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From Yahoo News errifying video footage has captured the moment two American women were threatened by a knife-wielding taxi driver over the cost of a ride in Bali, while it’s been reported the cabbie has since been caught trying to flee the country. The frightening three-minute clip taken by one of the tourists begins with the pair begging to be let out of the taxi and asking to go to the police while travelling through Kuta, a beach and resort area in Bali’s south. While they offer the driver 50,000 in Indonesian Rupiah (AUD $4.80) for the fare, he insists on USD50 (A$74). Continues with photos https://au.news.yahoo.com/terrifying-moment-bali-tourists-held-up-at-knifepoint-over-taxi-fare-072003507.html

From VN Express Airlines are scrambling to launch direct services between Southeast Asian tourist hubs and China, the world's largest tourism market before Covid broke out. Cambodia Airways on Saturday began flights between Phnom Penh and Chongqing, China’s most populous city with a population of over 31 million, the Khmer Times reported. The twice weekly service is on Mondays and Saturdays. The carrier also flies to Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Macau, Sanya, Jinan, Jieyang, and Haikou. Cambodia attracted 498,250 Chinese visitors in the first 11 months of last year, or 10% of all foreign arrivals. Singapore-based Jetstar Asia recently launched a direct service to Wuxi City on two days a week. It said on its website that the frequency would be doubled from Jan. 15. Malaysian budget airline Thai AirAsia plans to launch flights, five a week, between Bangkok and Shanghai starting on Feb. 2. Vietnamese budget carrier Thai Vietjet plans to start direct flights from Bangkok to Beijing on March 1. It already flies to Shenzhen and Hangzhou, Nation Thailand reported. Thailand expected to get five million Chinese visitors last year but only managed 3.51 million out of a total of 28 million arrivals. This year it is eyeing eight million Chinese visitors after the two countries agreed to waive visas for each other's citizens starting in March.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Thai premier Srettha Thavisin has told the Cabinet that he is seeking a much more powerful Thai passport which will be enable holders to enter far more than the 34 countries which currently do not require a prior visa or a visa on arrival. Thailand has recently expanded its visa-free policy to several nations including China, Russia and India. Mr Srettha is particularly pleased with the Thai-Chinese agreement which permanently allows tourists visa exemption in both directions. Vice-president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, Phumiphiphat Meesamran, told the Bangkok Post that the Thai government should now push for visa exemptions for Thai nationals with European nations, the UK, the US and Australia – none of which allow Thais visa-free entry even though their nationals are visa exempt to Thailand for 30 days with an easy option to extend for a further month at local Thai immigration for another month. Mr Phumiphiphat noted that visa-free access in both directions would encourage tourism and further economic growth. The main barrier to visa-free access to western nations is their belief that Thais may be tempted to overstay, or even settle, without the approved paperwork. The UK, mainland European nations, Australia and US currently insist that Thais applicants have good reasons to return home, such as property ownership, proof of significant employment or other forms of wealth. There are also some Thai critics of the Cabinet policy. Sumate Sudasna, president of the Thailand and Convention Association, said visa-free access normally applied only to tourists and businessmen would still need to apply for special visas. He added that security issues could be compromised by wholesale abandonment of visas. There is some evidence to support security concerns overall. Some Thais pretend to be tourists visiting South Korea, but they act as “phi noi”, or little ghosts describing their status as illegal workers. Conversely, several Chinese citizens have recently been arrested for illegal working in Thailand. The Thai Chamber of Commerce observed, “If the government and the private sector together advance efforts to build relationships with other countries, the Thai passport can improve its global ranking.” The Asian country whose nationals can visit the most countries without needing a visa is Singapore with 164 choices.

It's ironic that legalizing it was the brainchild of Anutin Charnvirakul, who was Minister of Health in the cabinet of the previous administration and now Interior Minister in current one.

NOTE -- Using the Omni velocity calculator, an object falling 16,000 feet strikes the ground at a speed of 691.8 m.p.h. From CBS News iPhone that got sucked out of Alaska Airlines plane and fell 16,000 feet is found on the ground – and still works When a door plug on an Alaska Airlines plane suddenly ripped off minutes into a flight on Friday evening, everyone on board remained safe, but several objects were sucked out of the aircraft and fell roughly 16,000 feet – including what appears to be an intact and working iPhone. Washington resident Sean Bates tweeted on Sunday that he found an iPhone on the side of the road that was "still in airplane mode with half a battery and open to a baggage claim" for the plane involved in Friday's incident, Alaska Airlines ASA1282. The phone also has a piece of a charger still stuck inside. "Thing got *yanked* out the door," Bates tweeted, "...survived a 16,000 foot drop perfect in tact!" Bates said he called the National Transportation Safety Board, the federal agency investigating the incident, and an agent told him it was the second phone to be found from the plane.

The investigation into this incident reflects why it takes time and effort to uncover all the reverent facts. From CNN NTSB says, as new details emerge about the aircraft Federal officials examining the horrifying midflight blowout of an Alaska Airlines plane section have announced the discovery of the lost piece that had fallen from the aircraft – a key element in the investigation into what happened during the plane’s “explosive decompression.” A Portland schoolteacher named Bob found the refrigerator-size Boeing 737 MAX 9 fuselage door plug in his yard and reached out to the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said at a news conference Sunday night. The plug door had been missing since it blew off an Alaska Airlines aircraft Friday, leaving a gaping hole on the side of the plane as it flew at 16,000 feet shortly after taking off from Portland. The harrowing ordeal – which saw headrests ripped off and items sucked from the cabin – has led to the nationwide grounding of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and a slew of flight cancellations. “It must have been a terrifying event to experience,” Homendy said Sunday after seeing the chaotic aftermath of the plane’s interior, which included damage in several rows. Complicating efforts is the loss of critical cockpit audio recordings because of a device setting, according to Homendy. Plane was restricted from flying over water amid auto pressurization fail lights Alaska Airlines had restricted the plane from flying from over the ocean to Hawaii to ensure the plane could “return very quickly to an airport” in case any warning lights in the aircraft went off, according to Homendy. The decision came as the plane’s auto pressurization fail light had illuminated three times in the past month, Homendy said, noting it is unclear if there is any correlation between the warning lights and the Friday incident. The fail light came on December 7 and on January 3 and 4 –- the days leading up to the blowout, she said. Each time, the flight crew flipped a switch to the system’s backup, Homendy said, describing the move as “very normal.” “They flipped it, they reported it, it was tested by maintenance and then reset.” “They did order additional maintenance to look at the light that was not complete before (the fuselage blowout). We plan to look at that more and we’ve requested documentation on all defects since delivery of the aircraft on October 31,” she said. CNN has sought comment from Alaska Airlines on the plane’s flight restriction and warning lights. The Boeing 737 Max 9 involved in Friday’s incident had been in service for about three months and has flown about 150 times since October 2023, according to FlightAware and FAA records. Interviews with flight crew members and the examinations of the damage left behind inside the cabin shed light on the loud, “violent” and chaotic scene inside the aircraft when the plug door tore off, causing an incredibly forceful depressurization and sending flight attendants rushing to the side of children on the flight, the NTSB chief said. After the “explosive event,” flight attendants scrambled to ensure four unaccompanied minors onboard were wearing oxygen masks and lap belts, Homendy said, praising the attendants as “heroic.” But “communication was a serious issue” between the pilots and flight attendants, who said they were having difficulty quickly sharing information, she added. Cockpit recorder setting wipes crucial evidence The cockpit voice recorder, which captures sounds such as engine noises and pilots’ voices, was “completely overwritten,” since devices are currently only required to retain two hours of audio at a time, Homendy said. “There is nothing on the cockpit voice recorder,” she said, noting the maintenance team went out to get the recorder around the two-hour mark when the devices begin a new recording cycle. The audio captured by the recorders is “critical” to helping investigators understand what occurred during the incident, Homendy said. Without it, there is no record of communications between pilots and flight attendants as the crisis was unfolding. “If that communication is not recorded, that is, unfortunately, a loss for (the NTSB), and a loss for the FAA and a loss for safety because that information is key not just for our investigation, but for improving aviation safety,” Homendy said. Continues with photos and video https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/us/alaska-airlines-plug-door-found-investigation-monday/index.html

From Forbes Thailand's cannabis landscape may change soon as the Southeast Asian country is to ban recreational use of cannabis. The new Thai government has introduced a bill to amend the current cannabis legislation in order to ban the recreational use of cannabis after decriminalization has led the country to flourish cannabis stores around the country. Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew signed last weekend a bill to amend the current cannabis legislation, emphasizing that it can't be used recreationally, as reported by local news media outlets. Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalize recreational cannabis in 2022 after regulating its medical use in 2018. However, the absence of regulations led to a proliferation of cannabis shops selling products without oversight. This prompted the newly elected government in 2023 to review the country's cannabis policy and establish clear legislation. Under the proposed legislation, cannabis will be strictly for medical use, explicitly prohibiting its recreational use. Additionally, the legislation specifies that authorized stores can only sell parts of the cannabis plant that are legally allowed, likely excluding the plant's flowers due to their THC content. The proposed legislation has not yet clarified whether a medical certificate will be necessary to purchase medical cannabis. Although legally registered cannabis stores are unlikely to lose their licenses, they will only be allowed to sell parts of the cannabis plant that are legal in Thailand. n that regard, the proposed legislation aims to assist law enforcement. By making products containing more than 0.2% THC illegal, it aims to facilitate the prosecution of individuals who use cannabis recreationally.

From Pattaya News The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has issued an urgent warning regarding the hazardous levels of PM 2.5 particulate matter in the air, impacting 20 provinces across Thailand. The alert calls for immediate action to address and mitigate the severe air quality crisis that poses significant health risks to millions of residents. The provinces on high alert include major urban centers such as Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi, as well as key industrial regions like Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon. In a statement, the PCD has outlined a series of steps that need to be taken to combat the escalating air pollution levels. These measures include stringent control of industrial emissions, enhancement of traffic management to reduce vehicular pollution, and an increase in public awareness campaigns. The agency also highlighted the importance of cooperation from both the public and private sectors in tackling this environmental challenge. The government’s response to this crisis has been swift, with local authorities being mobilized to enforce pollution control measures. Special attention is being given to areas with historically high levels of air pollution, such as Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. The administration is also promoting alternative and cleaner forms of transportation, along with stricter checks on vehicles contributing to air pollution. For the most up-to-date information on air quality and PM2.5 levels in Thailand, visit www.pm25.gistda.or.th.

Actually he is working for the money. He has been born with the gift of appearance that many find very attractive. They tip him because he brings them pleasure and ambiance. However, what I believe many customers tip staff (bartenders, waiters) because they've built a relationship over time. Same thing happens in non-sex venues where they feel comfortable and accepted.

From Thai PBS World The “30-baht Plus” health care scheme, under which only an ID card is needed to get access to medical care at state hospitals, private hospitals, clinics and pharmacies which join the program, will be launched in eight more provinces in March, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said today in Roi-et province. The minister, along with other key members of the Pheu Thai party, among them Paetongtarn Shinawatra, chair of the National Health System Development Committee and the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, are in Roi-et this morning to check the readiness of medical facilities joining the program, before its official launch this evening, to be presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. A similar program is to be launched simultaneously in Phrae, Phetchaburi and Narathiwat provinces. Dr. Cholnan said that, in the second phase, the program will be launched in Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen and Phang-nga and in the rest of the country at the end of the year. The public health minister and the other Pheu Thai party members first visited Chaturaphak Phiman private hospital, which joined the “30-baht Plus” program, to check its readiness. Dr. Charnchai Chanworachai, director of the Roi-et provincial hospital, said today that all the systems are ready for the launch this evening, adding that the hospital normally treats an average of 3,500 patients a day, suffering both general ailments and chronic diseases. He said that the hospital has hired additional personnel to supervise the back-office computer system, to ensure that every patient who has received medical services, whether with medication or not, inserts their ID card into the computer system, so the hospital will know exactly how many people have received services each day, so it can claim compensation from the government. In Phrae province, Dr. Suwan Phetrung, the provincial health chief, said that one private hospital, 22 pharmacies and private laboratories and seven clinics have already joined the program.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai tax authority has announced, in its fiscal report for last year, the scooping up of a total of 395 billion baht (circa US$11 billion) in personal income taxes. This was in addition to huge sums raised via value-added tax on sales and corporate or company taxes. Thai Revenue, as is well known, is taxing assessable overseas income, no matter when sent to Thailand, starting on January 1 2024. Foreigners and Thais who believe they have tax to declare should include their overseas taxable income during 2024 on their tax form for 2025. Significantly, the Revenue also reports that the number of people filing personal income tax forms during the last 12 months amounted to 11 million, mostly Thais, and only about a quarter of the adult working population. In other words, the vast majority of Thais and foreigners do not register with the Revenue via a tax identification number. Personal income taxes in Thailand are collected in arrears and require registration and the filling in of a tax form in the following fiscal year. Contrary to numerous inaccurate reports on the internet, international cash transfers to Thailand are not taxed on arrival. Very many Thai expats are concerned about the tax implications of sending money from abroad now that January 2024 has arrived. Any taxes due won’t be payable until the tax year 2025 and will require registration to obtain a tax identification number. In other words, there is time for more detail to emerge before any taxes would be payable. Many tax accountants in Thailand believe that foreign transfers from pre-taxed savings, pensions and gifts will not be taxable again, although the Revenue has not specifically addressed that issue or the implications of double-taxation treaties with 61 countries. The main aim of the Revenue is to close tax loopholes which formerly allowed Thais and some wealthy foreigners to reap huge profits from overseas investments, currency speculations and cash buildups in offshore accounts often held for years. Separately, the Revenue has published new reporting rules for digital platform operators to allow it to collect information on sellers’ total income from their online activities, aiming to nudge more online product and service providers into the tax system. Many experts believe that the recent words of Lavaron Sangsnit are highly relevant to all recent tax announcements: “The world is getting smaller, more connected and traceable because of digitalization. In the past, it may have been impossible to detect tax evasion, but now it can easily be detected.” Now that Thailand has joined the Common Reporting System (CRS) of around participating 120 countries, financial institutions round the world will inform member governments of individuals’ transactions to fight tax evasion and protect the integrity of tax systems. In other words, when you send money abroad it is no longer a private affair.

Recognize you anywhere, Love the pumps.

At least no one can accuse you of being loquacious or pompous.

According to Japan's NHK Newsline, investigators are now in the process of interviewing the controllers and examining the cockpit voice recordings. I'll withhold judgment until they finish their work and issue their report. I think we can agree that no pilot would intentionally place his aircraft in jeopardy and more than a surgeon would intentionally remove the wrong limb. Let's give the process time to do its work.

I'd avoid whenever I have an opportunity. But the only competition is the Airbus 321 and neither manufacturer can produce enough copies to meet demand.

From Thai PBS World A Myanmar rebel alliance group has gained control of a key town along the country’s volatile northern border with China after weeks of fierce fighting with junta troops, it said in a statement late on Friday. The “Three Brotherhood Alliance”, as the group is known, said it took over Laukkai town after the military’s regional headquarters located there surrendered. The fall of Laukkai is the latest victory in a sweeping offensive by an alliance of rebel groups that began in October and has become the most significant threat to Myanmar’s military government since it seized power in a 2021 coup. “All Kokang (Laukkai) region has become a land with no Myanmar Military Council anymore,” the statement said. A junta spokesman did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking comment. The alliance comprises three groups with extensive fighting experience – the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA). They were accompanied by individuals from the loosely organised People’s Defence Force, supported by Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG), suggesting that the rebellion is taking on an increased level of coordination and planning. The capital of Myanmar’s restive Kokang region, Laukkai has a reputation as a gambling den and a hub for online scam operations. China, a key junta ally that also has close relations with some ethnic Chinese militias along the frontier, has grown increasingly frustrated in recent months by the Myanmar’s junta lack of action on closing down the scam centres. by Reuters

You've finally found a topic that you know less about than others: accident investigation. You don't "infer negligence" until after the evidence has been discovered and evaluated. You prefer to skip that process and go directly to guilt.

Until the cockpit voice recordings are known, until all the witnesses are interviewed, until all the electronic and human actions are examined can an objective finding be made.

Excerpted from MSN Much like the old saying “row when the tide comes in,” the Thai government is gearing up to boost tourism in the New Year. To achieve this goal, they have lowered taxes for alcohol and entertainment establishments. The Economic Times reported that Thailand officially approved tax reductions for alcohol and entertainment businesses on the 2nd. Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the Thai government, stated, “This decision aims to breathe new life into the tourism industry,” and added, “The tax cuts for alcohol and entertainment businesses will remain in effect until the end of the current year.” Thailand has implemented several tax adjustments to attract more tourists, including reducing wine taxes from 10% to 5% and completely eliminating the 10% tax on spirits. Additionally, the country intends to reduce the consumption tax applied to entertainment businesses by half compared to previous rates.

From Thai PBS World Transport Ministry plans to replace Mor Chit 2 bus terminal The Transport Ministry has a plan to build a new bus terminal to replace Mor Chit 2, which was intended for temporary use, Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit told parliament on the second day of the 2024 fiscal year budget bill debate. The new terminal will be located on a site which is yet to be determined, where a high-rise building will be constructed, to accommodate buses and offices, connected to the Bang Sue train station or electric train stations either via a tunnel or covered walkway. He also said that there will be no garage at the new terminal, which means that no buses will be allowed to park at the terminal for long periods, but will have set schedules to arrive at the terminal to pick up and drop off passengers to minimise congestion at the terminal. Suriya cited the example of the bus terminal in Tokyo, which is linked to the Tokyo MRT, adding that the Tokyo bus terminal will be used as a model in developing the terminal in Bangkok. He admitted, however, that the conceptual new bus terminal would be very costly, noting that the land itself may cost up to 7 billion baht, but he believes that the state-run Transport Company has sufficient assets and funds for the implementation of the project, without additional government funding. Meanwhile, the transport minister said he has instructed Transport Company to hire a consultant company to improve the facilities at the Mor Chit 2 terminal, which is becoming increasingly congested, especially during long holidays. Some of the improvements, such as lighting systems, cleaner toilets and the removal of rented shop houses, can be completed before the long Songkran holidays, he said.

From The Nation A tourism promotion campaign is one of a series of approaches that the Airports Authority of Thailand Plc (AOT) will roll out to attract tourists, and especially tourists from China, according to the authority’s president, Kerati Kijmanawat. The tourism promotion campaign will be in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. AOT anticipates an increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand by over 8 million in 2024, a recovery of 75% compared to 2020 when there were 11.1 million Chinese tourists. AOT, as the operator of Thailand’s six major airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International, Phuket International, and Hat Yai International), is preparing to facilitate travel for Chinese and Thai travellers between the two countries, ensuring convenience and preparedness. They will coordinate with relevant agencies to efficiently manage passenger services throughout arrival and departure processes, ensuring flexibility and avoiding congestion, especially during immigration checks and in baggage claim areas. The AOT is also aligning with the “Smiling Visit” policy initiated by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, which aims to create a positive impression for service users. This includes efficient airport service management to provide travellers with convenient, safe, and prompt services that create a positive image for the country. This policy is seen as elevating international relations and the importance of Thai passports, particularly since China had implemented a visa-free policy for only five countries previously.

Like other things you write about, you've stumbled onto another subject that challenges your objectivity . Your postings in this thread make light of the whole incident and proceed to convict the pilot at the same time new information is coming forward.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon What to expect in 2024 The Thai government is committed to tourist expansion and more visa hurdles are likely to fall in the next few months. Already, only in Bangkok and potentially in Phuket, some visa extensions can be applied for online and there are likely to be more similar projects in provincial immigration. The bothersome 90 days reporting and the notification of address after arrival in the country are likely to remain with us, partly as a consequence of visa retraction. Rumors in 2023 that all expats will soon be required to have their own medical insurance appear to have retreated. Fears that your immigration record will be dragged into the still-confusing Thai Revenue taxation of foreign assessable income also appear false. Some countries are already experimenting with replacing visas and even passports by biometric data for use at airports and immigration bureaux and there will be the start of a long debate in Thailand too about the pros and cons. Visas in retreat Tourists from several countries, notably China, Russia and India, no longer require a prior visa to visit Thailand. This is an attempt by the Thai government to boost arrivals from countries believed to have huge expansion potential. Although there have been rumors that citizens of UK, US, EU and Australia will have their visa-exempt status improved from 30 days to 90 days without visiting local immigration, there has not been any announcement. Extending a visa Visa-exempt arrivals with a 30 days stamp can obtain a further 30 days on application at immigration with a fee of 1,900 baht. They must fill in an extension form, provide a passport photo and – crucially – provide evidence of their local address on a separate form known as TM30. Evidence would normally be a receipt from the hotel or a property lease, or proof of ownership of a condominium or residence. This proof of address is required as soon as possible after arrival and must be renewed every time the tourist re-enters Thailand. Many hotels and condominiums automatically register their guests online with immigration. If so, they will have an official confirmation from immigration which the tourist will need if requiring a service from immigration such as extending their stay, or as part of the bureaucracy to open a bank account. Border runs Visa-exempt nationals can obtain a further 30 days by visiting the border, usually with Cambodia, on a border run. This basically involves a minibus day trip by a tour organizer and the cost is typically 4,000-5,000 baht. Thai immigration has a limit of two entries by land in a calendar year. There is no formal limit on the number of entries by air from any country, although there will be problems if an individual tries to “live” in Thailand by too-frequent arrivals at the Thai airport without an authorized, pre-arranged visa. Visas from embassies Increasingly visa applications are online at Thai embassies which offer longer-stay visas including 60 days tourist visas, which can be extended for 30 days at local Thai immigration, together with various three months’ and annual visas for Thai family, marriage or retirement purposes. They can also arrange 10 year retirement visas, 5-20 year Elite visas and the 10 year Long Term Residence visas. Most of these can also be obtained whilst in Thailand at immigration or via the Thai tourist authority for Elite. These visas are expensive, may involve heavy financial investment in Thailand and some require comprehensive medical insurance. The detail is too complex to cover here but embassies, immigration and competent agencies can assist. There is comprehensive discussion on the internet, although not always truthful. Medical insurance Mostly visitors to Thailand do not need medical insurance. A few visas do require it, namely O/A retirement visas initially awarded by embassies, 0/X 10 year retirement visas and Long Term Residence visas. The hospital cover now required is US$100,000 or just over three million baht. It’s worth noting that the O retirement visa issued by immigration does not require medical cover although changing from O/A to 0 cannot be done without leaving Thailand. Foreigners with work or labor permits are covered by the Thai national insurance scheme. Currently, the Thai government has a fund to offer compensation where “tourists” (not defined) are injured or killed through no fault of their own. But the fund is discretionary and is used mostly to pay funeral costs and compensation to relatives in sensational cases such as major traffic accidents. Student visas The former practice of enrolling as a student of Thai and then attending classes rarely or never is now frowned on. There have been a number of scandals reported involving heads of language schools and deviant immigration officers. It is unwise to seek student status on a non-sincere basis. Those interested in becoming a serious student should contact a language school of their choice to ascertain costs and requirements. Many student and volunteer visas issued during the covid pandemic were shown to be fraudulent. Working in Thailand If a foreigner is offered a job, the host company will be responsible for organizing the required visa (non-immigrant B) and Labor office permit. Alternatively, a foreigner can set up his or her own company with capital, acquire Thai partners, register with the Thai tax and health authorities and deal with Thai immigration and the Department of Employment. An informed lawyer is the key to this bureaucracy. For example, many foreign-run restaurants are established through a company set up correctly. When things go wrong Working without a permit can lead to deportation and blacklisting. Overstaying a visa for a limited period can be cancelled by fines – 500 baht a day to a maximum of 20,000 baht – but overstays for more than three months will likely lead to deportation and blacklisting. Thailand in recent years has become more strict about drunk driving (especially with accidents) and possession or trafficking of illegal substances. Whilst bail is usually offered by the court, the time scales involved in trying criminal cases can be months or even years if an appeal is involved.