by Willie Tan | Aug 19, 2024 | News
Paetongtarn Shinawatra was officially confirmed as Thailand’s prime minister by the king on Sunday, August 18, following her election by parliament two days earlier. This sets the stage for her to form a new Cabinet in the coming weeks.
At 37 years old, Paetongtarn is Thailand’s youngest prime minister, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, who was removed by the Constitutional Court, an institution often at the centre of the country’s ongoing political unrest. Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent and polarizing political figure, and she secured the position after receiving 319 votes in the House of Representatives, making her Thailand’s second female prime minister and the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the office, following her father and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
The king’s approval, a formal requirement, was announced during a ceremony in Bangkok by the House Secretary, Apat Sukhanand. Paetongtarn, dressed in official attire, knelt before a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn to pay her respects and delivered a brief speech expressing gratitude to the king and parliament. She emphasized her commitment to working with legislators openly and listening to all viewpoints to ensure the country progresses with stability.
Despite her lack of previous government experience, Paetongtarn faces significant challenges, including a struggling economy and declining support for her Pheu Thai Party, which has yet to fulfil its promise of a 500 billion baht (approximately $14.46 billion) digital wallet program.
After receiving the royal endorsement, Paetongtarn embraced her father and family members. In her initial press conference, she pledged to continue the policies of her predecessor, Srettha, focusing on economic stimulus, drug enforcement, healthcare improvement, and promoting gender diversity. She reaffirmed her commitment to the digital wallet policy, although she intends to review it to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Paetongtarn stated she has no plans to appoint her father, Thaksin, to any government position but will seek his counsel. She also mentioned that her government’s policies will be presented to parliament next month.
The recent dismissal of Srettha after less than a year in office serves as a warning of the risks Paetongtarn faces in a political environment characterized by coups and court rulings that have repeatedly disrupted governments. The Shinawatra family’s political legacy and future are also at risk, as their once-dominant influence suffered a setback in the last election, forcing them to collaborate with their long-time adversaries in the military to form a government.
Recent events suggest a breakdown in the fragile agreement between Thaksin and the royalist establishment. This facilitated his return from 15 years of self-exile in 2023 and Srettha’s brief tenure as prime minister. A week earlier, the court that removed Srettha also disbanded the Move Forward Party, which had won the 2023 election, over its campaign to amend a royal defamation law, arguing it threatened the constitutional monarchy. The popular opposition party has since reorganized under a new banner, the People’s Party.
Source: CNA
by Willie Tan | Aug 14, 2024 | News
The government is advancing a bill to legalise casinos within entertainment complexes across the country. According to sources, the Finance Ministry has completed drafting the Entertainment Complex Act. The bill will undergo a public hearing as required by Section 77 of the constitution, ensuring public input before being presented to the cabinet for review.
Why the move?
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that coalition party leaders will meet today to discuss the bill, which aims to legalise and regulate casinos as part of the broader entertainment industry. The bill argues that such complexes can significantly boost tourism revenue and domestic investment.
How does it work?
Under the proposed legislation, entertainment complexes must obtain a license valid for up to 30 years, with an initial registration fee of 5 billion baht and an annual payment of 1 billion baht. The license can be renewed for an additional 10 years after the initial period. Entry to these complexes is restricted to individuals over 20 years old, with Thai citizens required to pay a 5,000 baht entrance fee.
The bill also establishes a policy board, chaired by the prime minister, to oversee regulations governing these complexes. According to Mr. Chai, the project could have a substantial economic impact, with the global casino-based entertainment complex industry projected to grow from $1.5 trillion in 2022 to $2.2 trillion by 2028. He emphasised the need for Thailand to expedite its plans to capture a share of this lucrative market.
A House committee report estimates that the project could generate at least 12 billion baht in taxes in its first year. The report examined the economic, social, cultural, and legal implications of the initiative, identifying five potential locations: two in Bangkok, and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
However, Pariyes Angkurakitti, a spokesman for the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party, criticised the project, warning that lax law enforcement could undermine efforts to properly regulate the casino industry.
Source: Bangkok Post
by Willie Tan | Aug 14, 2024 | News
Thailand has launched new visa programs designed to facilitate extended stays and remote work, aligning with a global trend of attracting higher-spending visitors with a smaller impact.
Content Creator Steve Lim’s Unexpected Journey to Thailand
Steve Lim, a content creator from New Zealand, never intended to settle in Thailand; his original destination was New York. However, during a brief stopover in Bangkok in 2022, his U.S. visa fell through, forcing him to reconsider his plans. Despite initial uncertainties, the Thai capital, once unfamiliar and emerging from the pandemic, became his home. Now, at 27, Mr. Lim works remotely in business development for a Chinese firm, thriving in what he describes as Southeast Asia’s “hub of creativity.”
‘Ignite Thailand’s Tourism’ campaign
Recognising the growing appeal to digital nomads like Lim, the Thai government has introduced new visa schemes under the ‘Ignite Thailand’s Tourism’ campaign to make extended stays easier. Mr Nithee Seeprae, a deputy governor at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), emphasised that these policies are designed to boost tourism revenue, enhance regional competitiveness, and attract business investors. Among the new offerings is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads to stay in Thailand for up to five years, with multiple entries and an application fee of 10,000 Thai baht (US$285). Other visa changes include expanded visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries and extended stay options for graduates of Thai universities.
For Lim, who has dealt with short-term visas throughout his time in Bangkok, the new DTV is a welcome relief. He initially relied on a holiday visa, frequently leaving and re-entering the country to renew his stay, which led to burnout. Eventually, he switched to an education visa to study the Thai language remotely, though he knew this was only temporary. With the new DTV, Lim and others in his network see a chance to secure their future in Thailand.
What is the current travel trend?
The travel industry is seeing a trend towards longer stays and higher spending, with Thailand experiencing a shift in visitor behaviour. According to Olivier Ponti, director of intelligence and marketing at ForwardKeys, 25% of visitors to Thailand now stay for over two weeks, and stays of 22 nights or more have fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
In response to this trend, other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have also introduced long-term visa options for digital nomads. Peter Guis, owner of TMT Visa Service Phuket, noted the immediate interest in Thailand’s DTV, though he acknowledged uncertainties about its long-term impact. Stephen Noton, international marketing advisor for Tourism.co.th, added that broader economic factors, such as global inflation and airline prices, will influence the success of these initiatives.
Quality Over Quantity
Thailand’s focus on attracting “quality over quantity” tourists aims to bring both economic and social benefits, according to Paul Pruangkarn, chief of staff at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). He emphasised the need for balance, as the government targets 40 million visitors in 2024 while ensuring sustainable industry growth and social harmony. Infrastructure improvements, including airport expansions and a high-speed rail network, are planned to support this growth and enhance the tourist experience.
In the competitive tourism landscape, Pruangkarn expects continued adaptation of immigration policies. Although Thailand may have been slower to welcome this new wave of remote workers, the country now recognises their value. “You have to stay competitive,” he said, “and ensure you’re one step ahead of your neighbours.”
Source: CNA
by Willie Tan | Aug 14, 2024 | News
Bangkok Shopping Centers Report Strong Recovery in H2 2023, Driven by Foreign Tourism
The Bangkok shopping centre sector has shown a robust recovery in the second half of 2023, largely fueled by an influx of international tourists, according to RETalk Asia. Despite challenges from e-commerce competition and the COVID-19 crisis, shopping centres, including those managed by Central and Robinson groups, now hold about 27% of the market. Hypermarkets account for 28%, while The Mall Group, Siam Piwat, LH Group, Seacon Square, and Future Park hold smaller shares.
Real Estate Careers in Malaysia Surge Amid Market Recovery
Malaysia’s real estate sector is witnessing significant career growth as the market recovers, reports Bernama. AFZ Realty Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Afizan Mohktar, highlighted the rising demand for real estate consultants, who are crucial in sustaining property development and driving industry progress.
Indian Developer Zoya Developments to Invest AED2 Billion in UAE Market
Indian real estate developer Zoya Developments has announced its entry into the UAE market, with plans to invest over AED2 billion in the next three years, as reported by PropertyNews.ae. Their first Dubai project, located in the Furjan area, is set for completion by 2026 and aims to set new benchmarks in residential living with modern design and smart home technology. Zoya Developments, renowned in India for delivering over 100,000 units and developing more than two million square feet of prime real estate, will focus on prime locations in Dubai, including Furjan, Dubai Islands, and JVT.
Source: PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards
by Willie Tan | Aug 9, 2024 | News
Thailand’s comprehensive revamp of visa and entry regulations has elicited a range of reactions, from enthusiasm to confusion and some frustration. To shed light on the new rules, Naruchai Ninnad, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed questions during the Bangkok Post’s Deeper Dive vodcast.
Destination Thailand visa (DTV)
A key highlight is the introduction of the five-year Destination Thailand visa (DTV), which allows stays of up to 180 days, extendable to one year. However, eligibility is restricted to three specific categories.
The first category targets digital nomads or freelancers paid by employers outside Thailand. Naruchai explained, “You can work remotely in Thailand as long as your employer and income are based abroad. Documentation like a payslip or a letter from your employer is required.” The second category includes those relocating to Thailand for specific activities, such as Muay Thai training, cooking classes, medical treatment, or attending events. Applicants must provide proof, such as an appointment or event ticket. The third category covers individuals with spouses or children in Thailand, requiring proof of relationship. This visa can serve as an alternative to the category O spousal visa but must be renewed every six months and requires at least one exit from the country per year.
The DTV does not mandate health insurance but requires proof of at least 500,000 baht in assets, held anywhere globally. Naruchai stressed that qualifying for the visa also depends on fitting into one of the defined categories, not just financial capability.
He also clarified that the DTV cannot substitute the one-year retirement visa unless the applicant qualifies under a different category, and addressed concerns that the DTV might be seen as a cheaper alternative to the Elite visa, noting that each visa offers different benefits.
Another significant change is the expansion of countries eligible for visa-free entry from 57 to 93, including China and India. The entry stamp duration has been extended from 30 to 60 days, with an additional 30-day extension available at an immigration office. Naruchai noted that there’s no limit on the number of entries per year, and entrants must show access to at least 20,000 baht, though a return or onward ticket is only required upon request by immigration officials.
Visa on arrival
The number of countries eligible for a visa on arrival has also increased from 19 to 31, though this option is less favourable due to its 2,000 baht cost and 15-day validity. Naruchai emphasized that immigration officers would grant the most beneficial option, citing that Chinese citizens would receive a 60-day visa exemption over a visa on arrival.
Non-ED Plus visa
Additionally, a new Non-ED Plus visa has been introduced for the 40,000 foreign students at Thai universities pursuing Bachelor’s degrees or higher. This visa allows for a one-year stay after graduation to seek employment in their field. Those already in Thailand on an ED visa and who meet the ED Plus criteria will automatically be upgraded, eliminating the need for a re-entry permit.
Despite these updates, other visas and the controversial 90-day reporting requirement remain unchanged. However, the health insurance requirement for the retirement and spousal visas has been reduced from 3 million baht to 400,000 baht.
Regarding concerns about foreign criminals, Naruchai assured that security measures remain robust. While pre-screening for the 97 countries may not occur before entry, arrivals will still undergo security checks using the same database. Recent incidents involving foreign criminals and corrupt immigration officials have highlighted these issues, but strict regulations and screenings aim to ensure security while avoiding undue burdens on law-abiding expats.
Source: Asean Now
