#WhatsHappeningInThailand – a weekly roundup of the latest Thailand news. Hosted by independent journalist Matt Hunt.

Thai Olympics 2024 Uniform Changed

Following online backlash, The Thai national team’s uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics have changed.

The original design of the Thailand Olympics 2024 uniform was intended to showcase traditional Thai patterns and heritage, but it was instead met with widespread mockery and disapproval. Many called the conventional designs outdated, likening them to government or waitstaff attire.

In response, the Thai Olympic Committee adopted a more modern and functional design from Grand Sport featuring Ban Chiang art, a UNESCO World Heritage design made using sustainable materials.

This decision comes amid praise for other countries’ stylish uniforms, such as South Korea and Canada.

Thailand Approves $3.4 Billion “Digital Wallet” Stimulus

Thai parliament has approved a $3.4 billion digital wallet stimulus plan to revitalize Thailand’s sluggish economy. This initiative, a flagship promise of the Pheu Thai-led government’s campaign, intends to provide 10,000 baht (USD 285) to each Thai citizen over 16, a target of about 50 million recipients.

The stimulus package funding approval marks a significant step for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration, which has been struggling to keep it afloat amongst mounting pressure against it from legislators and financial experts.

The Prime Minister and  Pheu Thai Party legislators are under intense pressure to deliver on this promise amidst sluggish economic growth, soaring household debt, and diminished public trust. The digital wallet scheme is designed to increase consumer spending and promote the use of digital financial services in Thailand, aligning with broader trends in digital economy initiatives globally.

Thailand Extends Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries

As of July 15, 2024, citizens from 93 countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, doubling the previous 30-day exemption. This extension intends to make travel to Thailand more appealing and accessible for extended periods, hoping to stimulate the economy and a tourism bounceback during the low season.

The visa-on-arrival program has also been extended to include 31 countries, up from 19, and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at attracting digital nomads and remote workers, was launched. The DTV visa allows 180 days per entry over five years on a multiple-entry basis.

The DTV was launched to support Thailand’s economic growth by encouraging “long-term” stays for remote workers without taxing their foreign income.

The catch: DTV visa holders must extend their visa every 180 days, or 6 months, for a 10,000 baht ($300) fee. Holders of the DTV Visa are not eligible for Permanent Residence or Thai Citizenship, as they are not allowed to work for a Thai company. Without paying Thailand’s income tax, both options for a real “long-term” stay (without immigration hassle) are impossible.

Six Tourists Die in Bangkok Murder-Suicide

Six tourists died in a murder-suicide at a luxury hotel in Bangkok, which police say involved cyanide poisoning. The incident resulted in the deaths of six Vietnamese nationals, including a Vietnamese-American woman who is believed to have poisoned her companions before taking her own life. The Metropolitan Police Bureau disclosed that the motive behind the crime was linked to a 10 million baht debt.

100,000 Foreign Workers Arrested in Thailand

In a recent three-month operation, approximately 100,000 foreign workers were detained in a significant crackdown on illegal migration. The majority of those detained—around 80,000—are Myanmar nationals, reflecting their substantial presence in Thailand’s labor market, especially as thousands have fled to Thailand amidst a civil uprising since the February 2021 coup. The remaining arrests include individuals from various other countries, although specific numbers for these nationalities have not been detailed.

This large-scale enforcement effort is part of Thailand’s ongoing struggle to regulate its migrant workforce. Historically, the country has periodically conducted such crackdowns to address issues related to illegal employment and immigration control. These operations have often faced criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that they can lead to abuses and insufficient worker protection.

Invasive Tilapia Takeover in Thailand

Blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron), a species native to West Africa, has become a severe problem in Thailand.

While the current spread of this invasive species in Thailand’s freshwater systems has led to some fingerpointing as to where it came from, its population spiraled quickly out of control due to its adaptability and rapid reproductive rate, leading to some immediate ecological disruption.

Their rapid presence has disrupted native fish populations and aquatic biodiversity, dominating local species in some areas. For local communities, particularly those reliant on fishing, the alteration of valuable native fish populations has affected not only their own food supply but also their livelihoods.

Although blackchin tilapia are edible and consumed in various regions, including Thailand, they are not as valuable as the damage they create. Many parties are currently involved in creating a solution for this complex issue, which includes a plan to fix it by making male fish infertile with genetics.