Interesting topics / reads .

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BREAKING

Tourist visa holders denied entry to Thailand and left stranded in Malaysia

file image

Thaivisa strives to bring its members and the wider expat community in Thailand the best possible information it can on the latest situation with regards to visas and entry into the Kingdom. This weekend, one of our reporters visited a number of border checkpoints in southern Thailand to see at firsthand what the current situation is for foreign nationals trying to extend their stay in Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742573-tourist-visa-holders-denied-entry-to-thailand-and-left-stranded-in-malaysia/

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IMMIGRATION
No more visa runs
Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong,
Somchai Samart
The Nation

Source: File photo

Immigration authorities will not let visa runners return after August 12

BANGKOK: -- FOREIGNERS WHO do regular visa runs in order to extend their stay in Thailand have less than a month before a crackdown by the authorities to enforce immigration laws more strictly.

From August 13, people will not be able to re-enter the country, regardless of their choice of transport.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742834-no-more-thai-visa-runs-immigration-will-not-let-visa-runners-return-after-aug-12/?utm_source=newsletter-20140715-0749&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

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DDPM issues flash flood warning for 35 provinces during July 17-21

BANGKOK, 16 July 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has cautioned 35 provinces of possible flash floods and mudslides from July 17 to 21 due to the influence of Typhoon Rammasun.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743227-typhoon-rammasun-flash-flood-warning-issued-for-35-thai-provinces-during-july-17-21/

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Posted Yesterday, 23:10

BREAKING
MH17: Malaysia Airlines Plane Reportedly Shot Down Near Ukraine Border

Interfax news agency reports that a Malaysian jet has crashed in eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border. The Malaysian Airlines passenger plane had 295 people on board and was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743739-mh17-malaysia-airlines-plane-shot-down-near-ukraine-border/

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An Accident is required for Action on Safety

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744355-an-accident-is-required-for-action-on-safety/#entry8125765

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GOOD NEWS FROM THAI IMMIGRATION

Longer visa exemption extensions begin August 29, 2014

BANGKOK: -- The Immigration Bureau has announced that of August 29. 2014 you will be able to extend your visa exemption period whilst you're in Thailand by 30 days, instead of the current 7 days, giving a total visa-exemption stay of 60 days. The fee for extension of stay is 1,900 Baht (unchanged).

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744440-longer-visa-exemption-extensions-begin-august-29-2014/

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Thailand Immigration confirms new overstay rules are now official

BANGKOK: The website of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok has today (22nd July 2014) posted a new announcement regarding its rules for overstay.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744965-thailand-immigration-confirms-new-overstay-rules-are-now-official/

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GOOD NEWS FROM IMMIGRATION BUREAU

Still time to clear your overstay without blacklisting

BANGKOK: -- The Immigration Bureau has informed Thaivisa.com and updated its website to further clarify the recent news for overstaying in Thailand.

The normal overstay penalty is 500 Baht per day up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht. That has not changed.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745684-still-time-to-clear-your-overstay-without-blacklisting/

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‘No cause for alarm’ after man killed by flesh-eating bug
Tanyaluk Sakoot

Pla Taptim: Cook it well. Photo Allen Timothy Chang

BANGKOK: -- People who enjoy a nice piece of fish have been warned to be careful how they handle it in a market, and to clean any wounds as soon as possible, following reports that a Thai man died after pricking his hand on a fish bone.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746135-no-cause-for-alarm-after-man-killed-by-flesh-eating-bug/

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Hua Hin Immigration clarifies rules on foreigners carrying ID

HUA HIN:-- Following yesterday’s news regarding the requirement for foreigners in Thailand to carry ID with them at all times,Thaivisa.com and local Immigration offices have been inundated with messages and comments from foreigners concerned about how they may be affected by this news.

In order to seek fruther clarification about this, Thaivisa.com has today met with Pol.Col. Thanasak Vongluekiat, Superintendent of Prachuap Khirikhan and Phetchaburi Immigration.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/

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Thailand not a haven for foreign criminals
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 31 -- Thailand will not serve as a save haven for international criminals on the run, according to a top police officer.

Pol Gen Wuthi Liptapanlop, advisor to Thailand's national police commissioner, said French national Jonathan Piant was arrested recently on Koh Samui, Surat Thani's famous tourist site.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747535-thailand-not-a-haven-for-foreign-criminals/

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No need to worry says Bangkok Immigration Commander

Deputy Commander and Police Colonel

Voravat Amornvivat file photo

BANGKOK:-- [thaivisa.com] After the confusion surrounding the news that all foreigners in Thailand are required to carry their passport with them at all times, Thaivisa.com has today obtained official clarification on this matter.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

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Holiday in Thailand could end for expats

Steve Finch

A warning issued to foreigners who have overstayed by more than 90 days states they would be banned from Thailand for between one and ten years [steve Finch/Al Jazeera]

BANGKOK: -- The new military government has issued warnings that it will soon start to clampdown on immigration offenders.

Thailand - For decades, hundreds of thousands of home-weary expats have lived in Bangkok or in the palm-lined beach resorts dotted along the Gulf of Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748220-holiday-in-thailand-could-end-for-expats/

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IMMIGRATION

Coming to the end of the visa run -

local language schools may suffer most

BANGKOK: -- As thousands of long-term expats fear for the future amid a crackdown on the improper use of visas and exemptions, it could be local language schools that end up suffering most

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748551-coming-to-the-end-of-the-visa-run-local-language-schools-may-suffer-most/?utm_source=newsletter-20140803-1613&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

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Twelve provinces warned of flash floods



BANGKOK: -- The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation today warned 12 provinces in the East and the South against possible flash floods as more heavy rains are expected from today.

Warned to get ready for flash floods are four provinces in the East, namely Chonburi, Rayong, Trat, and Chanthaburi, and eight in the South, namely Chumphon, Ranong, Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Trang.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748696-twelve-thai-provinces-warned-of-flash-floods/

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Thaivisa.com to meet with Thailand's Immigration Commissioner

Thailand's Immigration Commissioner to answer your questions - Thaivisa's George will interview him on Thursday.

BANGKOK:-- On Thursday 07 August, Thaivisa.com will be interviewing the head of the Immigration Bureau, Commissioner Police Lt.Gen. Sakda Chuenpakdee (ศักดา ชื่นพักดี).

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749363-thaivisacom-to-meet-with-immigration-commissioner/?utm_source=newsletter-20140806-1550&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

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Thai Immigration issues new police order 327/2557 effective August 29, 2014

A New Police Order For Extensions is Effective August 29th

Thai immigration Bueau posted the changes in notices on their website on July 29th.Thaivisa.com has arranged for a translation of the documents for our members (comments by Thaivisa’s UbonJoe).

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749918-thai-immigration-issues-new-police-order-3272557-effective-august-29-2014/

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Slaughterhouse: Thailand's ivory trade triples as elephants slide into extinction
By Astrid Goh

Graphic: Traffic.org

BANGKOK: -- World Elephant Day came and went Tuesday, but the slaughter continues.

More than 90 percent of the global elephant population has been eradicated and the killing spree is only accelerating. Just last year poachers killed 22,000 elephants, and more ivory was seized than ever before. Tons of ivory are smuggled into Thailand each year, where the ivory trade has tripled during the past year.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751404-slaughterhouse-thailands-ivory-trade-triples-as-elephants-slide-into-extinction/

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Shisha cafes must stop selling shisha, officials warn of crackdown
By Coconuts Bangkok



The powers that be want smokers to keep their puffing to cigarettes.

BANGKOK: -- After going after electronic cigarettes, officials will begin a crackdown on the sale of shisha, the illegally-imported-yet-widely-smoked tobacco, after junta chief Gen. Prayuth Chanocha expressed concern about its popularity.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752741-shisha-cafes-must-stop-selling-shisha-thai-officials-warn-of-crackdown/?utm_source=newsletter-20140818-1535&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

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Language schools suffering

PATTAYA: -- It has become evident that the present official campaign to stamp out visa abuse, as perceived by the authorities, is serious and likely to be sustained.

It is no longer possible for foreigners to travel to the border to obtain a back-to-back 30-day visa exemption and a similar crackdown at Thai airports has already started. Basically this means that those aliens entering the country with a 30-day visa can extend their stamp for seven days at a Thai Immigration office but must then leave the country. If they wish to return quickly, they would need to obtain a 60- or 90-day visa at a Thai embassy or consulate.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752990-language-schools-suffering-thailand/

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Young girl survives 9 years after abandoned by ghost-fearing parents
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: MCOT

BANGKOK: -- Nine years ago the Ngogsuk family received the terrifying news. According to a local shaman, they were haunted by a rampaging, flesh-devouring ghost. The family hastily fled their village in rural Ubon Ratchathani. But not all of them. They chose to abandon their 3-year-old daughter.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753314-young-girl-survives-9-years-after-abandoned-by-ghost-fearing-parents-ubon-ratchathani/page-3?p=8277453#entry8277453

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Immigration Bureau told to be flexible with 'visa runners'

BANGKOK: -- The military has told the Immigration Bureau to be flexible with "visa runners", junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday.

The runners can register with the bureau, which will find a sustainable resolution to the problem, he said in his weekly televised programme last night.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754033-immigration-bureau-told-to-be-flexible-with-visa-runners/?utm_source=newsletter-20140822-2142&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

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Take the new Thai driving test online!

THAILAND:-- Following the news earlier this month that Thailand has introduced new, tougher driving theory tests, Thaivisa gives you the opportunity to take a look at a practice version of the online test here.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732938-take-the-new-thai-driving-test-online/

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Tough new crackdown on alcohol promotions in Thailand

• No more "beer girls"
• Health warnings on all alcohol products
• No old bottles of wines or beer can be used to decorate a business
• No happy hours promotions
• Promoting alcohol through word of mouth is also illegal
• No alcohol logos are allowed on glasses, ashtrays and other paraphernalia
• Punishments of up to six months in jail for various offences
• All promotion of alcoholic consumption is illegal

CHIANG MAI: -- The Government has warned that it intends to enforce harsh measures regulating the advertising and promotion of alcohol, in a move that will affect thousands of businesses throughout the country.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755046-tough-new-crackdown-on-alcohol-promotions-in-thailand/?utm_source=newsletter-20140826-1843&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

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ANIMAL PROTECTION
Shock and anger over increasing cases of animal cruelty
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DOGS HAVE been victims of several shocking crimes recently, including strays living inside a police station compound getting poisoned and a cute Pomeranian being cruelly attacked at home.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755717-shock-and-anger-over-increasing-cases-of-animal-cruelty-in-thailand/

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CDC instructs public to beware of spread of pink eye

BANGKOK, 1 September 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Communicable Disease Control has urged members of the public to avoid coming into contact with people who have pink eye in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756515-cdc-instructs-public-to-beware-of-spread-of-pink-eye/

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http://youtu.be/lEZ7XicTTLs

Came across this clip in the Thai press today of Thai beach 'Mafia' (this was how they were described in the article) forcing a sunbathing female tourist off the beach onto the paying deckchairs, while kicking sand on her and pushing her.
He was reported as saying, "You can't lie on the beach. You can only use the fee-paying deckchairs!"
The beach wasn't identified.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757929-clip-of-beach-mafia-controlling-the-area/

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Fatigued elephant collapses on street (VIDEO)
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A small elephant collapsed in the street at Krathumban Market west of Bangkok after the owner reportedly forced it to walk through the market as he collected money for people to feed it.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759245-fatigued-elephant-collapses-on-street-in-thailand-video/

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AMLO expert offers scary lessons for Phuket property brokers
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Sunpet Sangnetswang: Be suspicious, be careful, tell us everything.

PHUKET: People working in Phuket’s property industry, particularly real estate brokers, were briefed yesterday (September 10) by an expert from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) on how to avoid falling foul of Thailand’s money-laundering laws.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759572-amlo-expert-offers-scary-lessons-for-phuket-property-brokers/

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TRANSNATIONAL GANGSTERS
Over 20 big foreign criminal gangs here
Piyanut Tamnukasetchai
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- 'Lack of ability to counter groups involved in ID fraud, hacking and thefts'

More than 20 major transnational gangs are plaguing Thailand - including Russian and Romanian credit card skimming gangs and Latin American thieves and bank robbers, a new study by the Thailand Institute of Justice has revealed.

Acting TIJ deputy director Natee Jitsawang detailed the public organisation's research on foreign criminal gangs in Thailand at a press conference yesterday. Natee said Thailand allowed easy entry into country to accommodate foreigners. As a result, transnational gangs continuously committed crimes in the Kingdom.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760228-over-20-big-foreign-criminal-gangs-here/