Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (11 May 2022)

Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (11 May 2022)

Long term visas for non-Thais, lasting ten years, and specifically for those with high incomes, along with retirees and  people working here in well paid jobs, are to see prithe visa price slashed to just 50,000 baht in an effort to encourage quality expats to choose Thailand as their home base. There is a requirement that all have medical insurance of 50K dollars OR have existing Thai social security, and for those applying based on income, they must have earned an average of 80K dollars US ANNUALLY in the past two years, with those who are specialist workers being able to show employment contracts along with proof of experience in their work field.

Bad news for those who were hawking a share in planned cannabis farms as the state has announced that home cultivation of cannabis plants WILL be legal as of next month, and will be giving away a million plants to homeowners. According to the health ministry, there will no longer be a requirement even for a license or registration for those who cultivate the plants, which must be of medical grade and intended for medicinal use. These though are NOT the type with high psychoactive properties, rather they are strains that have medicinal properties but less of the so called ‘High’ but it will allow the launch of marijauana related businesses without any need for FDA registration or approval.

Who gets the money? That’s the billion dollar question facing Thai authorities who have, over the past 5 years, seized assets worth 1.6 billion that had belonged to a foreign dark web narcotics dealer who died, whilst in police custody, following his arrest back then. The US would certainly like to get their hands on the money, but as assets gained through criminal acts, they may well remain here and be put to good use.

Following the army ban on Lazada deliveries on any property it controls,  the navy and airforce have also asked members of their forces NOT to buy from Lazada too. This follows the use of a highly controversial advertisement for their service which was posted across the net and used actors dressed and appearing in a similar style of appearance to members of the Royal family. The extremely insulting commercial WAS removed from most platforms BUT, under thai law, should never ever have been created to start with AND with the production company being Thai, there isn’t much room to argue any defense.

The 48 year old son of a local politician in Surat thani has turned himself in to police to answer charges that he was among the many well positioned locals who took part in a child prostitutin ring operating in and around childrens homes. As we revealed last week, the children involved have been removed to a safe home in Bangkok, with full protection following threats. The errant son saw 5 warrants issued for his arrest regarding procurement. Separately, Thai medai report that    criminal charges were filed against a, deputy director-general of the Department of Children and Youth of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, for malfeasance in office and coercion.

The shooting of a local man has been blamed on a fued with a former pal which spewed onto facebook, seeing all their acquaintances aware of their fallout. The family say that they were due to meet to resolve the issue civilly, however both took guns to the meeting and after a punchup, both are said to have fired at each other. One missed and the one who was hit, is said to be in a coma.

There is every chance that bars and clubs WILL be allowed to return to normal trade soo, according to those in the know. Seems that plans are afoot to see the entertainment and nightlife businesses allowed to operate as they did and an announcement could be forthcoming within the next few weeks as covid numbers decrease consistently.

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