Category: Thailand

Thailand Extends Maximum Stays for Foreign Travelers as Tourism Booms

Thailand will extend the maximum period of stay for foreign visitors between Oct. 1 and Mar. 31 to boost its tourism-dependent economy, which has been booming since the easing of border restrictions. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the Centre for COVID-19 situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson, said Friday that the visa on arrival—which applies to nationals from India, China,…


Bombing, Arson Attacks Hit Several Places in Thailand’s Southern Provinces

Bombing and arson attacks hit Thailand’s southernmost provinces on Tuesday in what are believed to be coordinated attacks by insurgents that injured at least three people, according to local reports. The attacks happened at 17 locations across Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala provinces, which mostly targeted convenience stores and gas stations, military spokesperson Pramote Promin said,…


Thailand Raises Key Interest Rate Amid High Inflation, Economic Recovery

Thailand’s Central Bank has raised its key policy rate by 25 basis points to tackle rising inflation while anticipating a rebound in the country’s economy to pre-COVID levels by the end of the year. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) increased the policy rate from 0.50 percent to 0.75 percent, its first hike since 2018, after…


Sri Lanka’s Ousted President Arrives in Thailand for Temporary Stay

BANGKOK—Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Thailand on Thursday, according to three Reuters witnesses, as he seek temporary shelter in a second Southeast Asian country after fleeing his island nation last month amid mass protests. Rajapaksa arrived at Bangkok’s Don Muang airport on a chartered flight from Singapore after the city-state’s immigration authority…


Thailand Considering Chinese-Made Engine as Replacement for Submarine Deal

Thailand said Tuesday that it would consider a Chinese-made engine as an alternative for the submarine it had purchased if it met the specifications, following China’s inability to obtain engines from Germany. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is evaluating the specifications of the upgraded CHD620 engine supplied by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. (CSOC),…


Thailand to Introduce Lower-Tax, 10-year Visa for Foreign Professionals

Thailand will offer a 10-year visa to foreign professionals residing in the country starting in September to advance its economy and foreign investment, according to a government official. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the Thai Board of Investment deputy secretary-general, said the visa is targeted at “foreign human resources with high potential and skills,” particularly those with expertise…


Thai Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 13, Cause Unknown

BANGKOK—At least 13 people were killed and 35 injured when a fire broke out at a nightclub in Thailand’s eastern Chonburi province early on Friday, a police official said. The cause of the fire is still unknown and all victims so far have been identified as Thai nationals, police said. A separate statement from the…


Thailand Approves $748 Million Support Measures Amid Higher Inflation

BANGKOK—Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday approved additional support measures worth 27.4 billion baht ($748.23 million) to ease cost of living pressures and sustain consumption, amid rising inflation, the finance ministry said. The measures to run during September–October include 21.2 billion baht for 26.5 million people, or 800 baht each, under an existing scheme aimed at supporting…


Thai Minister Says Spyware Used for National Security, Drug Dealers

A Thai minister has acknowledged the use of surveillance software to track those involved in “national security or drug matters,” but stated that it was only used in “limited and special cases.” Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, told parliament on Tuesday that he was aware of the use of spyware but did…


Thailand to Offer Land Ownership to Eligible Foreigners

Thailand’s Interior Ministry said on Friday that it would draft regulations to allow eligible foreigners to buy land as the government seeks to stimulate the country’s economy and foreign investment. Foreigners would need to invest 40 million baht ($1 million) in Thailand for three years to be eligible for land ownership, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana…