Yeah.... I said some, are you blind ? -
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Liz Truss Calls on 'Elon’s Nerd Army' to Investigate British 'Deep State'
She's got big tits though. -
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Exciting Careers Await Thai Masseuses in French Spa Industry
Opportunities opening up... Lol -
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Immigration Biometric System Fails to Record Data for 17 Million Travelers
File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Biometric Thailand's Immigration Bureau has admitted to lapses in its biometric system, affecting the tracking of about 17 million travellers last year. According to opposition MP Rangsiman Rome, the system's capacity was maxed out, halting biometric data collection and posing security risks by potentially allowing criminals to re-enter undetected. Rangsiman, chairing the House Committee on National Security, revealed that since the licensing for the system expired, the Bureau has only been capturing facial images and fingerprints, not true biometric data. He warns it could take up to 29 months to reinstate a functioning system, with procurement yet to commence. Despite discussions across government committees, higher authorities have not actioned the necessary measures to rectify the issue. Rangsiman claims this lapse contributes to unchecked activities by transnational criminal groups within Thailand. Pol Col Neti Khanboon, speaking before the committee, conceded the system's limited capacity, which currently holds data for 50 million individuals. An upgraded system requiring a substantial budget is in development, aimed at resolving current limitations. Initially introduced in 2019 for 2.1 billion baht, the biometric system faced scrutiny and controversy. Notably, high-profile officer Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn had criticised its procurement, linked to an infamous but unsolved gun attack on his vehicle in 2020. Further, allegations of corruption during procurement surfaced, involving former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and others. Rangsiman underscores the ongoing security risks and inefficiencies in Thai border control if systemic failures aren't promptly addressed, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-22 -
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Pai Locals Raise Concerns Over Chabad House Amid Security Warnings
Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In Pai, a district in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son province, the establishment of a Chabad House has sparked questions among locals, despite receiving formal authorization from the Interior Ministry. Former government official Nantiwat Samart has also expressed concerns over potential security threats, warning of terrorism risks linked to such centres. Tourist Police recently convened with local officials, police, and business owners to address community issues, focusing on ensuring compliance with laws, particularly regarding accommodations and tourist spots. They stressed the need for vigilance against overstaying and illegal work among visitors and aimed to foster a clearer understanding of Thai regulations among both tourists and local businesses. As part of this initiative, officials visited the Chabad House, engaging with its caretakers and representatives from the Israeli tourist community to discuss local concerns. Despite these efforts, some Pai residents remain sceptical about the centre's legitimacy. The land where the Chabad House stands was reportedly intended for residential use, not as a Jewish community centre. Samart, a former deputy director of the Prime Minister’s Intelligence Unit, further emphasised the risks, advocating for strict immigration checks to prevent tourists from overstaying. He questioned the legislative basis for the Chabad House's establishment, noting that religious centres are typically subject to specific registration processes and security considerations, especially in towns like Pai which are popular with international visitors. Amid these debates, broader security considerations are at play, as Samart pointed out the global security risks associated with synagogues and Chabad Houses, which have historically been targets for terrorist activities. This adds a layer of complexity to discussions about religious and community centres in tourist areas like Pai, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-22 -
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Visa Agencies in Thailand: Balancing Immigration Assistance with Challenges
File photo courtesy: Wikipedia ANALYSIS Visa agencies throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, have long played a crucial role in easing the complex immigration processes for foreigners. However, changing regulations and technology are presenting new challenges to their operations. Historically, visa agencies have been pivotal for expatriates in Thailand since the 1980s, often doubling as travel and financial service providers. Over the decades, the landscape of visa options expanded significantly, leading to a surge in demand for agency services to navigate the increasingly complex immigration regulations. During the 1990s, the introduction of retirement visas and non-immigrant visas for specialised groups bolstered the necessity of visa agencies. They offered relief from lengthy queues and cumbersome paperwork through services such as address verifications and residency certificates. The early 2000s saw a flurry of new visa categories, including the Thai Elite Visa and the Long Term Residence Visa, further heightening the demand for agency expertise. Yet, this growth has not been without its problems. Recent visa types, like the Destination Thailand Visa, have added layers of complexity due to varied embassy rules and discretionary extensions, prompting discussions on the efficacy of using agents. Today, the golden era for Thai visa agencies appears to be waning. The ease of obtaining 60-day tourist visas on arrival reduces the necessity for border runs, traditionally facilitated by these agencies. Additionally, increased scrutiny and advanced technology have tightened immigration checks, curtailing opportunities for exploiting volunteer or education visas, which were once lucrative pathways. Consequently, smaller agencies are closing down as their services become less essential. Looking ahead, visa agencies may need to specialise further and offer more than just visa advice. With Thailand's shift towards an online visa system, successful agencies may diversify into offering complementary services like travel insurance and transportation. Essentially, these agencies must adapt to provide a premium, convenient service if they wish to remain relevant. Moreover, ongoing regulatory changes present additional obstacles. In February 2025, a ban on agencies opening or managing bank accounts hampered operations due to unrelated scams. Future hurdles could include the rise of electronic travel gates and the potential phase-out of traditional passports in favour of digital identification. To survive long-term, Thai visa agencies must evolve alongside technological and regulatory trends, aligning their offerings with the demands of a digital, rapidly shifting landscape, reported Pattaya Mail. -- 2025-02-22
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