Facial Recognition to Replace Boarding Passes at Six Thai Airports

Thai airports announced plans to introduce a facial recognition system by the end of the year, effectively phasing out the need for traditional boarding passes. This cutting-edge technology will be implemented in six major airports, aiming to streamline passenger movement and enhance security processes.

From 1st November, domestic travelers in Thailand will experience this new system, with international passengers following on 1st December. Passengers will register their identification details during check-in, either at a staffed counter or using a self-service kiosk.

Upon registration, their biometric data will be linked with their travel itineraries, enabling them to navigate seamlessly from baggage drop-off to boarding gate. Each registration will apply solely to the passenger's current travel itinerary.

The six key airports set to adopt this system are:

Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Don Mueang International Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport
Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport
Phuket International Airport
Hat Yai International Airport
 
Kirati Kitmanawat, Director of the Airports Authority of Thailand, highlighted the potential benefits of this system amidst rising passenger numbers.

He reported nearly a 20% increase in airport users in September and October compared to last year, with expectations for further growth in the coming year.

The biometric system is designed not only to meet heightened security demands but also to enhance passenger convenience during their journey.

This venture aligns with global trends towards digital solutions in travel, aiming to make procedures more efficient while maintaining rigorous security standards.

As these airports gear up for implementation, travelers can expect a technologically advanced and smoother travel experience in Thailand.

The initiative promises to set a new standard in airport technology, potentially serving as a model for other airports globally, reported Bangkok Post.

Source: ASIAN NOW

#Thailand - Suspension of TM6 Arrival Form Extended to Boost Tourism

In a bid to alleviate bottlenecks at immigration and stimulate tourism, the suspension of the TM6 form requirement for travelers entering Thailand has been extended until 30 April next year.

This move comes as the authorities continue to develop the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which is anticipated to streamline travel processes further and could incorporate tourism fee collection.

The suspension initially began on 15 April and was set to end this week. However, the decision to prolong it was approved by the cabinet, aiming to enhance border crossing efficiency, reduce congestion, and bolster economic growth through increased tourist flow.

The TM6 form suspension covers 16 key land and sea checkpoints, including Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo, Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai, and Padang Besar in Songkhla.

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is spearheading the development of the ETA system, which promises an online registration platform for tourists entering Thailand from 93 visa-exempt countries.

Upon registration, tourists will receive a QR code, allowing them to pass through automated immigration gates seamlessly.

Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, noted the potential benefits, stating that simplifying arrivals could boost daily Malaysian tourist entries to Songkhla by 50% compared to when the TM6 form was mandatory.

Despite the positive outlook, tourism experts express concerns over the need for new attractions in the Deep South to maintain momentum. While current attractions entice visitors for short stays, long-term tourism development requires fresh, appealing destinations.

Songchai Mungprasithichai, from Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, emphasised efficient tourism fee collection. With at least 10,000 daily commuters via southern checkpoints, the focus remains on facilitating smooth travel while ensuring fees support new tourism ventures to enhance competitiveness and create jobs, reported Bangkok Post.

Source: ASIAN NOW

Thailand issues four major announcements on new visa measures

The Ministry of Interior of Thailand has issued four major announcements on new visa measures since July 15, 2024. These measures are intended to enhance the tourism industry, attract foreign investment, and bolster local businesses and communities.

New Visa Categories and Extensions:

1. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Designed for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and those interested in Thai cultural activities. It is valid for five years and allows multiple entries, with each stay up to 180 days.

This visa can be renewed for an additional 180 days within Thailand. Spouses and children under 20 years old can also apply for dependent DTV visas.

2. Extended Visa-Free Period: Visitors from 93 nationalities now enjoy an extended visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days, encouraging longer tourist and short-term business visits.

3. Expanded Visa on Arrival: Additional nationalities are eligible for visas on arrival, increasing the total to 31 nationalities.

4. New Student Visa (ED-Plus): Aimed at undergraduate and higher-level students, this visa allows them to stay and seek employment in Thailand post-graduation.

Work and Legal Considerations:

The DTV visa is a significant step forward for digital nomads and remote workers. However, foreigners must adhere to the Foreigner's Working Management Law.

The law defines 'work' as any occupation, regardless of employer nationality. Therefore, activities potentially affecting Thai job markets may require a work permit, even if the work is for an overseas employer.

Clear guidelines from the Department of Employment (DOE) are anticipated to ensure compliance and build confidence among foreign workers.

Short-Term Business Activities:

With the visa-free period extended to 60 days, short-term business travelers must carefully evaluate their activities to ensure they do not constitute 'work' under the law.

Specific activities may require regular or urgent work permits, initially valid for 15 days and extendable for another 15 days.

Activities considered urgent or specific work include organizing conferences, conducting academic lectures, temporary internal audits, quality inspections, and machinery installation.

These measures ensure that while foreigners can take advantage of Thailand’s extended visa privileges, they comply with local employment laws. This ensures legal security and protects Thai citizen jobs.

These comprehensive visa updates mark Thailand's steps to attract foreign talent and investment, enhancing its international appeal and economic growth while maintaining a regulated work environment, reported The Nation.

SOURCE: ASIAN NOW

Thailand's 5-20 Year Visa Now a Bit Cheaper

The Thai Privilege Visa (TPV), previously known as the Elite Visa, has recently suspended its 50,000 baht (approximately US$1,500) registration fee that was used for background checks of applicants.

This fee waiver is available for applications submitted from the beginning of September to the end of 2024. The TPV offers various visa options ranging from 5 to 20 years, each featuring unique perks and bonuses, with current prices spanning from 900,000 baht to over 2 million baht.

In a recent announcement, the Privilege company, wholly owned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that this move aims to attract more new members during a period of economic uncertainty and evolving visa policies.

The timing of this decision hints that the primary motive may be to compete with new visa options such as the 10-year Long Term Residence Visa and the recently introduced 5-year Destination Thailand Visa.

Additionally, travellers now have easier access to Thailand with options such as a 60-day visa on arrival, extendable by another month at Thai immigration, and border-hopping for repeated stays, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail.

The Elite Visa, launched in 2003 and transferred to the Privilege Card in 2013, has always included benefits like multiple entries, fast-track services at Thai airports, and discounts at selected retail outlets, hotels, spas, and golf courses.

Although its appeal initially fell short of expectations, the Covid-19 pandemic saw a surge in applications from affluent visitors who sought the flexibility to enter and exit Thailand at will. It is estimated that the current enrollment stands at around 30,000, with the largest group coming from China.

Originally conceived by then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Elite Visa struggled to meet its ambitious membership goals. Early promises that members would be allowed to purchase a small plot of land in their name for residential use were eventually vetoed by the Cabinet.

Over the years, the rules for different TPV categories have become increasingly complicated, with higher-cost options offering more generous perks. While all nationalities except North Koreans are now eligible to apply, the future of the TPV remains a contentious issue.

Ultimately, the suspension of the registration fee and other strategic changes come as part of an ongoing effort to make Thailand more attractive to long-term international visitors, despite the complexities and controversies surrounding the visa.

Source: ASIAN NOW

Immigration and the New Government

The resignation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to have wide-ranging impacts, while the incoming Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration may find the more liberal immigration and visa policies quite challenging to implement.

 

 EDITORIAL

The shock resignation of prime minister Srettha Thavisin is bound to reverberate in all sorts of directions. But it’s virtually certain that the new Pheu Thai-led administration will get round to immigration and visas sooner rather than later. Mr Thavisin’s vision was to expand massively the entry and extension opportunities for visa-exempt tourists, whilst creating a new visa for long-stayers with a lawful activity in mind. But the foreign affairs ministry, which pushed through the changes in Cabinet, may have bitten off more than the new government can chew.

The latest rule allows visa-exempt tourists to receive 60 days on arrival with a 30 days’ extension at local immigration. Nothing in print prevents these tourists from leaving the country – for example on a border hop – and repeating the procedure indefinitely. That would mean a permanent leave to remain in Thailand, without any visa, simply by briefly leaving the country – even for an hour or two – four times a year. No need to show any paperwork of any kind.

When challenged about multiple admissions, the foreign affairs ministry spokesman said that, of course, all entries to Thailand were subject to the discretion of the immigration officer. In other words, you would never be sure what might happen further down the line. One tourist might be refused, whilst another might be hassle-free, a scenario which would create the bad publicity which the Thai government abhors. The obvious solution is for the incoming Thai government to limit entries under the visa-exempt scheme to one or two in any twelve months’ period.

The new Destination Thailand Visa is a long overdue measure to address the issue of digital nomads or remote workers who have been under a legal cloud for the past 20 years. The DTV allows those who report to a foreign company and/or have overseas clients to receive a multiple entry five years’ visa which, with an extension at local immigration, allows them to remain in the kingdom for up to 360 days (180 on entry + 180 at extension). They must then “leave the country” to repeat the procedure. The unclear bits here are whether the remote worker’s contracts or portfolio of work need to be updated, or whether no further checks are made for the five years’ duration.

One can easily imagine the scenario whereby some remote workers would be checked more thoroughly than others on repeat visits or at the extension stage. Not to mention the huge queues likely to form at airports, land borders and immigration offices if the documentation is not up to standard. One way out of the confusion would be to authorize the digital nomad DTV for one year, or maybe two, before new documentation should be presented for scrutiny. Of course, the visa is strictly for remote workers with foreign clients. Any work for customers in Thailand requires a work permit, not the DTV.

The second and quite different route to the DTV is by participating in a lawful activity broadly defined as soft power. The current rules state that a foreigner may enrol for a cookery or martial arts course or be seeking medical treatment or be attending musical festivals or have a wife and/or dependants living in Thailand. Does this really suggest that someone could present a ticket for an upcoming pop concert or show a letter for dental treatment and receive, in return, a five years’ multiple entry visa? Presumably not, but the lack of precise information is spell-binding. These soft power DTV visas are in need of urgent review.

The new immigration policies show every sign of having been pushed through the Cabinet without too much deliberation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted on the instruction of the previous prime minister to boost tourism and revenue come what may, leaving the awkward detail to be sorted out later at entry points and at immigration offices throughout the land. But foreigners hate ambiguity as we also see in the kerfuffle about personal tax and income from overseas. The sooner the government starts clarifying rather than dictating, the better for all concerned.

Sourse: PattayaNews

Thailand unveils new visa rules, sparks mixed reactions

 

Thailand’s major overhaul of visas and entry rules has sparked a variety of reactions, ranging from joy and excitement to confusion and some resentment.

To clarify the new rules, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Naruchai Ninnad, addressed readers’ questions in the Bangkok Post’s Deeper Dive vodcast.

The standout change is the new five-year Destination Thailand visa (DTV), which allows stays of up to 180 days, extendable for up to one year. However, the visa is not for everyone and requires holders to fit into one of three categories.

The first category includes digital nomads or freelancers who receive their paycheques from outside Thailand, said Naruchai.

“You can have any type of work and you’re working remotely here in Thailand. Most importantly, the employer is not in Thailand. And your income has to come from outside Thailand. Evidence such as a payslip or a letter from the employer abroad is required.”

The second category covers individuals moving to Thailand for specific activities like Muay Thai training, cooking classes, medical treatment, and attending seminars and music festivals. Applicants need to provide evidence such as an appointment, a course receipt, or an event ticket, said Naruchai.

“It depends on the course. It may be two weeks or one month, it’s up to the applicant. Extensions beyond the initial 189 days require additional documentation.”

Category O spousal visa

The third category includes those with spouses or children in Thailand, requiring proof of relationship. This visa could serve as an alternative to the category O spousal visa but needs an extension every six months and necessitates leaving the country at least once per year.

The DTV does not require health insurance but mandates proof of at least 500,000 baht in assets, which can be held anywhere in the world. Naruchai emphasised that proof of income or assets is not enough to qualify. The applicant must be either a remote worker, undertaking an approved activity, or a spouse/dependent child.

Naruchai also clarified that the DTV cannot replace the one-year retirement visa unless the applicant fits another category. Addressing a complaint that the DTV is a cheaper alternative to the Elite visa.

“There are different benefits and privileges between the two visas. So you would have to choose what will particularly benefit you the most.”

In another significant change, the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, including China and India. The entry stamp has been extended from 30 to 60 days, with a further 30-day extension available at an immigration office.

Naruchai explained that the immigration office does not have a specified number of entries per year.

“You can enter as many times as possible within a calendar year. Entrants must show access to at least 20,000 baht but are not required to present a return or onward ticket unless specifically asked by an immigration officer.”

Visa on arrival

The number of countries eligible for a visa on arrival has also risen, from 19 to 31, although this option is less attractive due to its cost of 2,000 baht and a validity of only 15 days. Naruchai clarified that the highest benefit will always be given by the immigration officer, citing the example of Chinese citizens who would receive a 60-day visa exemption instead of a visa on arrival.

The final new visa, introduced on July 15, is the Non-ED Plus visa for the 40,000 foreign students at Thai colleges and universities pursuing Bachelor’s degrees or higher. This visa allows them to stay for one year after graduation and take jobs in their field.

Naruchai mentioned that if you are here previously under the ED visa and you fulfil the requirements of the ED Plus, it will automatically upgrade into the ED Plus, meaning you will not need to have a re-entry permit.

Despite these changes, other visas and the contentious 90-day report remain in place. Although calls to extend the retirement visa to five years were not met, the health insurance requirement for this and the spousal visa has been reduced from 3 million baht to 400,000 baht.

Addressing concerns about foreign criminals, Naruchai assured that security measures are still in place.

“When people applied for a visa, we looked at the blocklist system. Now, we may not have that pre-screening for the 97 countries, but when they arrive in Thailand, they have to undergo security screening using the same database.”

Recent cases of foreign criminals in Thailand have highlighted issues with corrupt immigration officials. Nevertheless, stringent regulations and screenings aim to maintain security without overly burdening law-abiding expats.

For more details, the full interview and Thailand’s new visas episode of the Bangkok Post vodcast Deeper Dive can be found on Spotify or other podcast platforms, reported Bangkok Post.

Source: The Thaiger

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Visa-free Travel policies boost global tourism and economy in #Thailand

 

Countries worldwide are recognising the importance of travel freedom in bolstering their economies and accelerating the recovery post-pandemic. As tourism and trade flourish without border restrictions, governments are implementing strategies to enhance their tourism competitiveness, such as visa-free travel policies and the digitalisation of pre-travel processes.

Prominent countries like China and India, with their vast populations, are primary targets for countries seeking to increase their visitor numbers. Last year, Kazakhstan introduced a visa-free scheme for Chinese, Indian and Iranian visitors, and China reciprocated for Kazakh visitors. Likewise, a mutual agreement was signed allowing Maldivian and Chinese tourists visa-free travel from this year. Additionally, Sri Lanka granted temporary visa-free travel to seven countries, including China and India.

Thailand’s government also offers a temporary visa exemption for visitors from China, India, Kazakhstan, and Taiwan, with a 30-day stay per entry. The visa-free travel policy resulted in a 26% increase in searches for Thailand among Indian and Taiwanese travellers, according to online travel agent Agoda. The country currently allows 61 countries and territories to visit without a visa.

Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, believes visa exemptions will contribute to tourism momentum into the next year. The exemptions, he says, will help dispel negative images about Thai tourism and convince potential tourists they are welcome.

Extending the period of stay can also spur tourism expenditure. For instance, Malaysia extended the stay period for Hong Kong nationals to 90 days, up from 30, while Vietnam revised its visa-free stays to 45 days from 15 for certain nations.

Source - The Thaiger

Thailand's Immigration Launches Automated Passport Control

 Thailand’s Immigration Bureau responds to Prime Minister Setha Thavisin’s directive with the launch of an automated passport control system at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Learn how this initiative aims to enhance tourism convenience and expedite the departure process for outbound passengers.

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is set to usher in a new era of convenience for travelers, with the Immigration Bureau unveiling plans for an automated passport control system. In response to Prime Minister Setha Thavisin‘s policy directive, this forward-looking initiative is poised to streamline departure processes, reduce congestion at departure gates, and enhance the overall experience for both inbound and outbound passengers.

On November 14th, Police Lieutenant General Chengron Rimphadee, head of Immigration Bureau 2, provided insights into the development progress of the Automated Channel at Suvarnabhumi Airport, as reported by Daily News. The strategic goal is to ensure smoother outbound passenger checks, optimizing the use of technology to expedite the departure process.

The primary objective of this endeavor is to significantly reduce waiting times at immigration counters while maintaining robust security measures. By automating outbound passenger checks, immigration staff will be able to reallocate their focus to inbound checks, further bolstering national security.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Setha Thavisin, the Immigration Office has been entrusted with enhancing the existing system and introducing the Automated Channel at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This pivotal system upgrade is designed to benefit not only Thai passport holders but also foreign travelers, aligning with the government’s commitment to improving tourism convenience.

One of the notable highlights of this initiative is the accessibility of the Automated Channel to foreign nationals, marking a significant shift in convenience and efficiency. To meet the ambitious December 15th deadline, the Immigration Bureau is diligently working on system upgrades and procedural adjustments in preparation for the upcoming New Year festivities.

Lieutenant General Chengron Rimphadee emphasized that the expansion of the Automated Channel for foreign nationals will effectively double the airport’s capacity to handle outbound passengers. The anticipated capacity increase, from 5,000 to approximately 12,000 passengers per hour, is a testament to the transformative power of automation in the travel industry.

As part of the ongoing developments, the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) is set to procure new Automated Channel systems. These state-of-the-art systems will replace the aging 12-year-old machines at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports. At Suvarnabhumi, the installation will feature 40 new machines for international departures, a significant upgrade from the current 16. Furthermore, Don Mueang Airport will also witness replacements for both inbound and outbound channels, promising modernity, accuracy, and efficiency.

Lieutenant General Chengron Rimphadee concluded by underscoring the importance of manual checks for international arrivals, ensuring robust national security measures. The planned installation of additional Automated Channel machines for departures will not only expedite the process but also allow for increased staffing at inbound passport control, catering to the surges in passenger traffic during peak travel periods.

The introduction of automated passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport is a significant milestone in Thailand’s commitment to providing a seamless and secure travel experience. As the December 15th deadline approaches, travelers can look forward to quicker and more efficient departures, making Thailand an even more attractive destination for visitors from around the world. [Asean Now]

#Bangkok - Immigration and Police Conduct Nightlife Security Sweep in Nana Area

 

On the night of November 9, 2023, Bangkok's Nana district saw a concerted effort by the Immigration Bureau Division 1 and the Lumpini Police Station to enhance security measures. 

The operation involved X-ray screenings and detailed inspections targeting areas frequented by tourists at night, with a focus on Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 3/1, reported Siam Rath.

This initiative, led by senior immigration and police officials, was designed to boost public confidence, ensure the safety of visitors, and preempt any disturbances, especially in light of potential international conflicts impacting Thailand.

Police Colonel Kajaphon Pathamang from Division 1 stated that the operation aligns with the policies set by the national police leadership, aiming to fortify the Immigration Bureau's role in safeguarding the country.

The strategy includes strict supervision and collaboration with other security entities to monitor vulnerable locations for any security threats and transnational criminal activities.

Following strategic discussions between the Immigration Bureau and the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the authorities have committed to maintaining these rigorous patrols.

The public is encouraged to assist by reporting any unusual or suspicious behavior to the emergency hotline 191 or the Immigration Bureau's hotline 1178, both available around the clock.

Source: ASIAN NOW

Thai Senior Immigration Officer Vows to Purge the Country of All Overstayers Within Three Months

 

Chaengwattana government complex in #Bangkok

Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Pakphumpipat Sajjaphan held a seminar on Thursday, July 6th, to equip immigration officers with the necessary skills to effectively address the issue of overstayers. Overstaying is when someone stays past the date of their legal visa without permission from Thai Immigration. Within the next three months, the number of overstayers should be reduced to zero, as they are more likely to engage in criminal activities, which can adversely affect Thailand’s tourism industry, Pol. Lt. Gen. Pakphumpipat said. He added that the immigration bureau would also develop complex investigative strategies to reach this goal of zero by focusing on dismantling networks involved in smuggling foreign individuals into the country. Immigration officers would be deployed regularly to conduct on-site passport checks at places, especially entertainment venues nationwide, and businesses would be required to report the accommodation of foreign individuals to the officers. Thai law allows random checks of foreign nationals to ensure they are legally residing within the Kingdom. It is also the law to have legal identification on one’s person at all times. Pol. Lt. Gen. Pakphumpipat believed that in the future, the database of the Immigration Bureau on foreign people within the Kingdom would be greatly strengthened. This would allow immigration officers and police officers to be able to track foreign individuals whether they were lost or had committed a crime within 1-2 days, he said. The plan will also utilize smart cars which are equipped with advanced camera face recognition technology connected to the Thai Immigration Database constantly scanning faces of pedestrians and bystanders to identify those on overstay. This technology had been utilized successfully in busy tourist areas that also had many problems with overstaying like Phuket and Pattaya. Penalties for overstaying differ based on the period overstayed but often include deportation at the overstayers expense, fines, blacklisting, and detainment at the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok until one is deported.

Source = Pattaya News

Thailand - BOI Seeks Private Businesses to Promote LTR Visa Program

The Board of Investment (BoI) is looking to enlist private firms to promote the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program aimed at wealthy pensioners and skilled foreign workers.

BoI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said these companies will work with government authorities to promote the initiative both locally and internationally to attract more prospective participants. He added that the move is part of efforts to draw more applications for the 10-year visas introduced in 2022.

The LTR visa program, which provides tax breaks and other financial incentives, is aimed at helping to attract one million applicants over the next five years. As of September 2022, about 2,800 foreigners have applied for visas. Pensioners accounted for 35% of applicants, followed by experienced professionals wishing to work remotely from Thailand and wealthy global individuals.

Collaborating with private firms to promote the program locally and globally also presents an opportunity for Thailand to increase its foreign investment and attract skilled professionals, along with high-net-worth individuals. The effectiveness of this campaign could represent a potential step towards strengthening the economy and making Thailand a more appealing destination for foreign investment.

Source - Thai News

Suvarnabhumi Improves Services Amid Thailand’s Tourism Rebound

 BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport has instructed Suvarnabhumi Airport to urgently address the issue of long immigration queues and wait times at baggage carousels in order to better facilitate the entry of international travelers amid Thailand’s tourism rebound.

Serving as the country’s main port of international arrivals, Suvarnabhumi Airport last month saw a total of 4.3 million passengers at an average of 138,287 daily passengers, representing 317% year-on-year growth.

The airport in January 2023 served 25,690 flights at a daily average of 829 flights. Some 2,000 of the flights that month - or around 80 flights per day - were from China, bringing in a total of 255,000 arrivals, or around 11,000 passengers a day.

The surge in arriving passengers has caused some issues at the airport, particularly congestion at passport control and long processing periods for baggage. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said that while these issues have already been addressed, more work needs to be carried out to ensure the airport’s capacity for future growth.

The Ministry of Transport has ordered Airports of Thailand (AOT) to add 60 additional immigration counters at the airport’s passport control areas. This expansion, which is in the process of selecting contractors, is expected to expand the processing capacity at passport control to 3,000 people per hour.

On the baggage handling front, AOT has instructed the two ground-handling companies to increase the number of staff members and equipment in order to accommodate more flights. Some airlines have received temporary authorization to manage their own ground-handling at the airport, in an effort to help reduce delays.

The AOT is also in the process of selecting a third ground-handling company to serve flights at the airport, as this would enable the airport to more sustainably increase its growth capacity for flights and passengers.

Sourse - ASIAN NOW

Thailand offers amnesty to ‘little ghosts’ in South Korea

The Thai government calls for all Thais working illegally in South Korea – known as ‘little ghosts‘ – to return to Thailand before February 28.

Any little ghost who does not return to Thailand before this date will face a 30 million won fine (800,000 baht), warned the government.

Today, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek revealed that the South Korean Immigration Office reported that 100,000 Thai people are currently working illegally in South Korea.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would therefore like to inform any Thais who illegally entered Korea that they can escape punishment if they return to Thailand before February 28.

Little ghosts will be exempt from the 800,000 baht fine so long as they return before the month’s end and report their planned return to Thailand either at an immigration office in South Korea or online at www.hikorea.go.kr.

To report, the little ghost must provide supporting documents, namely their passport and evidence of purchased plane tickets to Thailand.

Little ghosts who do not return to Thailand, or those that don’t report their return, will not only face a hefty fine but will face trouble entering South Korea in the future, warned the spokesperson.

Ratchada said Thai people are welcome to work in South Korea but must do so legally via the Department of Employment.

Thais should not fall for scams of people offering illegal work in South Korea. Little Ghosts do not have basic welfare rights, are not covered by insurance, are often taken advantage of with low wages and have to live in fear of being found out by the authorities.

The government’s announcement comes just days after a Thai family pleaded for help for their relative, a little ghost, who fell into a coma in South Korea after undergoing urgent surgery for a brain haemorrhage.

The family are doing everything they can to have Narong – who remains unconscious – returned to Thailand.

Narong’s mother Buarat says she knows the medical bills in South Korea will be high and the family is stuck because they don’t have much money.

The family decided to publicise their story through the media to warn others against working illegally abroad in case they fall ill and need help.

Source - The Thaiger

#Thailand to open all land border crossings next year

 Thailand is planning to open all land border crossings with neighbouring countries next year. The move is reportedly part of an effort to facilitate the transportation of goods to help restart one aspect of the economy. The Department of Foreign Trade says it will negotiate with Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia to reopen all 97 land borders and hold trade fairs throughout several locations next year.

According to the National News Bureau of Thailand, the DFT Director General says the department will remain committed to facilitating exports through the modernisation of specific laws. Such modernisation includes upgrading department services like permit extensions, geographical indication documents and exporter registrations.

Last year, Thailand brought in around 1 trillion baht in revenue from border trading but trade with Singapore, Vietnam and China decreased as more exporters chose air shipping.

Thai farm products including rice will be promoted at events by the DFT both at home markets and abroad. Thai rice exports exceeded 8.5 million tonnes this year, surpassing the target of 7.5 million tonnes.

Source - The Thaiger

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Russians still biggest tourist group in Phuket, peak expected during holidays

Russians remain Phuket’s biggest tourist group, and the island resort’s tourism is expected to peak during the holidays, according to the president of the Southern Thai Hotels Association, Sueksit Suwannadissakun, who believes the peak of tourism High Season will be between December 24 to January 5.

About 57% of hotels in the island province reopened in October, jumping to 70% in November, according to Sueksit. He said the association expects that during Christmas and New Year, 80% of Phuket hotels will be opened. Sueksit told The Phuket Express…

“The top tourists are now Russians which is about 25% of total visitors, secondly followed by Indians at 12%, and finally Singaporeans and Australians at 6%. These four groups of tourists are almost half of the overall tourism market in Phuket.” 

Sueksit added that most other tourists in Phuket are Europeans coming to Thailand for the warm winter here.

In November, Phuket saw 55,097 Russian tourists arriving on its shores. The second largest tourist group in Phuket that month came from India, with 26,525 travellers, according to Phuket Immigration.

The recent swarm of Russian tourists in Thailand has taken the country’s tourism forces completely by surprise. Despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian tourism market has returned much quicker than expected, according to the president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) last month.

Chartered flights to Phuket and Pattaya are being filled by Russian tourists. Less than two weeks after Russian airlines made their triumphant return to Phuket, Aeroflot announced an increase in direct flights to the island. The flagship airline of Russia made known on November 12 that it would be adding 14 new flights a week from Russia to Phuket.

As of October 26, Thailand witnessed 7,349,843 international tourists arrive at its airports. According to the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand is on course to attract around 11 million tourists this year.

Source - The Thaiger

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APEC 22: Immigration announce results of crackdown on foreign illegals ahead of international meet

#Thailand's Immigration Bureau - that last week along with tourist police mobilized 550 men - announced the result of a pre APEC 22 crackdown.

Results of the efforts on Thursday to Saturday last week were announced by IB chief Pol Lt-Gen Phakphoomphiphat Sajjaphan and other senior immigration police on Sunday.

A total of 785 foreigners on overstay were rounded up.

Some 1,249 people who illegally entered the kingdom were found.  

 Warnings and advice were issued to 2,723 foreigners about reporting their address in Bangkok.

587 people like landlords and owners of properties where migrants and foreigners stay were fined for not reporting under Article 38 of the IB code.

Thousands more were also refused entry.

 Thai Rath also reported further developments on the arrest of a Chinese national called Sao and his Thai driver Satawat, 36. He was driving his boss around as if he were a diplomat.

Two Chinese nationals named only as Lee, 27, and Hoo, 40, were arrested on Interpol Red Notices.

Jang, a Taiwanese was found using a Cambodian passport and following contact with the Taiwanese embassy he was found to be another person and was mixed up in call center fraud in the Philippines.  

Source - Asian Now

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Thailand - Online visa extensions for ex-pats coming soon

The Immigration Bureau (IB) unveiled its Electronic Extension of Temporary Stay (e-Extension) service on Tuesday to make it easier for expats to apply for visa extensions.
Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, the national police chief, said the e-Extension would enhance visa services as the system lets them lodge the extension request online.

The service covers the whole process including the payment of fees via a dedicated website, Thaiextension.vfsevisa.com.

It will reduce the time to process the application from one hour to three minutes, Pol Gen Damrongsak said.

According to the IB, over 200,000 expats seek to extend their visas each year for about a dozen reasons including taking holidays, teaching jobs, studying, working at a state agency or due to family ties.

The growing number of applicants spurred concern about the time-consuming and inconvenient nature of the process.

The e-Extension service will be piloted first for expats living or working in Bangkok.

They can file an application online at the cited website.

However, they must show up in person to verify their identity and get a visa sticker at the IB office on Chaeng Wattana Road.

The IB plans to make the service available at all IB offices nationwide in the future.

Source - Bangkok Jack

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More than 57,000 passengers arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday

 Thailand - More than 57,000 international passengers arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, confirmed by Immigration Officers.
Immigration Bureau Spokeman Major Geneneral Choengron Rimphadee confirmed yesterday (November 10th) that there were about 25 international flights arriving at the Suvarnabhumi Airport with about 57,000 passengers. Of those 49,000 were foreigners.

This is approaching the same average numbers before Covid-19 which was approximately 60,000 people a day. During this time there are up to 3,000 passengers arriving at the airport per hour. Immigration Officers can check their passports at 3,500 people in half an hour. Immigration stated that they can still manage with no passengers needing to wait outside the main Immigration area.

TPN notes, however, that many complaints have surfaced online from tourists arriving stating that they personally found the arrival process hectic and crowded, depending on the time of day of arrival.

Immigration, however, has blamed most of the issues on airlines or language and communication issues with tourists from some countries and not their own staffing or processing.

Source - Pattaya News

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Thailand set to approve Special Tourist Visa for digital nomads

Thailand is preparing to accommodate an increasing number of “digital nomads” with eyes on Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai as work and vacation destinations.

Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the three cities were ranked by Germany-based vacation search engine company Holidu on its list of the best ‘workation’ cities in 2021. One of the groups included in the survey comprised workers who travel to different locations, using mobile devices to perform their jobs remotely at coffee shops or public libraries.

A recent survey by the Adventure Travel Trade Association found Thailand to be among the most popular destinations for these digital nomads. Respondents cited blazing internet speeds, affordable living costs, and scenic tourist attractions are some of the factors that attracted them to the Kingdom, especially with so many others now working remotely due to the global pandemic.

The spokesperson said the government is working to accommodate the increasing numbers of digital nomads by approving a Special Tourist Visa (STV) that allows foreigners to stay for 90 days.

The visa can be extended twice, meaning tourists can stay up to 270 days at a time. The government hopes that STVs will help revitalize the tourism industry under effective COVID-19 control and prevention measures.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has commended relevant agencies and the Thai people for making Thailand one of the best destinations for travelers. He also assured that the government would be ready to listen to all constructive feedback in order to draft policies that benefit everyone.

Source - ASIAN NOW

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Travelers can enter Thailand by sea & land from Dec 24

The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) decided last week to allow travellers to enter Thailand by sea and land, in addition to current access by air.
The north-eastern province of Nong Khai, bordering the Lao PDR, will be the first overland entry point to reopen on December 24th, according to CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.

To enter Thailand via a seaport, travellers are required to be fully inoculated, have passed an RT-PCR test within the 72 hours prior to departure or since their last port of call, to have no infections among passengers and crew on the same vessel and have “Thailand Pass” registration before arrival.

Travellers under the “Test and Go” program will be exempted from quarantine and from providing proof of hotel bookings. “Sandbox” program travellers will have to stay at a hotel in the “sandbox” area for five days and have proof of SHA+ booking payments.

Dr. Taweesin said children under 6, who are accompanied by their parents, will not be subject to RT-PCR tests, but their parents must have negative results from RT-PCR tests taken within the 72 hours prior to travel and will be required to take rapid antigen tests upon arrival.

For Thais who want to travel abroad and need a vaccine passport, he said the CCSA has approved the use of the “Mor Prom” application to apply for the document online.

According to the CCSA, 104,065 foreign and Thai travellers entered Thailand between November 1st and 25th under the “Test and Go”, “sandbox” and quarantine programs. Of these, 135 or 0.13% were found to be infected with COVID-19. – ThaiPBS

Source - BangkokJack

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