Expat funerals in Pattaya have become much more expensive
By Barry Kenyon
August 3, 2024
Dying is a grave affair and not getting any cheaper in Pattaya. The myth persists that you can cremate a friend or loved one for around 20,000 baht (US$570) and that the main factor is which temple you choose. Whilst it is true that the further you move from central Pattaya the cheaper they come, my recent experience as the person authorized-by-the-relatives-in-UK has revealed that the actual costs are distributed much more diffusely. It was quite an undertaking.
If you die, or nearly, at home or in the street, you will likely be taken to a hospital. Each of which in both the private and public sector has its own ferrying ambulance service. Separately, at least one private hospital has a mobile intensive care unit whose costs may leave you staggered. My case involved the volunteer Sawangboriboon Foundation taking the deceased to one of the smaller hospitals where doctors worked frantically on cardiopulmonary resuscitation to try and revive a patient who (it seemed to me) had already shuffled off this mortal coil. This “service” cost 19,000 baht (US$540).
The local police, as is their wont, then appeared and explained that all deaths require an autopsy unless the patient dies in hospital as an in-patient with a full history of treatment. They also suggested that city hall would issue the death certificate. That’s true, but only after the autopsy I found out later. Sawangboriboon offered to make the arrangements to take the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine (the morgue), part of the sprawling police headquarters at Rama IV, Bangkok. The transportation cost was a very reasonable 2,000 baht (US$60).
Next on the list comes a visit to the embassy in Bangkok to collect an authorization letter to be shown at the Institute. You will certainly need your original passport and that of the deceased, not copies. On arrival at the morgue, it was disconcerting to see that the queue “to visit a dead body” was 50 strong in front of me, mostly the next of kin of Thai road accident victims. There are, of course, ways to shorten the waiting time from several hours to about 40 minutes which can be best left to your imagination. You will be issued with the autopsy report which may contain scant information other than “respiratory failure and circulatory problems”. The cost here was 5,000 baht (US$140) inclusive of a preserving injection to delay decomposition and rental costs in the refrigerator. Not expensive, as it’s the official state rate for Thais and foreigners alike.
You will likely be offered by mortuary staff a one-stop service to provide a shroud and coffin, to deliver the body to the temple of choice in Pattaya and provide the all-important death certificate from City Hall. There is also a requirement to obtain a clearance letter from the local police that there is no evidence of a crime connected to the fatality. As you will probably be as exhausted as I was by this time, you will almost certainly agree to the one-stop-shop notion which is truly efficient. The inclusive charge was 9,500 baht (US$270).
The temple authorities (you have an enormous choice in and around Pattaya) charged 24,500 baht (US$700) which included preparing the body, providing a simple ceremony to note the passing of an individual before his or her reincarnation and the actual cremation which is officially known as hygienic disposal. You may also need to purchase incidentals such as fresh flowers, the services of coffin bearers at the actual service, even makeup. The mortician, I was told, is the last person to put a smile on your face. If you include your personal travel expenses (one or two trips to Bangkok), the total is another and final 10,000 baht (US$285) at least.
Leaving aside wills (known here as “dead giveaways” although my case involved a person who died intestate) and distribution of the estate, the total cost of the cremation was around 70,000 baht or about US$2,000. You may think you could do it cheaper or use a Thai to delegate the whole thing by power of attorney. But Thai colleagues told me that wouldn’t have made much difference. In a resort such as Pattaya, dying is a commercial business like any other. Especially if you are a farang.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/expat- ... ive-467725
By Barry Kenyon
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Hospitals, Thai police & religion.
Three types of business that like to get their hands on money, without necessarily offering value in return.
Three types of business that like to get their hands on money, without necessarily offering value in return.
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Two articles by Barry Kenyon today:
_____________________________________________________
Thailand’s new visa regulations still have ambiguous elements
By Barry Kenyon
August 5, 2024
A deputy director of the Thai consular affairs department has now responded to the Bangkok Post readers’ questions about the latest immigration news. Naruchai Ninnad commented principally on the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and doubling of the extension of visa-exempt entries to 60 days. Basically, the detailed implementation – where it is ambiguous – is left to the discretion of the immigration officer at points of entry by air, land and sea.
Mr Naruchai said that digital nomads or remote workers could apply for the DTV as long as their pay check originated outside Thailand and neither their employer nor customers were located here. They should keep their contract(s) up-to-date or be ready to show their portfolio of recent work all deriving from outside the country. The five-year,multiple-entry visa allows for 360 days stay in Thailand in a year (180 days on entry plus 180 days extension at local immigration) but requires the holder to leave the country to repeat the process on return. Immigration officers are empowered to examine the documentation, if they wish, on entry and at extension stage.
According to the vodcast, there is more ambiguity about the alternative DTV route for “approved activities” which include Muay Thai or other sports training, cooking classes, medical treatment or attendance at seminars or music festivals. Mr Naruchai said that evidence might include a course receipt or an event ticket, but an extension at local immigration could require another written confirmation, presumably more up to date. He stated that the DTV was not an alternative to the one-year retirement visa and extension of stay, although it might be OK if the applicant fell into another category. The deputy director-general discounted criticisms by Elite visa holders, claiming there are different benefits and privileges between the two.
In a separate innovation, most tourists now receive 60 days on entry and can extend at local immigration for a further month. Mr Naruchai said there is no specified number of repeat entries in a year and it is not mandatory to present a return or onward ticket or accommodation specifics, provided they can show (if asked) access to at least 20,000 baht or about US$ 560. He cautioned that such evidence might be required if the immigration officer was “suspicious” for some reason. In other words, the detail is at the immigration officer’s discretion. Mr Naruchai added that if the 60 days visa exempt person wished to do “urgent” work for up to 15 days, they must request permission at an immigration or labour office.
Amongst other changes, it was clarified that the DTV visa requires 500,000 baht (about US$14,000,) but not necessarily in cash or in a Thai bank account. Alternatives could include a foreign bank account or even a brokerage statement about stocks and shares. The DTV is separately available for foreigners with a spouse or children in Thailand, an alternative to the non-immigrant “O” visa currently used for such foreigners. Mr Naruchai denied that any of the changes introduced last month are helping foreign criminals to ruin Thailand, saying that the same data base of blacklisted persons is now checked on entry rather than at the visa application stage.
In summary, the deputy director-general confirmed that the latest changes, all introduced in mid July, were designed to open a new page in Thai immigration history. Ambiguities remain of course. Is it necessary to have all entry documents in English or Thai? What could trigger a “suspicion” by an immigration officer considering whether to stamp a passport? Will Elite visa holders and one year extension of stay retirees find ways of fitting in to the new world and getting rid of their current visas? Are the newly liberated tourists and DTV visa holders clear that if they stay longer than 180 days in a calendar year, they may fall into the clutches of the Thai revenue authority if they have overseas, assessable income? Will immigration bureau corruption receive a new lease of life? As the ancient Roman poet Juvenal wrote, “Quis custodiet custodes?” Who is watching the watchers?
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... nts-467906
____________________________________________________
Private clubs may be the future of the girlie scene in Pattaya
By Barry Kenyon
August 4, 2024
Pattaya’s tourist profile is very different from even five years ago. Indians and Chinese numbers in particular are booming, backed by a new visa-free status which allows 60 days on entry to Thailand. The Walking Street’s dancing clubs and neon-lit bars now cater for a predominantly Asian crowd, notably Indian, whilst the term Little Moscow was coined years ago to describe the Russian presence in an area of Naklua, a district neighboring Pattaya.
The traditional male markets of white Europeans, Americans and Australians have fled to the 200 or so bars on Sois L.K. Metro, Buakhao and Six. But even here their presence is being challenged by newcomers such as South Koreans, Singaporeans and Japanese men who tend to have more disposable cash than their counterparts from Lancashire or Bavaria. The Chinese are here too, but mostly tour groups following a fluttering flag as they trudge past the action and see next to nothing.
But now there’s a new kid on the block: mainly private clubs aimed specifically at the traditional Caucasian markets feeling under pressure. GentsClubs.com will shortly have nine franchise or partner venues scattered throughout the city with catchy names such as Cat Flaps, Maggie May and Buzzin Lounge. They encourage membership with entitlements which vary in detail from club to club: discounts on drinks, all-you-can-eat buffets, daily pub crawls etc. There’s even a kinda promise of a weekly auction where members can buy or sell unwanted items, or even pool parties but only when swimming pools are built.
Adverts on the website promote vacancies for luscious Thai ladies, aged 20-40, who can apparently receive a monthly grab of 50,000 baht (US$1,400) or more for pole-dancing duties. Noy, a young lady at Three Ways on the off-beat Soi Regional Land, said, “Our customers are mostly white Europeans who are looking for a private retreat rather than an open bar to be stared at.” She added that the doors are locked when a cabaret is in progress to keep out freeloaders. The website stresses that each venue has its own charm and allure with an overall monthly email newsletter to keep members up to date.
Whilst it is too early to claim that Pattaya’s night life is becoming a members’ only monopoly requiring registration, the diversification of nationalities is here to stay. Social media is awash with complaints by Caucasian men about how the “new” Pattaya isn’t altogether to their liking. One way out of this dilemma is to offer them all-inclusive clubs where they can socialize with the like-minded whilst enjoying the fussing by attentive staff. As they used to say, That’s Entertainment!
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... aya-467830
_____________________________________________________
Thailand’s new visa regulations still have ambiguous elements
By Barry Kenyon
August 5, 2024
A deputy director of the Thai consular affairs department has now responded to the Bangkok Post readers’ questions about the latest immigration news. Naruchai Ninnad commented principally on the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and doubling of the extension of visa-exempt entries to 60 days. Basically, the detailed implementation – where it is ambiguous – is left to the discretion of the immigration officer at points of entry by air, land and sea.
Mr Naruchai said that digital nomads or remote workers could apply for the DTV as long as their pay check originated outside Thailand and neither their employer nor customers were located here. They should keep their contract(s) up-to-date or be ready to show their portfolio of recent work all deriving from outside the country. The five-year,multiple-entry visa allows for 360 days stay in Thailand in a year (180 days on entry plus 180 days extension at local immigration) but requires the holder to leave the country to repeat the process on return. Immigration officers are empowered to examine the documentation, if they wish, on entry and at extension stage.
According to the vodcast, there is more ambiguity about the alternative DTV route for “approved activities” which include Muay Thai or other sports training, cooking classes, medical treatment or attendance at seminars or music festivals. Mr Naruchai said that evidence might include a course receipt or an event ticket, but an extension at local immigration could require another written confirmation, presumably more up to date. He stated that the DTV was not an alternative to the one-year retirement visa and extension of stay, although it might be OK if the applicant fell into another category. The deputy director-general discounted criticisms by Elite visa holders, claiming there are different benefits and privileges between the two.
In a separate innovation, most tourists now receive 60 days on entry and can extend at local immigration for a further month. Mr Naruchai said there is no specified number of repeat entries in a year and it is not mandatory to present a return or onward ticket or accommodation specifics, provided they can show (if asked) access to at least 20,000 baht or about US$ 560. He cautioned that such evidence might be required if the immigration officer was “suspicious” for some reason. In other words, the detail is at the immigration officer’s discretion. Mr Naruchai added that if the 60 days visa exempt person wished to do “urgent” work for up to 15 days, they must request permission at an immigration or labour office.
Amongst other changes, it was clarified that the DTV visa requires 500,000 baht (about US$14,000,) but not necessarily in cash or in a Thai bank account. Alternatives could include a foreign bank account or even a brokerage statement about stocks and shares. The DTV is separately available for foreigners with a spouse or children in Thailand, an alternative to the non-immigrant “O” visa currently used for such foreigners. Mr Naruchai denied that any of the changes introduced last month are helping foreign criminals to ruin Thailand, saying that the same data base of blacklisted persons is now checked on entry rather than at the visa application stage.
In summary, the deputy director-general confirmed that the latest changes, all introduced in mid July, were designed to open a new page in Thai immigration history. Ambiguities remain of course. Is it necessary to have all entry documents in English or Thai? What could trigger a “suspicion” by an immigration officer considering whether to stamp a passport? Will Elite visa holders and one year extension of stay retirees find ways of fitting in to the new world and getting rid of their current visas? Are the newly liberated tourists and DTV visa holders clear that if they stay longer than 180 days in a calendar year, they may fall into the clutches of the Thai revenue authority if they have overseas, assessable income? Will immigration bureau corruption receive a new lease of life? As the ancient Roman poet Juvenal wrote, “Quis custodiet custodes?” Who is watching the watchers?
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... nts-467906
____________________________________________________
Private clubs may be the future of the girlie scene in Pattaya
By Barry Kenyon
August 4, 2024
Pattaya’s tourist profile is very different from even five years ago. Indians and Chinese numbers in particular are booming, backed by a new visa-free status which allows 60 days on entry to Thailand. The Walking Street’s dancing clubs and neon-lit bars now cater for a predominantly Asian crowd, notably Indian, whilst the term Little Moscow was coined years ago to describe the Russian presence in an area of Naklua, a district neighboring Pattaya.
The traditional male markets of white Europeans, Americans and Australians have fled to the 200 or so bars on Sois L.K. Metro, Buakhao and Six. But even here their presence is being challenged by newcomers such as South Koreans, Singaporeans and Japanese men who tend to have more disposable cash than their counterparts from Lancashire or Bavaria. The Chinese are here too, but mostly tour groups following a fluttering flag as they trudge past the action and see next to nothing.
But now there’s a new kid on the block: mainly private clubs aimed specifically at the traditional Caucasian markets feeling under pressure. GentsClubs.com will shortly have nine franchise or partner venues scattered throughout the city with catchy names such as Cat Flaps, Maggie May and Buzzin Lounge. They encourage membership with entitlements which vary in detail from club to club: discounts on drinks, all-you-can-eat buffets, daily pub crawls etc. There’s even a kinda promise of a weekly auction where members can buy or sell unwanted items, or even pool parties but only when swimming pools are built.
Adverts on the website promote vacancies for luscious Thai ladies, aged 20-40, who can apparently receive a monthly grab of 50,000 baht (US$1,400) or more for pole-dancing duties. Noy, a young lady at Three Ways on the off-beat Soi Regional Land, said, “Our customers are mostly white Europeans who are looking for a private retreat rather than an open bar to be stared at.” She added that the doors are locked when a cabaret is in progress to keep out freeloaders. The website stresses that each venue has its own charm and allure with an overall monthly email newsletter to keep members up to date.
Whilst it is too early to claim that Pattaya’s night life is becoming a members’ only monopoly requiring registration, the diversification of nationalities is here to stay. Social media is awash with complaints by Caucasian men about how the “new” Pattaya isn’t altogether to their liking. One way out of this dilemma is to offer them all-inclusive clubs where they can socialize with the like-minded whilst enjoying the fussing by attentive staff. As they used to say, That’s Entertainment!
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... aya-467830
-
Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Blowback begins about latest visa exemptions and DTV discretion
By Barry Kenyon
August 12, 2024
It’s less than a month since the latest immigration-related changes were introduced. But Thai spokespeople are having some trouble swallowing the detail and repercussions. Sisdivachr Chweewarattanaporn, president of Thai Travel Agents, told the Bangkok Post, “The 60-days visa-free scheme for foreign tourists will allow more foreigners to work illegally in Thailand. Typically, those visiting Thailand for tourism tend to stay less than a month.”
The 60-days visa-exemption, which can be extended for 30 days more at local immigration, applies to 93 countries and covers the vast majority of tourists actually arriving at airports and border posts. Surawat Akaraworamat, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said Thailand was now more vulnerable to illegal and nominee companies because of lax law enforcement, price-fixing and corruption. He quoted (just one example) of many Russians fleeing to Thailand specifically to work illegally here.
The new, five-year and multi-entry Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) also has its difficulties as some diplomatic posts seem unaware. Applicants must apply from their home-country embassy (or via the e-visa portal but not from within Thailand) but embassies have yet to catch up. The Thai embassy in London (one of many) appears to be silent on the DTV and still claims that Brits only get 30 days visa-free. The Thai embassy in Norway simply reprints the Thai foreign affairs ministry’s handout which leaves many questions unanswered. Very few, if any, embassies go further than that.
The DTV works best when receiving applications from digital nomads and remote workers whose income is based on overseas contracts without Thai customers. According to unverified reports on social media, several hundred have already been granted through the e-portal. On the other hand, there is great hesitation in granting the DTV to the alternative “soft power” applicants claiming to enrol for sports courses or having a hospital appointment. What kind of unambiguous detail do they need to provide? Nobody seems to know. The main disincentive, in any case, may be the 500,000 baht (around US$14,000) bond required in a Thai or foreign bank account.
The new rules are the biggest shakeup in Thai entry regulations for 20 years and, arguably, since the immigration act of 1979. The policy at the moment is in exploratory mode as several government departments endeavor to ascertain how the reforms are affecting the treasury purse, the knock-on consequences for other visas and overall national security. But the Bangkok authorities are famous for rethinks and backtracking as revealed in the government’s u-turns on cannabis policy. It will be most surprising if the visa-free extensions and the DTV emerge unchanged after the current review period.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ion-468464
By Barry Kenyon
August 12, 2024
It’s less than a month since the latest immigration-related changes were introduced. But Thai spokespeople are having some trouble swallowing the detail and repercussions. Sisdivachr Chweewarattanaporn, president of Thai Travel Agents, told the Bangkok Post, “The 60-days visa-free scheme for foreign tourists will allow more foreigners to work illegally in Thailand. Typically, those visiting Thailand for tourism tend to stay less than a month.”
The 60-days visa-exemption, which can be extended for 30 days more at local immigration, applies to 93 countries and covers the vast majority of tourists actually arriving at airports and border posts. Surawat Akaraworamat, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said Thailand was now more vulnerable to illegal and nominee companies because of lax law enforcement, price-fixing and corruption. He quoted (just one example) of many Russians fleeing to Thailand specifically to work illegally here.
The new, five-year and multi-entry Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) also has its difficulties as some diplomatic posts seem unaware. Applicants must apply from their home-country embassy (or via the e-visa portal but not from within Thailand) but embassies have yet to catch up. The Thai embassy in London (one of many) appears to be silent on the DTV and still claims that Brits only get 30 days visa-free. The Thai embassy in Norway simply reprints the Thai foreign affairs ministry’s handout which leaves many questions unanswered. Very few, if any, embassies go further than that.
The DTV works best when receiving applications from digital nomads and remote workers whose income is based on overseas contracts without Thai customers. According to unverified reports on social media, several hundred have already been granted through the e-portal. On the other hand, there is great hesitation in granting the DTV to the alternative “soft power” applicants claiming to enrol for sports courses or having a hospital appointment. What kind of unambiguous detail do they need to provide? Nobody seems to know. The main disincentive, in any case, may be the 500,000 baht (around US$14,000) bond required in a Thai or foreign bank account.
The new rules are the biggest shakeup in Thai entry regulations for 20 years and, arguably, since the immigration act of 1979. The policy at the moment is in exploratory mode as several government departments endeavor to ascertain how the reforms are affecting the treasury purse, the knock-on consequences for other visas and overall national security. But the Bangkok authorities are famous for rethinks and backtracking as revealed in the government’s u-turns on cannabis policy. It will be most surprising if the visa-free extensions and the DTV emerge unchanged after the current review period.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ion-468464
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Yes, of course, another "exploratory mode".Barry Kenyon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 13, 2024 5:39 am .......The policy at the moment is in exploratory mode as several government departments endeavor to ascertain how the reforms are affecting the treasury purse, the knock-on consequences for other visas and overall national security. But the Bangkok authorities are famous for rethinks and backtracking as revealed in the government’s u-turns on cannabis policy.
Remember what Jai taught us about Yon Hin Tam Tong (Throwing the Stone) a while back? Well, here's another perfect example. Even more proof that no one, especially foreign embassies, should react to any immigration reform proposals until the ripples on the pond have been scrutinized and a final (official) decision is made and entered into Thai law.
The embassies who don't react (or over-react) during these "exploratory modes" are undoubtedly aware of Yon Hin Tam Tong.
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Whether people get 30, 60 or 90 days shouldn't have a huge effect on people's ability to work illegally in Thailand.
All that does is determine how frequently they need make pointless visits to borders for visa stamps. Which just creates stress, pollution & congestion, whilst adding no value.
This is simply idiotic.
A better way to curb illegal working would be to check how many days the individual has been in Thailand. They already have the system read the passport at every border I've used.
Now if that's not making basic checks like how many days the person has spent in Thailand in the last 12 months, what is the point ?
Then all they need to do is set and enforce regulations such as limiting people to 182 days in Thailand, unless they have an appropriate visa to reside there permanently.
Admittedly, I hope they don't fix illegal working.
With over 80% of the boys I meet coming from Laos or Cambodia, I'd rather they continue to turn a blind eye.
Also, having such staff on the premises might be one of the few areas where bars may be breaking the law.
Therefore providing an excuse for the mafia police to collect tea money.
So I guess they have no interest in fixing it either.
All that does is determine how frequently they need make pointless visits to borders for visa stamps. Which just creates stress, pollution & congestion, whilst adding no value.
This is simply idiotic.
A better way to curb illegal working would be to check how many days the individual has been in Thailand. They already have the system read the passport at every border I've used.
Now if that's not making basic checks like how many days the person has spent in Thailand in the last 12 months, what is the point ?
Then all they need to do is set and enforce regulations such as limiting people to 182 days in Thailand, unless they have an appropriate visa to reside there permanently.
Admittedly, I hope they don't fix illegal working.
With over 80% of the boys I meet coming from Laos or Cambodia, I'd rather they continue to turn a blind eye.
Also, having such staff on the premises might be one of the few areas where bars may be breaking the law.
Therefore providing an excuse for the mafia police to collect tea money.
So I guess they have no interest in fixing it either.
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Every so often there is another one of those "crackdowns". They never seem to last very long and boys working illegally in Thailand has been going on for so many years, I doubt it will be "fixed".
The BiB usually go after farang working illegally far more than they bother going after bar boys. And the illegally working bar boys are quite often tipped off before a raid and make their escape.
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Three observations in your post & it's not difficult to see how tea money would explain all of them.
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Maybe it does and maybe it doesn't, but it's as good an explanation as any . . .
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
I definitely smell tea money here . . .
_________________________________________
Hidden costs may now apply to Thai border runs
By Barry Kenyon
August 16, 2024
Some foreigners hoping for same-day border hops to Cambodia or Malaysia or Laos to renew permission to stay in Thailand may have to pay extra to avoid inconvenience. Those who turn up unescorted at Thai exit points are being told that they must spend one or two nights in the neighboring country before being allowed back into Thailand. However, those who are passengers in a minibus, organized by a tour operator, are still allowed same-day excursions there and back.
The requirement to pay for one or two nights’ hotel accommodation is justified by immigration officers as necessary to process the passports of unescorted border hoppers. By contrast, those who are part of an organized tour have to submit their passport copy to the operator at least one day in advance for security clearance. But tour operators have increased their prices for single-day border hops which now average 5,000 – 6,000 baht per individual, or around US$160.
Travel gurus say that tourist border runs will become less necessary in the medium term. This is because the vast majority of tourists, since July 15, now receive 60 days on initial entry rather than the previous 30 or 15. The two months’ visa exemption can then be extended for a further 30 days at local immigration for a fee of 1,900 baht, or US$55. Although there is now no formal limit on the number of repeat entries to Thailand by land, air or sea, few bona fide tourists require longer than three months (60+30 days) visa exempt before returning home.
There are also reports that holders of multiple entry non-immigrant visas, for example those with “O” three months’ family visas which cannot be renewed inside Thailand, are being charged up to 2,000 baht at land borders as an unpublicized service fee. Some of these foreigners are now planning to obtain the new-generation Destination Thailand Visa which, for specified categories, allows a six months’ stay on entry with a further six months at the discretion of Thai immigration.
Pom Prakaew, visa specialist at a Bangkok travel agent, told Pattaya Mail that old-fashioned border runs would likely die out eventually. “There are several alternative routes now which will take time to come into play,” she said, “each with its own pluses and minuses.” She discounted rumours that a new Thai prime minister would change visa direction because “It’s the same set up really”. But she added that the Thai Revenue’s determination to tax some income of some Thais and some foreigners who are resident for at least 180 days in a year was “problematical” unless further clarification was issued centrally. Soon.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/hidden ... uns-468791
_________________________________________
Hidden costs may now apply to Thai border runs
By Barry Kenyon
August 16, 2024
Some foreigners hoping for same-day border hops to Cambodia or Malaysia or Laos to renew permission to stay in Thailand may have to pay extra to avoid inconvenience. Those who turn up unescorted at Thai exit points are being told that they must spend one or two nights in the neighboring country before being allowed back into Thailand. However, those who are passengers in a minibus, organized by a tour operator, are still allowed same-day excursions there and back.
The requirement to pay for one or two nights’ hotel accommodation is justified by immigration officers as necessary to process the passports of unescorted border hoppers. By contrast, those who are part of an organized tour have to submit their passport copy to the operator at least one day in advance for security clearance. But tour operators have increased their prices for single-day border hops which now average 5,000 – 6,000 baht per individual, or around US$160.
Travel gurus say that tourist border runs will become less necessary in the medium term. This is because the vast majority of tourists, since July 15, now receive 60 days on initial entry rather than the previous 30 or 15. The two months’ visa exemption can then be extended for a further 30 days at local immigration for a fee of 1,900 baht, or US$55. Although there is now no formal limit on the number of repeat entries to Thailand by land, air or sea, few bona fide tourists require longer than three months (60+30 days) visa exempt before returning home.
There are also reports that holders of multiple entry non-immigrant visas, for example those with “O” three months’ family visas which cannot be renewed inside Thailand, are being charged up to 2,000 baht at land borders as an unpublicized service fee. Some of these foreigners are now planning to obtain the new-generation Destination Thailand Visa which, for specified categories, allows a six months’ stay on entry with a further six months at the discretion of Thai immigration.
Pom Prakaew, visa specialist at a Bangkok travel agent, told Pattaya Mail that old-fashioned border runs would likely die out eventually. “There are several alternative routes now which will take time to come into play,” she said, “each with its own pluses and minuses.” She discounted rumours that a new Thai prime minister would change visa direction because “It’s the same set up really”. But she added that the Thai Revenue’s determination to tax some income of some Thais and some foreigners who are resident for at least 180 days in a year was “problematical” unless further clarification was issued centrally. Soon.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/hidden ... uns-468791