Articles by: Joseph O' Connor

Economy in bad shape as the Revenue Department ramps up demands for more taxpayers to pay up

Economy in bad shape as the Revenue Department ramps up demands for more taxpayers to pay up

July 15, 2024

Economy, Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand:

Revenue Department boss Kulaya Tantitemit emphasised that her department had sent out 100,000 letters to individuals and entities who should be reporting for tax. Certainly,… Read More ›

War in Myanmar is making Thai officials nervous with ominous signs that the military junta is faltering

War in Myanmar is making Thai officials nervous with ominous signs that the military junta is faltering

July 8, 2024

Crime, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

Thai Army secures Moroccans’ release amid Myanmar chaos. Junta struggles to maintain control. Thailand faces a rising Drug Trafficking pattern from the Golden Triangle.  There… Read More ›

Can of Beans raises the issue of the real cost of living for foreigners in Thailand amid policy debate

Can of Beans raises the issue of the real cost of living for foreigners in Thailand amid policy debate

July 7, 2024

Economy, Living, Personal, Thai World, Thailand:

Can of beans raises questions in the real cost of living debate for foreigners in Thailand. Viral TikTok by Irish-UK tourists highlights ฿420 price tag… Read More ›

Narcotics Suppression Bureau voted on Friday to reschedule Cannabis as an illicit drug by January 1st 2025

Narcotics Suppression Bureau voted on Friday to reschedule Cannabis as an illicit drug by January 1st 2025

July 5, 2024

Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

Narcotics Control Board votes to make recreational cannabis illegal by January 1, 2025. Pro-cannabis groups to rally in Bangkok on Sunday night. Leader Prasitchai Noonual… Read More ›

Top Thai insurer says no more new policies for EV cars. Later, it emphasised renewals case by case

Top Thai insurer says no more new policies for EV cars. Later, it emphasised renewals case by case

July 2, 2024

Economy, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Thailand:

Thailand’s second-largest EV insurer, Tokio Marine, stops new policies and reviews renewals case-by-case following guidance on high accident rates, costly parts and falling car values.… Read More ›

Huge ‘unofficial’ victory for Bhumjaithai in Senate election with new poll showing only 2.2% support

Huge ‘unofficial’ victory for Bhumjaithai in Senate election with new poll showing only 2.2% support

July 1, 2024

Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand:

A national opinion poll reveals the Move Forward Party still climbing in support with Pheu Thai falling. In the meantime, the Bhumjaithai Party, with only… Read More ›

Second Trump Presidency threatens further damage to the baht, the economy and Thai money markets

Second Trump Presidency threatens further damage to the baht, the economy and Thai money markets

June 28, 2024

Economy, Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand:

Former US President Donald Trump’s potential return to the Oval Office threatens further damage to the baht, Thai economy, and money markets. It raises concerns… Read More ›

Minister links higher inflation with increased growth. Calls a target policy hike saying 1% is ‘too low’

Minister links higher inflation with increased growth. Calls a target policy hike saying 1% is ‘too low’

June 27, 2024

Economy, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

The government and the Bank of Thailand remain at odds. Top bank officials claim the economy is on track for quality growth. However, Deputy Finance… Read More ›

Thailand is now making progress in attracting more foreign direct investment to boost the economy

Thailand is now making progress in attracting more foreign direct investment to boost the economy

June 26, 2024

Economy, Living, Personal, Thai World, Thailand:

Thailand’s foreign investment rises. New government boosts FDI by 58% in five months. Japan leads with $1.1 billion, but job creation is down by 33%.… Read More ›

Assange lands in Bangkok as he spirits home to freedom and an end to his legal woes with the US

Assange lands in Bangkok as he spirits home to freedom and an end to his legal woes with the US

June 25, 2024

Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

Julian Assange lands in Bangkok en route to US territory to finalise a legal fight, then home to Australia. He will soon reunite with his… Read More ›

PM Srettha defends plan to let foreigners buy more condos and to extend lease terms up to 99 years

PM Srettha defends plan to let foreigners buy more condos and to extend lease terms up to 99 years

June 23, 2024

Economy, Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand:

PM defends foreign condo ownership change and extended lease terms as public opposition makes itself felt. Government aims to extend foreign ownership from 49% to… Read More ›

Former Stark Chairman lands in Bangkok to face the music with nearly ฿15 billion in fraud losses

Former Stark Chairman lands in Bangkok to face the music with nearly ฿15 billion in fraud losses

June 23, 2024

Crime, Economy, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Personal, Politics, Thailand:

Chanin Yensudjai, nabbed in Dubai and deported, faces charges for the Stark Corporation scandal that rocked the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Authorities are ready… Read More ›

Regional peace threatened. Shocking conflict between Chinese and Filipino forces at sea on Monday 

Regional peace threatened. Shocking conflict between Chinese and Filipino forces at sea on Monday 

June 21, 2024

Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

A violent clash between Chinese and Philippine forces at the Second Thomas Shoal leaves 8 Filipinos injured. US and Philippines brace for potential war as… Read More ›

Good news even as top banks lower 2024 GDP outlook. Thailand ranks ahead of UK in competitiveness

Good news even as top banks lower 2024 GDP outlook. Thailand ranks ahead of UK in competitiveness

June 19, 2024

Economy, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Thailand:

Good news for Thailand as S&P retains BBB+ rating despite lower GDP outlook and ฿500 billion Digital Wallet plan. Kingdom jumps ahead of the UK… Read More ›

Constitutional Court update: Senate race gets the all clear while PM and Move Forward must wait til July

Constitutional Court update: Senate race gets the all clear while PM and Move Forward must wait til July

June 18, 2024

Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand:

Thailand’s Constitutional Court delays decision on PM’s fate and Move Forward Party dissolution until at least July, while giving the green light for Senate elections… Read More ›

Thai government urged to act to preserve the country’s auto industry which is fighting for survival

Thai government urged to act to preserve the country’s auto industry which is fighting for survival

June 17, 2024

Economy, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Thailand:

The Thai government faces urgent demands to support the critical ICE car manufacturing sector amid an influx of unsold Chinese EVs. Over 10,000 cars clog… Read More ›

Maris at BRICS Summit in Russia insists unaligned Thailand is friends with all despite 1954 US pact

Maris at BRICS Summit in Russia insists unaligned Thailand is friends with all despite 1954 US pact

June 15, 2024

Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa at a BRICS Summit in Russia this week insisted Thailand remains unaligned despite applying to join BRICS alongside Russia and… Read More ›

Thailand’s EV car vision buckles as World markets and canny drivers at home take stock of what is on offer

Thailand’s EV car vision buckles as World markets and canny drivers at home take stock of what is on offer

June 13, 2024

Economy, Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand:

Thailand’s ambitious EV industry plan faces challenges as Western markets and local consumers show tepid interest. May EV sales dropped 1.5% year-on-year, as traditional car… Read More ›

Thailand’s political crisis rolls onto June 18th with the Constitutional Court ready to make Senate call on legal problems

Thailand’s political crisis rolls onto June 18th with the Constitutional Court ready to make Senate call on legal problems

June 13, 2024

Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

Constitutional Court to review evidence on PM’s tenure, Move Forward Party’s fate on June 18th. A  vote is scheduled on acknowledged Senate election issues. Former… Read More ›

PM Srettha blames stock market fall on politics but the trend is linked to fundamental economic decline

PM Srettha blames stock market fall on politics but the trend is linked to fundamental economic decline

June 12, 2024

Economy, Foreigners, Living, More News from Thailand, Politics, Thailand:

PM Srettha points to political instability for a 16% stock market plunge. Analysts say Thailand’s faltering economy, declining manufacturing and lack of foreign investment are… Read More ›

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