Interesting topics / reads .

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Thailand visa: Crackdown banning 'walk-in visa runs' to begin August 13

PHUKET: Foreigners will be allowed to continue to re-enter Thailand on three consecutive “walk-in” visas until August 12, Ranong Immigration Superintendent Ekkorn Bussababordin assured the Phuket Gazette today.

The news follows the appearance of a formal notice posted on Bangkok Immigration’s website on May 8 stating that any persons who exit Thailand after completing a stay in the Kingdom on tourist-visa exemption status* are to be refused re-entry to Thailand.

The order, posted in Thai (click here), states that the new rule is to come into effect at all immigration checkpoints – including airports – after August 12.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/725610-thailand-visa-crackdown-banning-walk-in-visa-runs-to-begin-august-13/

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Immigration boss confirms the Out-In visa run is dead

The national commander of Thai Immigration, Lt Gen Phanu Kerdlaphon, has confirmed that “Out-In” visa runs are – apart from a few exceptions – a thing of the past.

Speaking with The Phuket News this morning, Gen Phanu said, “We have been very lenient about this. I’ve had many comments about [our excessive leniency]."

Several factors have come together to kill off the tourist visa run.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/725773-immigration-boss-confirms-the-out-in-visa-run-is-dead/

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Fingerprint scans to debut at Immigration to catch known criminals

PHUKET: -- Thai Immigration aims to begin scanning fingerprints of all foreigners arriving in the Kingdom by the end of the year under a project costing 342 million baht.

“The budget has yet to be approved, but we hope to introduce fingerprint-scanning machines by the end of 2014,” Immigration Commissioner Pharnu Kerdlarpphon confirmed to the Phuket Gazette yesterday.

The scanners, to be introduced at every immigration entry point in the country, are part of the bureau’s effort to prevent foreign criminals from entering Thailand, Lt Gen Pharnu explained.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726308-fingerprint-scans-to-debut-at-thai-immigration-to-catch-known-criminals/

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Phuket TOT internet outages are over, but hiccups to continue

PHUKET: -- Staff at TOT Phuket have confirmed that a broken fiber-optic cable in Nakhon Sri Thammarat has been repaired, restoring internet access for thousands of TOT customers throughout Southern Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726577-phuket-tot-internet-outages-are-over-but-hiccups-to-continue/

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New UK visa application centre in Bangkok inaugurated

BANGKOK, May 16--- The United Kingdom has officially unveiled a new and improved visa centre in the Thai capital, aiming to facilitate an increasing number of visa applicants with a wider range of services.

Paul Bute, Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy, together with Australian Ambassador James Wise and a senior official of VFS Global jointly presided at the inauguration of the Australia & UK Visa Application centre on Wednesday.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726679-new-uk-visa-application-centre-in-bangkok-inaugurated/

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BORDER RUN CRACKDOWN

Thai Immigration is determined to prevent abuse of visa exceptions

PHUKET: -- Tourists who can prove that they are genuinely staying only short-term while travelling in Thailand will be allowed to leave on “visa-runs” and re-enter the country, Immigration Commissioner Pharnu Kerdlarpphon confirmed to the Phuket Gazette.

“Genuine tourists are fine. All they have to do is prove to the immigration officer at the border checkpoint that they really are tourists by presenting evidence such as their travel itinerary, hotel booking, tour bookings and any other documents to prove their travel in Thailand is genuine,” Lt Gen Pharnu said on Wednesday.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726721-thai-immigration-is-determined-to-prevent-abuse-of-visa-exceptions/

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Thailand Driving License: Tough new tests from 1st June 2014

BANGKOK:-- The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has announced the start of a strict new testing and examination process for obtaining a driving license in Thailand.

The new, more stringent tests will be effective nationwide from 1st June 2014 and are in response to urgent calls for Thailand to improve its appalling road safety record.

The key points to the new driving tests will see an increase in the number of training hours for learner drivers from 4 hours to 12 hours or more under the new proposals.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726788-thailand-driving-license-tough-new-tests-from-1st-june-2014/

[Rooo]

Thai visa-van ban at Malaysian border not part of recent crackdown

The blockade preventing Thai visa-run vans from entering Malaysia on their way to Penang is not linked to the recent crackdown on visa runs in Thailand, confirmed a KBV Phuket Visa Run staffer.

“Thai visa-run drivers and vehicles have not been allowed to cross the Malaysian border for more than a week now due to a small protest of Malaysian drivers,” the staffer, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

“This is not a new problem for us; minor protests like this occur due to issues regarding driver profits.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726877-thai-visa-van-ban-at-malaysian-border-not-part-of-recent-crackdown/#entry7836511

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Thailand's army invokes martial law: military TV

BANGKOK, May 20, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army on Tuesday declared martial law across the crisis-gripped kingdom to restore order following months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

An announcement on military-run television said martial law had been invoked "to restore peace and order for people from all sides", stressing that the move "is not a coup".

"The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal," it added.

It was not immediately clear if the move -- which gives the military control of nationwide security -- had been approved by the country's embattled prime minister.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727474-thailands-army-invokes-martial-law-military-tv/

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Thailand: What the martial law entails

BANGKOK: -- Military commanders in troubled areas have the authority to enforce martial law, if it looks like war or riots may break out.

Martial law gives military officers the power to:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727485-thailand-what-the-martial-law-entails/

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Bangkok Roads affected by troop deployments

BANGKOK: -- Following the declaration of martial law, troops have been deployed to man several Bangkok streets to prevent violence as following:

- Inbound Don Mueng-Din Daeng Tollway. Troops are stationed near the Royal Thai Police Club and the exit near Din Daeng Intersection. Vehicles can pass through the checkpoints slowly.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727510-bangkok-roads-affected-by-troop-deployments/

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Official update from the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Marshall law rules

The London office for the Tourism Authority of Thailand updated travelers about the situation in Thailand after military authorities in the Kingdom imposed Marshall law effective since 03:00 (ICT) today, The Royal Thai Army have declared martial law that covers the whole of Thailand.

According to the army’s statement, this is not a coup. The martial law has been put in place to restore and maintain peace and order for all Thai people. In the announcement, the army told the public there is no need to panic and to continue with daily life as normal.

As of today, the situation remains unchanged in the city except for the presence of soldiers on the streets, simply to maintain peace and ensure order is kept at the protest sites. The situation at the rally sites of both anti- and pro-government groups in Bangkok remains calm.

Continued here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727640-official-update-from-the-tourism-authority-of-thailand-on-martial-law-rules/

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Soldiers on guard around Suvarnabhumi after dismissal of police

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – Troops have been stationed in the surrounding areas of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, replacing police officers who were dismissed when martial law was enforced.

As a result of the military’s replacement of the emergency decree with martial law today, the police forces on duty around Suvarnabhumi Airport were ordered to return to their bases.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727791-soldiers-on-guard-around-suvarnabhumi-after-dismissal-of-police/

[Rooo]

Keep your eyes on the news section, serious events unfolding.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728096-thailand-live-thursday-22-may-2014/page-4

RT @BPbreakingnews:

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha announced a military coup after the failed crisis talks. /Bangkok Post

Edited May 22, 2014 by Rooo

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URGENT NOTICE TO MEMBERS

NCPO: All suspects in lese majeste cases, national security cases, violators of NCPO orders will face court martial

Due to the fluid situation in Thailand and the pressure being placed on the media, Thaivisa will temporarily impose strict limitations on any comments that can be construed as being negative about the imposition of Martial Law or the Coup. Posters will also not be permitted to make references to the royal family.

CONTINUED HERE:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729064-urgent-notice-to-members/

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Thaivisa.com Launches Online Translation Service

A fast, affordable and professional online translation service

Thaivisa.com, in partnership with SIAM Translations, now provides high quality document translation by professional and certified human translators.

Whatever your requirements, we offer a one stop service for a wide range of business translations in a variety of different areas, including visa applications and marriage registrations, as well as for legal and commercial purposes.

At the touch of a button, our team of linguistic specialists are at your disposal and can provide translations in more than 100 different languages and dialects.

All translations carried out by us are certified to international standards and recognized by foreign embassies in Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Continued here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729407-thaivisacom-launches-online-translation-service/

[Rooo]

The NCPO relaxes curfew from May 28

Beginning 28/05/14 the nationwide curfew will be between 0001-0400. Other details unchanged.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729627-the-ncpo-relaxes-curfew-from-tonight/

[Rooo]

NCPO mulls lifting of curfew in 'peaceful' tourist-destination provinces

BANGKOK: -- The military junta is considering whether to exempt certain tourist destinations from curfew imposition, a spokesman of the junta said.

http://www.thaivisa....-4#entry7897090

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Applicants urged to take note of new licensing process for drivers' license

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – Those looking to renew or apply for their driver's license are advised to take note of the new issuing process coming into use by the Land Transport Department starting on June 2.

Under the new licensing process, the number of questions each applicant will be tested on has been increased to 50. Importantly, the passing mark has been adjusted to 90%, meaning that test-takers need to get 45 questions correct. Previously, applicants were given only 30 questions, and the passing mark was 75% – getting 22 out of 35 questions correct would result in a pass.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730481-applicants-urged-to-take-note-of-new-licensing-process-for-drivers-license/

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Heavy rains set to lash most parts of the country

BANGKOK, 2 June 2014 (NNT) – Thunderstorms are expected across all regions of Thailand as monsoons are rolling in from the Southwest.

The Meteorological Department reported that during June 3-5, southwesterly winds will prevail over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing rain to nearly all parts of the country.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731024-heavy-rains-set-to-lash-most-parts-of-thailand/

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NOK Air gets go ahead for in-flight Wi-Fi

BANGKOK:-- Budget airline, NOK Air has been given the go ahead by Thailand’s telecom regulators to offer its passengers in-flight voice calls and broadband internet connections.

NOK Air was given the approval following a meeting with the National Broadcasting and Telecoms Commission, with the NBTC’s committee voting in favour of the airline being given a Type 1 operating licence, which would enable the use of an in-flight internet service.

NOK Air is not the only airline to receive approval to offer in-flight Wi-Fi.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731667-nok-air-gets-go-ahead-for-in-flight-wi-fi/

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10-Year-Old Boy Sole Provider for Bedridden Parents

SUKHOTHAI — Before going to school every morning, ten-year-old Geng cooks, feeds, and bathes his parents, who have not been unable to leave their beds for years. He also sweeps and cleans his family’s one-story house, washes the dishes, does the laundry, and empties his parents’ bedpans.

And this is just the beginning of his day. As the only child left at home, Geng has assumed full responsibility for taking care of his parents, who have been bedridden for almost a decade. Geng’s 52-year-old mother was paralyzed from the waist-down after a car accident in 2007, and his father, 47, developed full-scale paralysis after a having a seizure ten ago.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731706-10-year-old-thai-boy-sole-provider-for-bedridden-parents/

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Why are southern Thais the least integrated of all?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720647-why-are-southern-thais-the-least-integrated-of-all/page-2

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Chirathivat beats Chearavanont to become Thailand’s richest family

BANGKOK: -- The Chirathivat family has now become Thailand's richest family beating agribusiness tycoon Dhanin Chearavanont for the top slot among Thailand's 50 richest families.

Fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra retains his status as the country’s 10th-richest man despite a decline in his net worth.

The Chirathivat family that owns Central Group, a retail and hotel conglomerate, jumped to No.1 for the first time, buoyed by 27% growth in group revenue to US$7 billion last year.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731939-chirathivat-beats-chearavanont-to-become-thailands-richest-family/?p=7931729

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Everyone's failing the new driving test in Thailand

THAILAND:-- Until recently, the driver's license exam was kind of a joke. Aspiring motorists need only answer 75 percent of its 30 questions correctly to pass.

But after a new version launched Monday featuring 50 questions and a 90 percent threshhold, everyone's suddenly bombing on the test.

Of more than 200 to take the test Monday in Chiang Mai, fewer than one-in-10 managed to pass, according to the Bangkok Post.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731954-everyones-failing-the-new-driving-test-in-thailand/

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Curfew lifted in Krabi, Phang Nga, Hua Hin, Cha-am, and for Full Moon Party
The Phuket News

Photo: María Gabriela Lucero

TOURISM: Effective as of last night (June 6), Thailand's curfew was lifted in the provinces of Krabi and Phang-nga, as well as the districts of Hua Hin (in Prachuap Khiri Khan) and Cha-am (in Phetchaburi), bringing the number of key tourist destinations with a curfew exemption to seven.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732307-curfew-lifted-in-cha-am-hua-hin-krabi-and-phang-nga/page-2?p=7939814#entry7939814

[Rooo]

Curfew lifted in Koh Chang, Hat Yai Koh Phangan

BANGKOK, 9 June 2014 (NNT) - The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) cancels the night curfew order in three more places including Koh Chang island, Hat Yai and Koh Phangan island.

The NCPO on Sunday issued its 56th announcement on the revocation of the midnight-4 PM curfew in more areas, saying that the situation in some areas had improved without a tendency of violence. The curfew was therefore lifted to reduce effects on the people.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732824-curfew-lifted-in-koh-chang-hat-yai-koh-phangan/

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By the numbers, here are Thailand’s deadliest accidents
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- There’s a strange addiction to disaster porn, one well-served by these vast, wide Internets.

Whether it betrays our truly ghoulish natures, desire to create our own nightmares or need for perspective on our mortality is for smarter people to decide.

Here are some of Thailand’s deadliest man-made disasters, according to a list compiled at Dek-D and other online sources.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733027-by-the-numbers-here-are-thailands-deadliest-accidents/

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RS allows TrueVisions to broadcast all World Cup 2014 matches

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732991-rs-allows-truevisions-to-broadcast-all-world-cup-2014-matches/

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RS warns it might scrap live telecast if court rules in favour of NBTC
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation


Two women take selfies with the World Cup Adidas Brazuca ball at Central Lat Phrao Department Store yesterday, two days before the much-awaited football tournament begins. The World Cup ends on July 13.

BANGKOK: -- All 22 million households in the country might face a blackout of the 64 live matches of the World Cup football tournament if the Supreme Administrative Court today rules in favour of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), RS said during the hearing in the court yesterday.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733399-rs-warns-it-might-scrap-live-telecast-if-court-rules-in-favour-of-nbtc/