Thailand
Ferry operators offer discounted trips to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao

Tourist boat operators, Seatran Ferry and Lomprayah High Speed Ferries, are offering discounted trips for groups travelling on the weekdays to the Surat Thani islands Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.
From now until December 31, groups of at least 4 people can purchase discounted tickets for inbound trips from Sunday to Thursday, excluding public holidays. 30 baht discounts will be offered to each person travelling on a ferry and an 80 baht discount will be offered to each person travelling on a catamaran or speedboat.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Koh Samui office is partnering with the ferry operators to promote the weekday group travel discount, according to director of the office, Supakan Yodchun.
“The promotion is expected to help increase the number of tourists travelling to the three islands by boat on weekdays until the end of the year.”
SOURCE: TAT News
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Thailand
Thai FDA files complaint against TV celebrity for false advertising

A well-known TV host in Thailand is under fire after she made advertisements saying health supplement products could change a person’s face shape and even help people recover from Covid-19. The Thai Food and Drug Administration filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division against TV star Patcharasri “Kalamare” Benjamach for false advertising.
Kalamare advertised Botera “power shots.” The drinks are said to promote healthy skin as well as overall health. According to the Nation Thailand, Kalamare is seen in video clips advertising the products, claiming the drinks can “sharpen” a person’s facial features and even change the shape of the nose and eyelids. In other clips, she says the drinks can help people recover for Covid-19 and cancer, Nation Thailand reports.
The FDA say they want the celebrity to be charged with violating Thailand’s Food Act for false and deceptive advertising. The law carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison and a fine up to 30,000 baht.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
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Thailand
Woman sentenced to 43 years in prison for violating lèse majesté law

The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced a former public official to more than 4 decades in prison for violating the country’s strict lèse majesté law on insulting or defaming the Thai Monarchy.
The woman, a former Revenue Department official known as Anchan, was found guilty on 29 counts of violating Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lèse majesté law, as well as the Computer Crime Act. She was sentenced to 43 years and 6 months in prison.
Anchan had posted audio clips on Facebook and YouTube of a man making comments considered critical of the Thai Monarchy. The man has been arrested, but officials haven’t released any other details.
The ruling comes during an ongoing pro-democracy movement raising subjects that are considered taboo in Thai society. In recent months, dozens of protesters have been charged with violating the lèse majesté law. A senior researcher from the Human Rights Watch as the recent sentence sends a “spine-chilling” message.
“Today’s court verdict is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that not only criticisms of the monarchy won’t be tolerated, but they will also be severely punished.”
Section 112 of the Criminal Code:
Those who defame, insult or threaten the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent shall be punished by a jail term of between three to 15 years.
SOURCES: Thai Enquirer | Bangkok Biz News| Independent
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Thailand
UPDATE: Confusion over Covid-19 tests for visa extensions

UPDATE: Khaosod English removed a story on Covid-19 tests for those seeking visa extensions and replaced it with the article “Immigration backtracks on plan to require Covid-19 test for visa extensions.” They say the previous report sparked uproar among expats and immigration police spokesperson has since apologised for the misunderstanding.
Original article…
Confusion reigns today over whether Covid-19 tests will be required for visa extensions. While The Phuket News spoke with an immigration official who said “no… you don’t need a Covid-19 test to extend your visa or apply for a work permit”, Khaosod English wrote an article headlined “Covid-19 test will be mandatory for all visa extension”.
The Thaiger also contacted a respected visa agent who said Covid-19 tests are, indeed, now required for applying for both visa extensions and work permits, even renewals.
The Thai Immigration Bureau has not made any official announcement regarding Covid-19 tests. Talk about Covid-19 tests for foreigners was brought up after a rule was published in the Royal Gazette last month, officially adding Covid-19 to a list of dangerous diseases, prohibiting those infected with any of the listed illnesses from entering the country.
Immigration Police Bureau spokesperson Archayon Kraithong told Khaosod English that proof of a negative Covid-19 test will be required for visa extensions, regardless of how long a foreigner has stayed in Thailand. On the other hand, Phuket immigration deputy chief Nareuwat Putthawiro told The Phuket News that Covid-19 tests will not be required for visa extensions or work permit applications.
“We do not require any medical documents for an application to renew a visa, because there are few foreigners’ movements outside Phuket. Most of them live and work in Phuket, and have done so before the new wave of Covid-19… So they do not have to worry about it. Everything is still the same.”
Medical exams are currently already required for most work permit applicants (including tests for Syphilis and Elephantiasis). A visa agent told The Thaiger that Covid-19 tests have been added to the medical examination requirements for work permit applicants. But, on the other hand, Phuket immigration says they DO NOT require Covid-19 tests for work permit applicants.
“We have not received any notices about Covid-19 requirements for processing applications to renew visas. If we do receive any such orders, we will let the public know.”
It isn’t the first time there has been conflicting statements coming out of different officials, in different immigration offices on different days.
SOURCES: Phuket News| Khaosod English
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Toby Andrews
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 11:30 pm
Discount on what price – they are very coy about declaring ferry prices.
I cannot find them.
Have they put the prices up to discount them?
Issan John
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 2:15 am
Not actually “put them up”, but as the discounts are only on one direction (inbound) and return tickets are cheaper, and only for a group of four “tourists” or more, and the minimum ferry fare is 130 baht and you can already get a 30% discount on line they’re … well … umm … not exactly the bargain of the century.
Toby Andrews
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Ah creative pricing – the Thai way.
Created to deceive . . .