Thailand video news | Thailand cuts visa-free stay to 30 days, Bribery scandal in Malaysia’s citizenship scheme
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest updates from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Thailand is cutting its visa-free stay to 30 days to curb illegal business activities, while uncertainty looms over expat taxation as the 2024 deadline approaches. In Korat, a German man’s violent outbursts at dental clinics have sparked fear, and in Songkhla, a Thai woman lost her hand in a motorcycle accident. Meanwhile, Phuket police crackdown on illegal street racing and a Thai police colonel faces suspension for cheating in a judicial exam. Beyond Thailand, a tourist bus crash in Cambodia leaves 20 injured, Malaysia investigates a bribery scandal in its citizenship scheme, and Vientiane residents demand urgent action on water shortages.
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days
Thailand will reduce its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days to curb illegal business activities, the Tourism and Sports Ministry confirmed. The Foreign Ministry is finalising details before an official announcement. Introduced in July 2024, the extended stay raised concerns among tourism operators, as most visitors stay only 7-21 days. Authorities revoked 40 tourism company licenses in 2024, including 15 in Phuket, and a joint task force is investigating illegal businesses in major tourist areas.
Uncertainty Over Thailand’s Taxation of Expats’ Overseas Income
Thailand has yet to finalise its tax policy on expats’ overseas income, causing uncertainty as the 2024 deadline nears. Concerns persist over whether international transfers and credit card use are taxable. Legal expert Benjamin Hart warns against alarmist claims, noting that no law has changed—only the Thai Revenue Department’s (TRD) interpretation. TRD’s new chief, Pinsai Suraswadi, links the policy to economic pressures. Inconsistent enforcement across TRD offices adds to the confusion, with some tying tax assessments to retirement visa requirements. Expats urge clearer government guidance, citing double taxation treaties for protection.
German Man Terrorises Korat Dental Clinics
A 41-year-old German man has repeatedly attacked dental clinics in Korat, prompting police complaints. A viral video from 13 March shows him forcibly entering a clinic and attacking a female dentist. Reports reveal he has terrorised clinics since 2014 and ignored psychiatric treatment. Despite being married to a Thai citizen, his erratic behaviour—allegedly fuelled by self-medicating with marijuana—remains a major concern. Authorities have yet to act, leaving dentists and residents fearing further violence.
Thai Woman Loses Hand in Motorcycle Accident
A Thai woman lost her left hand when her shirt got caught in a motorcycle wheel while riding as a passenger in Songkhla on 15 March. CCTV footage shows 55-year-old Sudarat “Taeng” Waranakhon’s shirt being pulled into the rear wheel, causing her to fall. Doctors could not reattach her severed hand. Now in stable condition at Hat Yai Hospital, Taeng faces financial struggles as she relies on collecting recyclable garbage for a living. She remains hospitalised for further treatment and physical therapy.
Phuket Police Crack Down on Illegal Street Racing
Phuket police intensified efforts against illegal motorcycle racing in Wichit, seizing 22 bikes and arresting 10 racers on 15 March. Led by Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, officers set up checkpoints at key hotspots like Klong Mudong and Laem Dinso. One person was detained for carrying a knife. Ten minors were among those arrested, with parents warned about legal consequences under the Child Protection Act. Authorities, backed by community support, vow continued enforcement to curb reckless driving.
Thai Police Colonel Caught Cheating in Judicial Exam
A Thai police colonel was caught using a cheat sheet during a judicial exam for an Administrative Court judge position on 15 March at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Centre. The Administrative Court confirmed no exam leak but stated the officer violated procedures by smuggling legal documents. A viral social media post triggered an investigation by the National Police Commissioner. If found guilty, the officer faces suspension under the Police Act of 2022. Authorities are also reviewing his temporary assignment to ISOC Region 4.
Tourist Bus Crashes in Cambodia, Injuring 20
A 45-seat tourist bus plunged into a ravine on Mount Kirirom, Cambodia, on 16 March, injuring at least 20 people, including 10 seriously. The accident occurred near Virak Buntham Resort when the brakes failed on a steep descent. Local authorities, led by Governor Cheam Chansophorn, rushed victims to nearby hospitals and arranged transport for the stranded tourists. Officials urge drivers to check vehicle conditions to prevent similar incidents.
Bribery Scandal in Malaysia’s Citizenship Scheme
Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency arrested two business owners and a clerk on 16 March for bribing officials to fast-track citizenship applications. The suspects, aged 20-30, were detained while providing evidence at MACC headquarters. Their arrests follow Ops Outlander on 11 March, which exposed bribes ranging from RM5,000 to RM150,000 per application. The suspects remain in custody until 20 March as investigations continue under the MACC Act 2009.
Vientiane Residents Demand Action on Water Shortages
Vientiane residents face worsening water shortages, with many receiving low pressure or no supply despite government calls for conservation. The crisis, driven by high demand, power outages, and extreme heat, has sparked frustration on social media. Some must travel to buy water, while others receive bills despite no service. Authorities blame insufficient production, with demand exceeding supply by 172,000 cubic metres daily. Plans for new water plants are underway, but residents question the lack of long-term solutions. Officials are now seeking private investment in water infrastructure.
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