- Finance
Alarming financial inequality in Thailand
Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…
- Finance
Why it’s so hard to open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa
For many foreigners considering long-term residence in Thailand, one of the first bureaucratic barriers they encounter is the challenge of opening a Thai bank account. This seemingly straightforward step becomes a complicated puzzle for those arriving on a tourist visa or visa exemption. Ironically, the very thing required to secure a long-term stay, a Thai bank account with sufficient funds,…
- Thailand News
I’ve been denied entry to Thailand – Now What?
THE THAIGER / ASEAN NOW EXCLUSIVE What happens if you are being denied entry to Thailand? The Thaiger asked Tod Daniels, visa expert at ASEAN NOW visa forum, what do do in this situation. Tod: The first thing is DO NOT panic, many many hundreds of people per week are denied entry and it is not the end of the…
- Thailand News
Tragedy strikes annual rocket festival in Roi Et: Explosion injures 30
On June 16, 2024, a tragic incident marred the annual Rocket Festival at Ban Sang Bu Temple in Roi Et Province. The normally joyous event, which attracts numerous locals and visitors to Phon Sai Sawang Subdistrict, Phon Thong District, ended in disaster when a rocket explosion caused significant injuries among the attendees. The explosion occurred at precisely 5:00 p.m. during…
- Business News
3,900 Thai community radio stations to cease under new digital scheme
Approximately 3,900 community radio stations will be forced to cease broadcasting after this year due to the transition from analogue to a licensing regime and a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) scheme. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been working on the digital radio regulatory framework, aiming to implement it by September. This significant change is set to happen…
- Thailand News
Foreigners can now own land in Thailand: Land Dept
Thailand updates criteria for foreign land ownership: heirs can inherit land, investors need 40 million baht, writes The Nation. Foreign land ownership in Thailand is a complex issue, primarily dictated by the Land Code Act of 1954, which generally prohibits foreigners from owning land outright. This law is designed to maintain national control over Thailand’s valuable natural resources. There are,…
- Thailand News
Thai CBD market faces 10bn Baht losses
The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association in Thailand has sounded alarm bells over the possible relisting of cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants. The controversial decision by the government could lead to industry operators incurring losses upwards of 10 billion baht in combined investments. CBD, or cannabidiol, a medically beneficial compound found in both cannabis and hemp, has skyrocketed in…
- Thailand News
Global hacking group dismantled in Thai-US joint operation
In an unprecedented global crackdown, a leading cybercrime organisation, described as the world’s most sophisticated hacking group, has been successfully dismantled. This victory comes as a result of a tireless combined operation between Thai and US security services. The operation orchestrated by the FBI and Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of three top-ranking members of…
- Thailand News
Confusion at BKK Airport Immigration: Travelers got 30 days entry instead of 60 days
The recent announcement of a 60 days visa exempt at arrival in Thailand has apparently not yet been enforced at Suvarnabhumi Airport and land borders. Confused travellers arriving this morning at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) received 30 day entry stamps only, not 60 days as they had expected. The announcement from different Thai Government entities had announced 60 days stamps for…
- Guides
Thailand doubles visa-free stay for 93 nations to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the visa-free exemption period for visitors from 30 to 60 days .This is great news for tourists and business travelers alike, as it will allow them to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time. The visa exemption applies to nationals of 93 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Visitors from…
- Thailand News
Thai Consulate Savannakhet: No more walk-in services
THAI CONSULATE SAVANNAKHET POLICY CHANGE The Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, will go to online appointment booking only effective June 1st (actually on Tuesday June 4th which is the first day they’re open after the holiday). The consulate will no longer allow walk up service, you have to book an appointment to get in the gate. At this time the…
- Thailand News
Massive positive changes to Thailand’s visa system from June 1
5-year visas available for digital nomads, boxers and chefs students The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country’s significant reliance on tourism, according to…
- Thailand News
Thailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is accelerating its efforts to expand the digital payments ecosystem, aiming to make transactions more accessible and convenient for both Thai citizens and foreign visitors. This strategic move aligns with the growing global trend toward digital financial solutions and aims to enhance financial inclusion and cross-border transactions. A key focus of the BOT‘s initiative is…
- Thailand News
NBTC crackdown on online scams: 106 million mobile numbers under scrutiny
Scammers in Thailand use SIM cards registered under other people’s names to call potential victims and lure them into sending money or take control of their phones remotely to steal money with banking apps. The NBTC is working with banks and mobile network operators AIS and True to ensure that connected phone SIM cards and mobile banking accounts are registered…
- Thailand News
Disgraced Khon Kaen school director nabbed for buying sex from student, 12
Authorities in Khon Kaen have launched an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse after the arrest of a school director and a retired teacher accused of purchasing sex from a 12-year-old student. The school director has been reassigned to the local educational services office and will face disciplinary action, according to Thee Pawangkhanan, deputy secretary-general of the Office of…
- Thailand News
Durian: Can The King of Fruits kill you when you drink alcohol?
Durian, the notorious “king of fruits,” is a culinary adventure synonymous with Thailand. Its spiky exterior hides a creamy, custard-like flesh with a flavor that’s been described as anything from sweet caramel to pungent onion. Durian has a devoted following throughout Thailand, where it’s enjoyed in everything from ice cream to savory curries. But what happens when this tropical king…
