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- Thailand expands the range of 10 year visas once againNewly added to the range of longstay visas comes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) option for foreign investors in three eastern provinces which include Chonburi. The EEC visa, which allows multiple entries, offers automatic work permit procedures for targeted industries, and a discounted rate of 17 percent income tax for specialists, executives, professionals and (if […]
Newly added to the range of longstay visas comes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) option for foreign investors in three eastern provinces which include Chonburi. The EEC visa, which allows multiple entries, offers automatic work permit procedures for targeted industries, and a discounted rate of 17 percent income tax for specialists, executives, professionals and (if necessary) dependants.
The EEC visa duration is actually linked to the life of the holder’s work permit and is considered an investor type. There is obviously overlap with LTR which, however, is not linked to certain provinces and is much broader covering wealthy retirees, digital nomads with contracts and world travellers as well as executives. The benefits are similar – reduced income tax, avoidance of 90 days reporting and airport perks – but the EEC visa is specifically linked geographically to investment in high-tech industries and sunrise initiatives such as robotics, petrochemical, healthcare, tourism and biotechnology.
In recent years, Thailand has diversified its longstay visa regulations to encourage the overseas wealthy to make a base here. These include the Elite visa introduced in 2003, which has had a controversial history, the O/X 10 year visa for retirees from 2016 (not popular because of its bureaucracy) and the Long Term Residence started last year. The new EEC visa also illustrates the growing involvement of government agencies such as the Board of Investment, in addition to the immigration bureau, in the granting of longstay visas.
15 May 15 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460567 - Venus clam harvesting sustains livelihoods and culture in Pattaya communitiesPATTAYA, Thailand – The shores of Naklua and Krating Lai Beach in Banglamung District comes alive with activity as local residents and factory workers engage in the time-honoured tradition of harvesting Venus clams. This daily ritual not only sustains livelihoods but also preserves cultural heritage in coastal communities. As the tide recedes, revealing the sandy […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – The shores of Naklua and Krating Lai Beach in Banglamung District comes alive with activity as local residents and factory workers engage in the time-honoured tradition of harvesting Venus clams. This daily ritual not only sustains livelihoods but also preserves cultural heritage in coastal communities.
As the tide recedes, revealing the sandy seabed, an impressive number of 60-100 men, women, and children flock to the beaches each day. Armed with baskets and tools, they embark on the task of unearthing the prized Venus clams buried beneath approximately 5-6 centimetres of sand. The allure of these shellfish, fetching around 35 baht per kilogram or 100 baht for 3 kilograms, drives this bustling enterprise, with harvested clams being sold or consumed locally.
One of the seasoned harvesters, Ms. Nid Suksan, 56, exemplifies the dedication of those involved in this traditional practice. Starting from 8 a.m. each day, Ms. Nid gathers an impressive average of 30-40 kilograms of clams. For her and countless others, clam harvesting is not just a means of earning a living; it’s a deeply ingrained part of their coastal communities, providing essential income and sustenance for their families.A fervent clam collector emphasized, “Beyond its economic significance, clam harvesting showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of local communities. It highlights the intricate interdependence between humans and the coastal environment, where tradition meets sustainability. This continuation of age-old practices not only bolsters the local economy but also preserves cultural heritage and strengthens community bonds, underscoring its enduring importance in coastal regions.”
15 May 15 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460561 - Victim seeks justice after road rage assault at Pattaya railway crossingPATTAYA, Thailand – CCTV footage captured a troubling incident at the railway crossing on Soi Chaipornwithi, east Pattaya, on May 6. It shows a young man kicking a middle-aged motorcyclist who was parking by the roadside, following an argument with the man and his presumed mother. The altercation escalated when the young man punched the […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – CCTV footage captured a troubling incident at the railway crossing on Soi Chaipornwithi, east Pattaya, on May 6. It shows a young man kicking a middle-aged motorcyclist who was parking by the roadside, following an argument with the man and his presumed mother. The altercation escalated when the young man punched the motorcyclist in the face, prompting intervention from a bystander to de-escalate the situation.
The victim, Panuwat Singhthong, 49, riding a Honda Wave motorcycle, recounted the incident to reporters on May 13. He explained that while heading towards the Government Housing Village on Chaipornwithi Road after work, heavy traffic at the railway intersection forced him to slow down. As he attempted to turn right across the railway, he was struck by a grey-black Honda Jazz car, resulting in a minor collision.Panuwat politely questioned the car driver about her rush, but she responded angrily with inappropriate language. Despite his attempts to resolve the situation peacefully, the verbal altercation escalated when the woman’s son, seated in the passenger seat, physically attacked Panuwat, kicking him from behind while he was straddling his motorcycle and then punching him.
Visibly bruised from the attack, Panuwat expressed disappointment and disbelief, emphasizing his efforts to avoid conflict. He reported the incident to Banglamung Police Station and hopes for apologies from both the female driver and her son. Panuwat affirmed his commitment to legal proceedings to address the assault.
15 May 15 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460558 - Israeli tourist abandoned by deceitful motorbike taxi in SattahipPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya Tourist Police swiftly responded to a distress call from concerned citizens reporting a foreign national in a state of distress found sitting by the roadside, seemingly lost and confused, at the J intersection on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district on May 13. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, tourist police escorted […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya Tourist Police swiftly responded to a distress call from concerned citizens reporting a foreign national in a state of distress found sitting by the roadside, seemingly lost and confused, at the J intersection on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district on May 13.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, tourist police escorted Mr. Albert Mahlev, an 81-year-old Israeli national, to their headquarters in Pattaya for further assistance and investigation. Given Mahlev’s limited English proficiency, arrangements were made to secure a translator to aid communication and gather pertinent details.
Mahlev recounted a troubling encounter with a motorcycle taxi driver, explaining that he had hired the taxi for a sightseeing trip from Soi Buakhao in Pattaya but was instead abandoned at the J intersection on Sukhumvit Road near Sattahip. To add insult to injury, the thieving motorbike taxi also stole his mobile phone.
Tourist police are currently verifying the accuracy of Mahlev’s account, with plans to facilitate the formal filing of a report at Sattahip Police Station against the deceitful motorcycle taxi driver.Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Superintendent of the Tourist Police, pledged relentless efforts to apprehend the responsible motorcycle taxi driver and ensure justice prevails. He emphasized, “Such incidents not only tarnish the reputation of Pattaya as a tourist destination but also pose a threat to the safety and well-being of visitors.”
15 May 15 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460554 - Pattaya citizens condemn desecration of iconic landmarkEDITORIAL PATTAYA, Thailand – The desecration of Pattaya City’s cherished symbol, the PATTAYA CITY sign at Bali Hai Pier, is not just an attack on public property but a brazen affront to the very soul of the city. This act of vandalism, perpetrated by individuals with no regard for the significance of cultural landmarks, cannot […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – The desecration of Pattaya City’s cherished symbol, the PATTAYA CITY sign at Bali Hai Pier, is not just an attack on public property but a brazen affront to the very soul of the city. This act of vandalism, perpetrated by individuals with no regard for the significance of cultural landmarks, cannot go unpunished.
The sight of the vandalized sign, with its once-proud letters marred by careless strokes of spray paint, is a stark reminder of the disregard some individuals have for the communal treasures that define our city. This landmark, beloved by residents and visitors alike, serves as more than just a signpost; it is a symbol of Pattaya’s identity and a testament to its enduring allure.
The perpetrators of this heinous act must be swiftly brought to justice. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet’s resolve to pursue legal action against those responsible is commendable, but it must be backed by decisive measures to apprehend and prosecute the vandals. The installation of surveillance cameras around the area is a step in the right direction, but it is imperative that every effort is made to identify and hold the culprits accountable for their actions.Furthermore, the restoration of the PATTAYA CITY sign must be prioritized to ensure that this landmark is returned to its former glory. The community’s plea for expedited restoration efforts is not just a call for cosmetic repairs; it is a demand for the reaffirmation of our collective pride in Pattaya’s heritage.
As we confront this unfortunate incident, let us stand united in condemning acts of vandalism and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the beauty and integrity of our beloved cityscape. Only through collective vigilance and unwavering determination can we ensure that Pattaya remains a beacon of culture, beauty, and resilience for generations to come.
15 May 15 2024Editorialhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460550 - Thai casinos could be limited to 5 percent of the total space of the complexThe Thai government is investigating how much space should be given to gambling in the entertainment zone where they are based. According to the Bangkok Post, the deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat said casino operations should be only a small part of an integrated resort to include a shopping zone, family entertainment, hotels and restaurants. […]
The Thai government is investigating how much space should be given to gambling in the entertainment zone where they are based. According to the Bangkok Post, the deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat said casino operations should be only a small part of an integrated resort to include a shopping zone, family entertainment, hotels and restaurants.
The minister said that there were ongoing discussions with government agencies about the social and environmental impact of casino resorts, gambling taxes and modernization of laws relating to betting. Parliamentary committees have already given a thumbs-up to the idea of casino resorts, but the details are not yet ready for House approval.
It is unlikely that existing buildings will be used in the proposed venture. A new entertainment complex, including a casino, would require investment of around US$2.7 billion. Because the casino issue is still a contentious issue in Thailand with many Buddhist groups opposed to the whole idea, the move to limit the size of the gaming tables and machines to 5 percent of the total area is clearly a compromise move. A Pattaya area casino resort, one of four sites initially under debate, would very likely be based near U-tapao international airport near Rayong.
14 May 14 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460468 - Chilli prices in Pattaya too hot to handlePATTAYA, Thailand – Shoppers at Naklua Market were taken aback by a notable surge in vegetable prices, particularly garden chilli peppers, attributed to the on-going dry spell affecting the region. A survey conducted on May 13 revealed a significant price hike in garden chilli peppers, soaring from 200 to 400 baht per kilogram. In response, […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – Shoppers at Naklua Market were taken aback by a notable surge in vegetable prices, particularly garden chilli peppers, attributed to the on-going dry spell affecting the region.
A survey conducted on May 13 revealed a significant price hike in garden chilli peppers, soaring from 200 to 400 baht per kilogram. In response, vendors have begun packaging the chilli peppers into smaller portions, priced at 20 baht per bag.
Additionally, other vegetables have also seen substantial price increases, with celery and coriander now priced at 200 baht per kilogram and long beans at 120 baht per kilogram. Various other vegetables have similarly experienced significant price hikes.Mrs. Thom Sisingh, a 72-year-old market vendor, explained that the surge in chilli pepper prices is likely due to the prevailing dry conditions. She noted that the retail price of garden chilli peppers has surged to 40 baht per 10 grams or 400 baht per kilogram, prompting vendors to sell smaller portions to accommodate customers’ budgets. Mrs. Thom attributed the lower yields and subsequent price increases to inadequate rainfall, resulting in plant withering in some cultivation areas.
Meanwhile, Ms. Nonaree Khunajarn, a 27-year-old Somtam or papaya salad shop owner renowned for her spicy dishes, expressed astonishment at the inflated prices. Despite operating her business for over three months, she had never encountered such high prices for chilli peppers. Nonaree also observed a consistent uptick in the prices of various vegetables used in her dishes.
She speculated that the prevailing hot and dry weather associated with the upcoming dry season has made vegetable cultivation challenging, leading to the current price surge. Consequently, the price of chilli peppers purchased by her shop has soared to 500 baht per kilogram, significantly higher than the previous price of 270 baht per kilogram.
14 May 14 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460463 - Pattaya police urge owner to claim abandoned pot-laden backpackPATTAYA, Thailand – In the early hours of May 13, Pattaya police made a startling discovery when a baht-bus taxi driver handed over a black shoulder bag abandoned near Soi Bua Khao, Central Pattaya. Upon closer examination of the bag’s contents at the Pattaya Police Station, officers uncovered drug paraphernalia and multiple bags of marijuana […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – In the early hours of May 13, Pattaya police made a startling discovery when a baht-bus taxi driver handed over a black shoulder bag abandoned near Soi Bua Khao, Central Pattaya.
Upon closer examination of the bag’s contents at the Pattaya Police Station, officers uncovered drug paraphernalia and multiple bags of marijuana neatly packed inside zip-lock bags. However, no accompanying documents were found to identify the owner of the bag.In response to the discovery, Pattaya police have swiftly launched an investigation to track down the individual responsible for abandoning the bag. Authorities are urging the owner to step forward and claim their belongings.
14 May 14 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460460 - Fire engulfs luxurious clubhouse in Nusa Chivani Pattaya VillagePATTAYA, Thailand – A devastating fire erupted at a luxurious clubhouse in the Nusa Chivani Pattaya Village, in Na Jomtien on May 13. The blaze, originating on the second floor of the two-story building, swiftly engulfed the structure, fuelled by stored documents and bed sets, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters from […]
PATTAYA, Thailand – A devastating fire erupted at a luxurious clubhouse in the Nusa Chivani Pattaya Village, in Na Jomtien on May 13. The blaze, originating on the second floor of the two-story building, swiftly engulfed the structure, fuelled by stored documents and bed sets, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
Firefighters from nearby municipalities rushed to the scene to help contain the inferno and preventing further devastation. Preliminary investigations point to an electrical malfunction as the likely cause of the fire, triggering the emergence of smoke that alerted workers present on-site.
The extent of the damage is estimated to be in the millions of baht. However, a comprehensive examination is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the blaze.
14 May 14 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460438 - Thunderstorms cover parts of Pattaya and BangkokThe Thai Meteorological Department has revealed that the upper part of Thailand is experiencing scattered thunderstorms in several areas, along with some strong gusts of wind in certain places. Heavy rainfall is occurring in some areas of the Northeastern and Eastern regions, while Bangkok and its vicinity have a 40% chance of rain. The weather […]
The Thai Meteorological Department has revealed that the upper part of Thailand is experiencing scattered thunderstorms in several areas, along with some strong gusts of wind in certain places. Heavy rainfall is occurring in some areas of the Northeastern and Eastern regions, while Bangkok and its vicinity have a 40% chance of rain.
The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts low-pressure systems due to the prevailing heat covering the upper part of Thailand, resulting in hot weather during midday. Meanwhile, southerly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture into the upper part of Thailand. This weather pattern is causing scattered thunderstorms in several areas, along with some strong gusts of wind, particularly heavy rainfall in parts of the northeastern and eastern regions. People in the upper part of Thailand are advised to be cautious of the dangers of thunderstorms and strong winds during this period.
As for the southeasterly and southeasterly winds, they are covering the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea, allowing the southern region to continue experiencing scattered thunderstorms. Boat operators should avoid sailing in areas where thunderstorms are present.Regarding particulate matter during this period, Thailand has a minimal accumulation of dust/haze as there is widespread rainfall in many areas, and air ventilation is good.
14 May 14 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=460397