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Unless it gets tacked on to air ticket, I don’t see how it can be easily accomplished.

NOTE — This was a topic of discussion when it was first introduced last year. It’s not the 300 baht that will deter many visitors; it’s the method on how it will be collected. If it becomes part of the the digital arrivals card, then it will be viewed essentially as a visa fee. From The Nation The tourism tax of 300 baht a person will come into force for foreign tourists by the end of this year, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Thursday. He expects the tourism tax scheme to come into effect during Thailand’s high season later in the year, provided the scheme is endorsed via publication in the Royal Gazette in March. Details of the scheme are not as yet clear, he said, adding that the ministry is working on linking data to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to facilitate tax collection. The TDAC will come into force on May 1.Sorawong explained that foreign travellers arriving by air will be charged 300 baht/person/trip. Those who cross into the country either by land and water will also be charged 300 baht, but would be entitled to enter several times within 30-60 days, he said. He said the ministry will summarise this issue at a later date to ensure that all foreigners using a passport to visit Thailand will be able to access life and accident insurance. Sorawong does not expect the tourism tax scheme will cause a decline in foreign arrivals as the tax is low. Several embassies have confirmed that this scheme is a good plan as it will allow travellers to access insurance, he said. He emphasised that the tourism tax system will be one-stop-service to facilitate travellers. “The tourist fee may not be a large amount that would put tourists off, but if collection is complicated, it will be inconvenient. Our aim is to make the process as smooth as possible,” he said. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40046796

From Pattaya News Following multiple complaints from local residents about people performing sexual activities at the railway sleeper storage area near Pattaya Railway Station, authorities have finally taken action to solve the issue. The site had reportedly become a meeting spot for both same-sex and opposite-sex partners for several months, with numerous used condoms found littered in the area. Concerns were also raised about public health and the city’s image as a family-friendly destination. In response to the issue, Pol. Col. Navin Sinthurat, Superintendent of Bangamung Police Station, coordinated with railway officials and other relevant agencies to inspect the site on February 25th. During the inspection, railway officials decided to enclose the area with barbed wire fencing to prevent people from entering the area. Signs prohibiting entry will also be put up, and local patrol officers will regularly monitor the site to deter future sexual activities. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/26/police-install-barbed-wire-at-infamous-pattaya-railway-spot-after-condom-litter-complaints/

From Visaverge Thailand's Cabinet approved streamlined work permit rules, featuring digital applications, reduced bureaucracy, and extended validity periods. The changes aim to ease processes for foreign workers in various sectors and enhance Thailand's appeal to international talent. Key benefits include reduced administrative burdens, cost savings, and improved compliance. The revisions align with broader initiatives to attract skilled professionals and boost economic competitiveness. Thailand will digitize work permit applications, eliminating physical documentation and cutting processing time significantly, starting in early 2025. Work permit validity extended: Laos/Vietnam workers until May 13, 2025; Cambodia/Myanmar workers until February 13, 2027. Renewals due by February 13, 2025, must use digital platforms for Cambodian/Myanmar workers; Laos/Vietnam workers must reapply under MOU rules. On February 25, 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved changes aimed at simplifying the application and issuance process for work permits. These updates are expected to ease challenges for foreign workers seeking employment in Thailand 🇹🇭, making the country more welcoming to international talent. The changes reflect Thailand’s proactive approach to managing foreign labor and addressing administrative inefficiencies. These new regulations, set to be implemented in the coming months, apply to all foreign workers, including regular employees, professionals in creative industries like film, and artists. The main goals of these adjustments are to reduce bureaucratic delays, lower costs related to work permits, and enhance the experience for both workers and employers alike. https://www.visaverge.com/news/thai-cabinet-eases-work-permit-rules-for-foreign-workers/

Yes. And on a more technical basis, the advantages offered by the Max are overshadowed by its flawed design. The 737-800 series is the previous production model that’s been in service since 1994. Since then nearly 5,000 have come into service and remain the workhorse of airlines worldwide.

Thailand had its Elite Card, versions of which allow buyers to live in Thailand for extended periods up to 20 years for 7 million baht. And now Trump will see you a Gold Card with similar perks for $5 million. From CNN resident Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US would sell a “gold card” to wealthy foreigners, giving them the right to live and work in the US and offering a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee. “We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.” Trump said the sale of the cards will begin in about two weeks and suggested millions of such cards could be sold. Asked whether he would consider selling the cards to Russian oligarchs, Trump responded: “Yeah, possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, standing alongside Trump, said the card will replace the government’s EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors to pump money into US projects that create jobs and then apply for visas to immigrate to the US. “They’ll have to go through vetting, of course,” Lutnick said, “to make sure they’re wonderful world-class global citizens.” https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/25/politics/us-gold-card-foreigners-trump/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc

From Aerotime All Nippon Airways (ANA) has placed substantial orders with the world’s three largest commercial aircraft makers, planning to introduce up to 77 new aircraft into its fleet – 68 firm orders and nine options. The Japanese airline group is gearing up to accommodate a growing number of passengers, particularly on routes to Japan. To enhance its long-haul operations, ANA has ordered 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, powered by General Electric’s GEnx engines. The airline group has identified its international network as a key driver of future growth, particularly on routes between Asia and North America. This expansion is further supported by the ongoing development of Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT). ANA projects a 50% increase in its capacity on these routes by the 2030 fiscal year, with available seat kilometers (ASK) expected to rise by approximately 1.5 times compared to FY2023. On the domestic front, ANA will integrate Embraer E-Jets into its fleet for the first time, having placed an order for 20 E190-E2 aircraft—15 firm orders and five options. These jets, which the Japanese carrier defines as “technologically advanced regional jets”, will allow ANA to better respond to fluctuations in demand while optimizing costs and improving overall profitability. Deliveries are expected to commence in the 2028 fiscal year. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/ana-fleet-expansion-77-aircraft-boeing-airbus-embraer

I grew up in the west and love Asian guys.🙂

The military is not receiving this well. Stay tuned. Trump have stepped on wrong toes this time.

From The Nation Plans to expand U-Tapao Airport are being revised, with the project scaled back significantly due to ongoing delays with the high-speed rail link. Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA), confirmed that the development of the airport and the adjacent Eastern Aviation City will go ahead, but without waiting for the delayed Bangkok-Rayong high-speed train. The 290-billion-baht project, located on a 6,500 rai site within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), will proceed despite the high-speed rail project’s uncertain future. Keeree explained that the high-speed rail delays, now approaching five years, are impacting the airport’s development timeline. The project contract, which will mark its fifth anniversary on June 18, has been hampered by repeated revisions to the rail agreement, preventing key infrastructure construction from beginning. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40046720

From The Thaiger A wild night on Bangla Road turned violent when two foreign tourists were brutally assaulted by at least one security guard, leaving them injured and shaken. The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of today, February 25, prompting a swift response from Patong Police who are now hunting for the attacker. The two victims were identified as 24 year old Danylo Sidiakin, a Ukrainian national staying in Thalang, and Oleh Hoba, also 24, from Poland, residing at a guesthouse in Kathu. The altercation erupted after the pair visited the popular Miami Bar on Bangla Road before moving on to the Nan & Non Tour restaurant at around 1.50am. According to police reports, a dispute broke out between the tourists and a security guard at the second venue. The situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in both men sustaining injuries. Bloodied and shaken, the tourists contacted the police to report the assault and pursue legal action against the attackers. The cause of the altercation remains unclear, and investigators are now working to piece together what happened. Police have begun collecting CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects involved and gather crucial evidence for the case, reported The Phuket News. An officer from the Patong Police Station stated, “We are currently reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to establish the facts. Our priority is to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.” The incident has raised concerns about tourist safety on Bangla Road, a hotspot known for its vibrant nightlife but also notorious for occasional violence and disputes. Local police have faced criticism over security measures, with some questioning the adequacy of surveillance and the conduct of security personnel. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/tourists-attacked-on-bangla-road-police-hunt-for-security-guard

From The Thaiger In a significant push towards ensuring the safety of visitors in Pattaya, more than 180 eager volunteers gathered yesterday for a rigorous training seminar aimed at boosting their skills in safeguarding tourists. The event unfolded yesterday, February 25, at the Bang Lamung District Office, under the guidance of Police Major General Noraseth Suwannanikha, Commander of Tourist Police Division 1. This high-profile seminar attracted several key players, including Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapach Sritanyanont and Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet. As Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Chief of Pattaya Tourist Police, took the stage, he underscored the seminar’s importance. The intensive session was designed to arm volunteers with a deep understanding of the vital duties of the Tourist Police, their specific roles as volunteer officers, and crucial emergency response Participants were also trained in the art of effective collaboration with locals, a key element in maintaining a secure environment for holidaymakers in the vibrant city of Pattaya. https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/pattaya-boosts-tourist-safety-with-training-for-180-volunteers

From Bangkok Post The recent discovery of an ancient human skeleton, estimated to be at least 29,000 years old, in Prachuap Khiri Khan proves that the area which is now Thailand was inhabited by humans in the Old Stone Age. On Monday, the Fine Arts Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation (DNP) jointly announced the discovery of a skeleton from the Pleistocene period and ancient cave paintings at the Tham Din archaeological site in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. According to the Fine Art Department's Director General Phanombootra Chandrajoti, the skeleton, believed to be of an eight-year-old child, is the oldest human skeleton ever discovered in Thailand, providing archaeologists with a good starting point to expand the study into the beginning of the development of prehistoric technology. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2968261/skeleton-points-to-prehistoric-life

From Patttaya News Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), raised concerns over increasing foreign acquisitions of hotels, pool villas, and luxury residences in key tourist destinations like Phuket and Bangkok. Some foreign owners, particularly Russians, have been illegally renting out properties on a daily basis, according to Thienprasit. In Bangkok, both Thai and foreign investors are reportedly buying entire floors in condominiums for short-term rentals, while Chinese investors have been purchasing nearly entire luxury housing projects and offering full-scale shuttle services for tourists. THA urged the government to limit foreign property ownership and reconsider the length of stay permitted under visas to prevent economic imbalances. Separately, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association, addressed growing opposition to Israeli tourists in Pai due to concerns over inappropriate behavior. He called for stricter security checks to ensure travelers are genuine tourists and emphasized the importance of enforcing Thai laws. Regarding Chinese tourism, he urged the government to restore confidence following past scams targeting Chinese visitors, such as call center fraud. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/25/thailand-considers-stricter-visa-rules-to-curb-long-term-foreign-rentals/

I frequently fly through Narita with a 2:15 layover. On last flight, however, we were late departing, leaving only a little over an hour to make Bkk flight. As I walked up bridge towards terminal, there was a sign saying “international connections” with arrow pointing to open door that led to stairway. I took it and ended airside in Terminal 2 departure concourse. This eliminated the usual bag and body scan. I don’t know if this was a one off tactic due to late arrival or indication that redundant bag scan has been eliminated.

Another key advantage of booking with Agoda is that you can select accommodations for two persons. This saved me when manager of Siam Heritage hotel on Surawong attempted to charge me joiner’s fee. i showed him confirmation from Agoda that stated rate included two persons.

From The Nation Thailand's Public Health Ministry is championing the use of traditional herbal medicines to reduce reliance on costly imported pharmaceuticals. A key goal is to generate 3 billion baht in revenue from herbal medicine sales by 2026. Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin launched the "When Sick, Think of Thai Medicine Before Seeing a Doctor" policy at a workshop for medical personnel on Monday. Ten common herbal medicines addressing frequent health issues are being prioritised: Plai (Zingiber cassumunar) for muscle and joint pain Green chiretta (Fah Talai Jone) for colds and Covid-19 Turmeric for bloating and flatulence Phet sang khat for constipation and haemorrhoids Ginger for dizziness Bitter gourd for loss of appetite Musa (banana) for diarrhoea Hom thep chit for insomnia Chilli for numbness from paralysis Aloe vera for skin burns Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40046666

They must not like you at Tarntawan, @Olddaddy, because I get quote on Agoda of 1,613 for same date.

From The Thaiger Nok Air intends to reduce its flights to mainland China this year due to slow market growth and will instead focus on expanding its services to India, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. The airline’s Chief Executive, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, highlighted the shift in Chinese tourists’ preferences towards Japan over Thailand and noted the Chinese government’s lack of support for outbound travel. Safety concerns among Chinese travellers related to scams and human trafficking in Thailand have further impacted Thai airlines. Since January, Nok Air has decreased its weekly flights to China from 16 to 12, covering Nanning, Zhengzhou, and Nanjing. The airline may adjust these flight schedules in the future. With the sluggish Chinese market in January, a passenger target for 2025 is yet to be set. To maintain growth, the airline plans to increase its presence in other international markets, aiming to improve aircraft utilisation rates. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/nok-air-shifts-focus-from-china-to-india-japan-taiwan-singapore

From Pattaya CCTV footage captured a violent brawl between two transgender individuals at a Pattaya beer bar, shocking passing tourists in the city some call a world-class family friendly resort city. The incident was captured on CCTV footage from a beer bar on Pattaya Central Road Sai 2. Two transgender individuals were seen pulling each other’s hair and slapping each other in full view of passing tourists. The incident occurred on February 15th, 2025, at 10:30 PM, but recently went viral on Thai social media. On February 22nd, The Pattaya News reporters visited the bar in the video and spoke with Teerawat, a transgender woman from Saraburi who works part-time at the establishment and was one of the individuals in the footage. According to Teerawat, she was the victim of an unprovoked attack. Teerawat recounted that on the night of the incident, she was playing pool with her foreign boyfriend when a mysterious ice cube suddenly fell to the ground near her. Looking around to identify the source, she noticed Bella, a 24-year-old transgender woman, sitting at a nearby bar. Bella was an old friend of hers and had previously been romantically involved with Teerawat’s boyfriend. Teerawat claimed that Bella then began to verbally taunt her. Despite the provocations, Teerawat ignored them until Bella approached her, twirling her hair before suddenly yanking it. A fierce brawl followed, with both individuals exchanging blows until bystanders stepped in, as captured in the CCTV footage. Following the altercation, Teerawat filed a police report at Pattaya Police Station. She alleged that Bella is part of a notorious group of transgender individuals known for using violence in the city. Teerawat also claimed she received threatening phone calls from senior members of the group, which warned her to “Watch your back.” Given these threats, Teerawat planned to file an additional report for harassment. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/25/transgender-brawl-erupts-at-pattaya-beer-bar/

From Pattaya Mail PATTAYA, Thailand – For decades, Pattaya has been known not only for its vibrant tourism scene but also for its long-running issues with motorbike rental operators allegedly acting as “parking mafias.” These groups have often been accused of monopolizing public parking spaces, intimidating business owners, and even forcing tourists into unfair rental agreements. A Systematic Control Over Parking Spaces Many motorbike rental businesses operate along Pattaya Beach Road and other tourist-heavy areas, where parking is scarce. Over the years, reports have emerged of rental operators illegally reserving public parking spaces for their own fleet of bikes. They often block spots using cones, chains, or even physically moving other vehicles to ensure only their rental bikes are parked there. Business owners, especially those running restaurants and shops, frequently complain that their customers are unable to find parking because these spaces are unofficially “claimed” by rental businesses. Intimidation and Local Conflicts Several incidents suggest that these rental groups do not just operate passively. Local restaurant owners and small business operators have reported threats and harassment when they attempt to use or challenge these spaces. Some claim that when they park their vehicles in front of their own businesses, rental operators either block them in or have their vehicles towed. This has led to ongoing conflicts, with authorities stepping in on multiple occasions to mediate. Involvement of Authorities and Crackdowns Despite numerous crackdowns, the issue persists. Pattaya police have, on various occasions, removed illegally parked rental bikes and fined operators, but the problem tends to resurface quickly. Some suspect that local enforcement is inconsistent, possibly due to under-the-table agreements between certain rental businesses and officials. Impact on Tourists and Business Owners Tourists, particularly first-time visitors, have also been affected. Some report being overcharged or forced to rent bikes after finding no available parking due to rental operators occupying public spaces. Others have fallen victim to rental scams, where operators claim damages on bikes and demand exorbitant fees. Will the Issue Ever Be Resolved? While authorities continue to make efforts to regulate motorbike rental businesses, the deeply rooted nature of this issue suggests it won’t be an easy fix. Stronger enforcement, clear regulations, and better parking management are necessary to prevent rental operators from exploiting public spaces at the expense of locals and tourists alike. Until then, the so-called “parking mafia” of Pattaya remains a challenge for both businesses and visitors, reflecting a broader issue of informal control over public resources in Thailand’s major tourist hubs. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/motorbike-rental-operators-in-pattaya-a-long-standing-parking-mafia-on-beach-road-491874

From The Patttaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Canadian embassy in Bangkok has announced that it will no longer issue letters of guarantee about the income of Canadian citizens wishing to obtain annually-renewable visas in Thailand. The ruling also applies to the Canadian consulate in Chiang Mai. The announcement parrots the line used by the British, American and Australian embassies in the past – officers have no way of verifying the truth of claimed income or cash reserves in the home country. Those affected, principally retirees, will need either to show 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (which never insisted on embassy confirmation) or use the method of transferring at least 65,000 baht on a regular and continuous basis for the preceding 12 months. Individual immigration offices may differ in the precise detail they require applicants to produce for retirement or marriage visas. The evidence can include detailed home-country bank statements and even proof of the source of the cash if monthly transfers are involved. Pattaya City Expat Club has a useful and detailed summary of the matter in its current newsletter, though obviously the remarks apply principally to Chonburi provincial immigration offices. The Canadian embassy states that the issuing of letters of guarantee had always been an informal arrangement, not a mandatory service required by immigration authorities. The embassy does not claim that abuses have actually been found. The latest ruling will likely require Canadian expats with annually renewable visas to have a bank account in Thailand. They may run into the problem that new bank accounts are more difficult to open at the moment because of the government crackdown on unrelated abuse relating to scams and fraud. New banking registration rules allegedly begin on March 1, including requirements for photo IDs and a restriction of one SIM card per bank account. However, there have not been any recent announcements by the Bank of Thailand about implementation. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/canada-joins-uk-us-and-australia-in-refusing-to-verify-retirement-income-491858