On May 20, 2024, the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry held a meeting to explain foreign investment regulations in Thailand to help foreign investors understand the law and invest more easily in the country without any violations. Participating Organizations There were 36 participants from 19 entities, which included representatives from: The Australian, British, Chinese, and Japanese Embassies European Union Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO Bangkok) Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KORTA Bang ..read more

By the end of 2024, the Thai government intends to relist cannabis as a narcotic. The Decriminalization of Cannabis In 2018, Thailand was the first Asian country to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. Later in June 2022, Thailand also became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis extracts containing less than 0.2% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This, combined with the National Narcotics Act’s vague definition of the “small amount” permitted for personal use, created a new market for recreational cannabis in Thailand. Since then, thousands of cannabis stores have opened up in Ban ..read more

In May 2024, a new long-term visa option known as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Visa was approved by the Thai Cabinet. The visa caters to specialists, executives, professionals, and their dependents. The purpose of this visa is to aid the development of targeted industries in Thailand including automation, robotics, aviation, logistics, and biochemicals. What is the EEC Visa? The EEC Visa was created to attract experts from specific fields and industries to Thailand and support the development of their targeted industry.  The visa is intended to attract qualified individuals to the ..read more

Due to the overwhelming number of tourists returning to Thailand after the pandemic, tourist operators have urged the government to take action against overtourism. One of the primary measures being planned is a new tourist tax on all those entering the country in hopes that it will help combat overtourism by funding government initiatives to increase capacity for visitors. What is Overtourism? Overtourism refers to the negative impacts an excessive number of tourists can have on a region and the people who live there. A prime example of this in Thailand is Phuket. The city has been experienc ..read more

In addition to the raising of the minimum wage in Thailand which has been implemented in January 2024, a second wage increase has gone into effect as of April 2024, though only for workers in certain sectors. While the new wage hike still falls short of the level promised by the Pheu Thai Party in 2023, these adjustments aim to give workers an increased standard of living amidst rising inflation while protecting Thai businesses. First Wage Increase, Effective January 2024 At the beginning of January 2024, the daily minimum wage was raised by an average of 2.4%, as promised in December 2023. T ..read more

In the months since Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin promised the “marriage equality bill” following his administration’s rise to power in September 2023, the draft amendment allowing for recognition of same-sex marriages has been approved to Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code (TCCC) by a committee of the House of Representatives and is now expected to go through its second and third readings on March 27, 2024. The bill will change the stated official legal status and marriage composition, from “husband and wife” and “a man and a woman” to “married couple” and “two individuals,” giving LGBTQ ..read more

Nothing is more disappointing than having an unexpected event throwing a wrench into your trip to Thailand. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, you can turn the situation around and make the best out of your time in the Land of Smiles. This is why it is essential to learn the differences between Western and Thai criminal law to exercise your rights in case you ever find yourself in a predicament. The Key Differences Of Thai Criminal Law Laws differ from country to country and ignorance of the laws is not a valid defense when caught committing an offense, so you must inform yourself of what ..read more

Foreign residents in Thailand must exercise caution when it comes to overstaying their visas, as doing so may result in expulsion from the country. If a visa is revoked for overstaying, there are a few exceptions that allow visitors to extend their stay. In such circumstances, individuals with valid reasons must appeal to the Immigration Bureau to submit their case and request to revise the order. Foreign residents must be aware of these restrictions to ensure a lawful and smooth stay in Thailand. Justifications to Appeal for Visa Overstays There are plausible grounds for believing that the i ..read more

Blacklist Lifting and Re-Entry to Thailand After your name subject to the blacklist is lifted under Section 12 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), you may be able to re-enter Thailand. However, the immigration officer will heavily monitor you due to your history of being blacklisted. If you recommit an offense, you will be penalized by a fine, imprisonment, and be blacklisted for a longer duration.  Applying for a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization for other Countries When you apply for a visa, the authorities will be wary and suspicious of you in recommitting the same offen ..read more

Overstaying in Thailand Should you surrender or be arrested by authorities, your name will be on the blacklist and you will be deported and excluded from Thailand. The length of the blacklist depends on the period of overstay. Length of Blacklist After Surrendering Overstaying for more than 90 days will subject you to be excluded for 1 year from your departure date. Overstaying for more than 1 year will subject you to be excluded for 3 years from your departure date. Overstaying for more than 3 years will subject you to be excluded for 5 years from your departure date. Overstaying for more t ..read more