Bangkok Post – Poll: Slim majority wants new charter to keep existing royalty sections

A replica of the charter in the form of an accordion-style parchment sits on a golden tray under a spotlight at Democracy Monument. (Bangkok Post file photo)

A majority of people agree with writing a new charter without changing Chapters 1 and 2 which contain general principles and royal provisions, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was carried out on Apr 30 – May 1 on 1,310 people aged 18 and…


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Fatal high-speed collision involving motorcycle and parked car

Picture courtesy of 77kaoded

In a tragic turn of events, a motorcycle rider lost his life in a high-speed collision with a stationary Toyota Fortuner along a bypass road in Chon Buri yesterday morning. The rider was reportedly riding at an immense speed of over 160 kilometres per hour, as indicated by his speedometer.

The unfortunate incident took place at 9.30am on Bypass Road 36 (Krating Lai – Rayong) in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The exact location was marked as kilometre 1+400 on the said road.

Officials from the Banglamung Police Station were immediately dispatched to the accident scene, along with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon. They were met with the grim sight of a wrecked black Yamaha XMAX motorcycle on the roadside. Its rider, identified as Boonchanit Phrachan, was found lifeless in close proximity.

His body bore severe…


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China-France forum underscores people-to-people, cultural exchanges

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PARIS, May 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France was held here on Saturday, in a bid to boost cooperation and mutual learning.

A forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France was held at InterContinental Paris - Le Grand on Saturday.(Yang Lei)
A forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France was held at InterContinental Paris – Le Grand on Saturday.(Yang Lei)

 

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua attends a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France and delivers a speech, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Meng Dingbo)
President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua attends a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France and delivers a speech, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Meng Dingbo)

 

Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye, speaks at a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Lian Yi)
Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye, speaks at a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Lian Yi)

The participants agreed that strengthening cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and France will not only help…


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Booking boat tours around Phi Phi

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I’ll be taking a ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi and was wondering about booking tours to places around Phi Phi (Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, etc.)- should I book in advance or is it fairly easy to get a boat the day of?- I’ll be heading there in about two weeks.


View Reddit by Fluffy_CoconutsView Source

Bangkok Post – Interpreter used by police arrested over kidnaps

Deputy Bangkok police chief Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, centre, speaks of the case at the Din Daeng police station on Saturday. (Police photo)

A Chinese-language interpreter was arrested on Friday for his involvement in crimes linked to a Chinese abduction gang in the Din Daeng area on April 25, said Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) commissioner.

The interpreter, identified as Theerachai Chaloemwanpen, 36, was arrested by MPB…


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Can I Visit Visa-Free Or Need Visa-On-Arrival?


Image credit: Day2505/Shutterstock

Thailand attracts millions of travellers annually with its pristine beaches, magnificent temples, and bustling cities. One of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand welcomed over 28.15 million international tourists in 2023, according to data shared by Statista. Beyond its natural beauty and rich culture, Thailand offers a significant perk for travellers: exemption for visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival options.

Thailand welcomes visitors from numerous countries with visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options. These schemes, coupled with Thailand’s charming destinations and all the exciting things to do, make it the go-to choice for vacations. Discover all the countries that enjoy these benefits and plan a great “Thai” adventure for your well-deserved getaway.

Explore more with our guide to the best things to do in Thailand.

Visa-on-arrival or exemption? Understanding your Thailand visa needs

The Thai government offers visa-free entry to citizens of several nationalities. While some exemptions are temporary, others are permanent.

Visa-free travel to Thailand grants freedom, but it also has limitations. Over 69 countries enjoy visa-free stays in Thailand for varying durations – 90, 60, 30, 15, or 14 days. It’s important to note that visa-exempt citizens are allowed only two visa-free entries per year. However, this rule doesn’t apply to citizens of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Travellers from these countries qualify for visa-free stays

Thailand visa exemption
Image credit: asiandelight/Shutterstock

Up to 90 days:

North and South America

  • Peru
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Chile

Asia

Up to 30 days:

Asia

  • The Philippines
  • China
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Japan
  • Brunei
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Hong Kong
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Mongolia
  • Kazakhstan

Europe

  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Monaco
  • The Netherlands
  • UK
  • Ukraine
  • Turkey
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Spain
  • Slovenia
  • Slovak
  • San Marino
  • Portugal
  • Poland
  • Norway

Middle East

  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • Israel

Africa

North and South America

Oceania

Up to 14 days:

Asia

Tourists from the following countries enjoy temporary Thailand visa exemptions:

  • India stay for up to 30 days (November 10, 2023-May 10, 2024);
  • Taiwan stay for up to 30 days (November 10, 2023-May 10, 2024).
  • Russia stay for up to 60 days (May 1, 2024-July 31, 2024).

Requirements for visa-free travel

While no forms or fees are required for visa-free travel to Thailand, each traveller must meet certain requirements to enjoy the Thailand visa exemption.

  • Passport from visa-exempt countries with at least six months validity and two empty pages.
  • Confirmed return ticket under the visa-free period.
  • Proof of accommodation during the stay.
  • Minimum THB 10,000 per person/equivalent in USD or THB 20,000 per family/equivalent in USD.

Who is eligible for Thailand’s visa-on-arrival and stays up to 15 days?

document on arrival
Image credit: olavs/Shutterstock

Asia

  • Bhutan
  • India (after the visa-free period is over)
  • Taiwan (after the visa-free period is over)
  • Uzbekistan
  • Russia (after the visa-free period is over)

Europe

Africa

Oceania

  • Fiji
  • Nauru
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Vanuatu

North and South America

Requirements for Thailand’s visa-on-arrival

Travellers must have the following at the port of entry in Thailand, where the application form is available:

  • Passport from visa-on-arrival countries with at least one-month validity and two blank pages.
  • One passport photo, taken in the last six months.
  • Confirmed return ticket under 15 days.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Minimum THB 10,000 per person/equivalent in USD or THB 20,000 per family/equivalent in USD.
  • Visa fee of THB 2,000.

Shop the best travel experiences here

(Feature image credit: Day2505/Shutterstock)

Related: Planning Your Adventure? Find The Best Time To Visit Bangkok, Thailand’s Capital

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the process for obtaining a visa on arrival in Thailand?
The process for obtaining a visa on arrival in Thailand is simple. Travellers need to fill out the form at one of Thailand’s airports (or any port of entry) and bring a valid passport, recent passport photo, return ticket, accommodation details, visa fee, and a minimum of THB 10,000.

– Can I extend my stay beyond the allowed visa-free period?
You can extend your stay beyond the visa-free period, but there are separate policies for each nationality, so you will have to check beforehand if you are eligible for a stay extension during visa-free travel. It is important to note that a stay extension is granted at the discretion of the Thai government.

– What if I want to stay in Thailand for longer than the visa-free period allows?
If you have planned a vacation that goes beyond the visa-free period, then you should apply for a proper Thailand visa beforehand. However, if your trip is extended due to unforeseen circumstances, then you can try for a stay extension.

– Can I work or study in Thailand under visa-free entry?
No, you can’t work or study in Thailand under visa-free entry.

– Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand without a visa?
Yes, you need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand without a visa.

Written By

Priyaja Bakshi

Priyaja Bakshi

Digital Writer – Growth, Travel

Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi!



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Speeding Motorcyclist Fatally Crashes into Car in Chonburi


PHOTO: 77kaoded

Chonburi —

A motorcycle rider was tragically killed in a high-speed collision with a Toyota Fortuner on a bypass road in Chonburi in the morning of Saturday, May 4th. The rider was reported to have travelled at over 160 kilometers per hour, as per his speedometer indicated.

The accident occurred at 9:30 AM at kilometer marker 1+400 on Bypass Road 36 (Krating Lai – Rayong) in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province.

Police officers from the Banglamung Police Station, along with Sawang Boriboon rescue workers, arrived at the scene to find a mangled black Yamaha XMAX motorcycle lying on the side of the road. Its driver, identified as Mr. Boonchanit Phrachan, was found deceased nearby with severe limb and neck fractures. He was an e-commerce department employee and website administrator, according to his employee ID card.

According to police, the deceased’s motorbike’s speedometer was stuck at over 160 kilometers per hour.

Nearby, authorities discovered a white Toyota Fortuner with significant damage to its rear. Its spare tire, previously attached to the back, also became dislodged from the impact. The driver, Mr. Thawachai Wiseschan, 33, told police that he was parking his vehicle at the scene for some time with his sister after visiting a doctor. Mr. Thawachai then heard a loud noise from the back of his vehicle.

Mr. Thawachai exited the vehicle only to find the victim deceased on the ground. He noted that he did not hear any braking sounds at all.

Banglamung police believed that the victim may have attempted to overtake another vehicle while travelling at an extremely high speed and failed to notice the parked Toyota Fortuner on the side of the road.

Police will be reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact cause of the accident. The body of the victim was transferred to a nearby hospital to await religious rites.

PHOTO: 77kaoded

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Bangkok Post – Reshuffle ruffles some

The first cabinet reshuffle under the Srettha Thavisin government aims to enhance efficiency, particularly in advancing economic stimulus initiatives, as the government plans to introduce additional populist programmes to attract votes in the next election, academics say.

Somjai Phagaphasvivat, an independent political and economic analyst, told the Bangkok Post that he did not expect anything much from the new cabinet as it only represents a change in government management rather than a major shift in the government’s policy direction.

Mr Somjai also pointed to the appointment of Pichai Chunhavajira as the new finance minister, the post which Prime Minister Srettha previously held, as well as deputy prime minister. Mr Pichai was a former chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand and adviser to the prime minister.

Easing PM’s workload

“The finance…


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Chaiyaphum hailstorm causes 3 million baht in damages, kills 21,000 chickens

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A devastating hailstorm, with stones as large as chicken eggs, wreaked havoc in Chaiyaphum, causing widespread damage, including significant losses for a local poultry farm where power outages led to a tragic number of chicken deaths. The storm, which occurred yesterday, May 4, also resulted in damaged homes and infrastructure, with preliminary estimates placing the cost at over 3 million baht.

As the summer storm swept through the Phu Kheaw district of Chaiyaphum, residents scrambled for cover from the unusually large hailstones that pelted the area. The storm’s intensity was such that it caused long-standing trees to topple and roofs to be ripped from buildings. The Pak Pang district and the Ban Kheaw district suffered particularly heavy impacts, with the latter witnessing the destruction of over 50 homes and community water supply tanks.

Among the…


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Join us for great board and card games online or with people living in Bangkok., Sun, May 5, 2024, 10:00 AM

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Hi everybody,

Come join us for some great board games and/or cards online or with others living in Bangkok, it doesn’t matter if you have never played before or if you are a pro. You can chat and help organize online and/or in-person gatherings with the other members in our Line group, contact me directly if you are only interested in joining our group, my Line ID is bkk.bradley

Playing online games is fun, free, and easy, and you get to meet other gamers from all around the world. There are hundreds of great free online game to play, and the list keeps growing. We chat while we’re playing online, so we can get to know, help each other, and share the laughter.

When our members meet in person around Bangkok, they might be meeting at board game cafes which might charge a fee, or at other venues, but we never charge for playing games. We have been playing board and card games for more than nine years now, making friends, and having lots of fun over the years.

Please don’t leave messages for me on Meetup, it’s easier to add me to your Line contacts, we can chat there. You have to download the “Line” app if you want to join our group.

Hope you all are taking good care of yourselves,

Bradley


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