I hope the changes listed in this article won't be the only changes. The two that stand out for me are:
1. A same-sex marriage law. No details or specifics in the article, but it looks to me like a step in the right direction. We will see what happens if Thai-farang same sex marriages are declared legal.
2. Military conscription abolished. No more red ticket-black ticket drawings. Military service will be voluntary. My guess is incentives will be offered to get enough enlistments.
Other than those, unless I'm missing something I don't see much of anything else significant in the article. Any changes directly involving farang are not mentioned.
My guess is many more changes and, hopefully, improvements are on the horizon, far beyond what is specified in this article.
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No lese majeste changes in coalition MoU
May 22, 2023
The draft memorandum of understanding between the Move Forward Party (MFP) and its seven coalition allies does not include changing the lese majeste law, but does cover rewriting the constitution, ending the monopoly on alcoholic beverage production and relisting cannabis as a narcotic.
A source at MFP on Monday released a copy of a draft MoU the eight political parties planned to sign on Monday evening.
The draft said a new constitution would be drafted as soon as possible by people who would be directly elected.
The eight parties would pass a same-sex marriage law which, however, would not force compliance by people who consider it to be against their religion.
The parties would push for the reform of the bureaucracy, the police, the armed forces and the justice system.
They would replace mandatory military conscription with voluntary recruitment.
The parties would promote sustainable peace in southern border provinces, solve economic problems by increasing people's income, decentralise budgetary authority to local administrations and improve the financial liquidity of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The eight parties would terminate monopoly in all industries, including alcoholic drinks, restructure power tariffs to cut the cost of living and promote fair land ownership.
They would impose zero-based budgeting, introduce public welfare for people of all ages and quickly tackle narcotics.
The eight parties would have cannabis relisted as a kind of narcotic and introduce a law to regulate cannabis use.
They would support farmers in organising groups to better protect their interests, promote sustainable fisheries, promote workers' rights and improve the education system.
The parties would also solve problems relating to ultra-fine dust and greenhouse gases, promote the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and keep the country's balanced stance with world powers.
To tackle corruption, the eight parties would agree to disclose information of all government organisations and eject any party members found involved in corruption.
The eight parties expected to sign the MoU are MFP, Pheu Thai, Prachachart, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Fair, Plung Sungkom Mai and Peu Thai Rumphlang.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... lition-mou
What to expect from new Thai government
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Gaybutton
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Jun
Re: What to expect from new Thai government
This could be good. I suggest they start with the paper pushing stamp monkeys at immigration. Zero budget for the paper pushers.
Delete a lot of pointless processes, automate a lot of what remains and fire most of the staff. Therefore freeing them up to contribute to the economy.
From what I read, there are some other departments like that.
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Gaybutton
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Re: What to expect from new Thai government
I agree. Fingers crossed on this one. Although farang and immigration is not specifically mentioned, any idiot can see that the immigration offices are simply inadequate to accommodate the number of foreigners who require immigration services. If they will come up with ways not only to reduce the paperwork, but also come up with more ways to handle paperwork online, as is now done with the 90-day address reports, that will certainly make life much easier for us - and immigration staff too.
Maybe they can also make banking easier. I don't understand the need for sixty-trillion pages of paperwork - and signatures - for even simple transactions. Maybe they will also make it easier for foreigners, especially those planning to retire in Thailand, to obtain Thai bank accounts. I understand the need to prevent money laundering and other criminal activity, but there must be better and more efficient ways to do it. I remember when I first wanted to open a Thai bank account, many many moons ago, simply showing my passport containing a tourist visa was enough to open accounts. Now it's a different story and very difficult for those who don't already hold certain visas, such as the retirement visa, and many have to use a visa service to somehow do it for them.
I am hoping the new administration will make things easier for foreigners, whether intentionally or collaterally. Personally I would love to see two things happen. One would be getting rid of or at least greatly reducing the 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for retirement visas. The other would be to grant some sort of permanent residence visa for expats who have lived continuously in Thailand for a specified number of years rather than having to go through extensions ever year - and making it affordable. While Thailand has been trying to attract foreigners wealthy enough to afford expensive visas, don't forget those of us who are not necessarily made of money, but have been living in Thailand as expats, have been complying with the rules and requirements, and have committed no crimes. Our money contributes significantly to Thailand too.
I'm hoping for that, but I'm not ready to hold my breath just yet.
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Jun
Re: What to expect from new Thai government
The problem is their idiotic processes.
For example, getting a 30 day extension involves lots of pointless paperwork, including passport photos and photocopies of forms.
After all that, they still take a photo of me with a digital camera.
For proof of accommodation, I go to a side room, where a lady checks my accommodation on the computer and writes out a slip of paper to confirm this. The people at the desk which issues this check this piece of paper, despite having their own computer on the desk which could do the check for them.
All of this nonsense could be checked digitally, without people.
Since the purpose is surely to raise 1900 baht, or whatever the fee is, why not have a phone app that can do it ?
I would hope this is down to how the private sector choose to conduct their affairs, rather than being an area of government intervention.
However, a little coaching is required.
My main UK bank doesn't have any branches, so as you can guess, I'm not going in to any branches to sign loads of paperwork.
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Gaybutton
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Re: What to expect from new Thai government
I wonder where they keep all that paper and how long they keep it. Can you imagine how much there must be? I would have no problem reading that the companies that make all that paper are going bankrupt because everything is moving to computers instead. It just seems to me that a great deal of money ends up being wasted on pointless, needless paperwork.
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Gaybutton
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Re: What to expect from new Thai government
The Move Forward Party has agreed that lese majeste laws will remain in place. I don't know whether the door is open to amend the harsh penalties for violation. However I again emphasize that no discussion about the royal family will be permitted on this board.
From among the agreements reached so far, the only changes that may directly affect farang are whether marijuana will again become illegal and that same-sex marriage may become legal and legally recognized. I have seen nothing that says whether farang-Thai same-sex marriages will be included, but so far I see no reason to think it won't be. And if it is included, I wonder if that will have an effect on how much money must still be kept in Thai bank accounts for visas and whether it would make us, if we do marry a Thai, eligible for other types of visas. And on the negative side, what happens if the marriage doesn't work out?
So, there is plenty to guess about, but everything is "wait and see" for the time being.
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Coalition hopefuls unveil pact
MFP must tackle lese majeste law alone
by Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth
May 23, 2023
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has given assurances that its government's policies will not harm this country's constitutional monarchy.
However, party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, said on Monday that moves to amend the lese majeste law will continue, but the party will be alone in the task.
An eight-party alliance led by the MFP has signed a pact outlining the working agenda of their proposed coalition government. The 23-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the MFP, Pheu Thai, Prachachart, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Fair, Palang Sangkhom Mai and Pheu Thai Ruam Phalang parties omitted amending Section 112, known as the lese majeste law.
Among the key items, however, is a charter rewrite, reinstatement of cannabis as a narcotic drug, replacing military conscription with voluntary recruitment, and pushing for a same-sex marriage law without forcing compliance by people who consider it against their religion.
As he announced the completion of their agreement, Mr Pita said it was a historic day because it marked a peaceful transition in Thai politics. The signing was arranged to coincide with the ninth anniversary of the May 22, 2014 coup.
"The purpose of the MoU is to gather common agendas that we agree to push through government and parliament. It's our collective responsibility," he said at the press conference.
Mr Pita said every party agreed that the core policies the coalition members all agreed to back must not affect the democratic system with the king as head of state, and the revered status of the king cannot be violated.
The eight parties, with 313 House seats, on Monday met for two hours at the Conrad Bangkok, the venue of the MoU signing, before the ceremony, which was scheduled at 4.30pm.
A source close to the talks said that the MoU was revised at the request of coalition partners, including Pheu Thai, before the signing to include the phrase "the missions of the MFP-led government must not affect the democratic system with the king as head of state and the revered status of the king who cannot be violated".
According to the source, the signed MoU slightly differed from the version seen by the media. The item on "administration of justice for cases involving expressions of political views" was dropped.
The source said Pheu Thai reportedly disagreed with an amnesty plan since the coalition talks began due to concerns about conflict of interest and the MFP eventually agreed to exclude it from the MoU.
Asked about the lese majeste law, Mr Pita said the draft law, which was submitted to the House in February 2021, would be pushed by the party, and he expected its passage.
He said that under the MoU, coalition partners could push their own agendas as long as they did not contradict the MoU, and the MFP would continue to push for all policies it had campaigned on.
The MFP leader played down speculation he would not receive support from senators, saying the working teams would hold talks with the Senate to allay any concerns senators might have over the MFP's plans.
Mr Pita brushed off a rumour that Pheu Thai was in talks with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to form a rival coalition, saying the eight parties were solid.
He said it was premature to discuss the allocation of cabinet portfolios and the House speaker post following reports that he would oversee the Defence Ministry.
Meanwhile, Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science lecturer at Rangsit University, said the MoU would be unnecessary if the MFP-led coalition does not require votes from the Senate or Mr Pita does not face a probe into his qualifications.
"The MoU is something new. It is a written agreement to prevent betrayal. It's a political tactic. As for policies, they can say what they want. But the signing of the MoU is to give the MFP confidence," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... nveil-pact
From among the agreements reached so far, the only changes that may directly affect farang are whether marijuana will again become illegal and that same-sex marriage may become legal and legally recognized. I have seen nothing that says whether farang-Thai same-sex marriages will be included, but so far I see no reason to think it won't be. And if it is included, I wonder if that will have an effect on how much money must still be kept in Thai bank accounts for visas and whether it would make us, if we do marry a Thai, eligible for other types of visas. And on the negative side, what happens if the marriage doesn't work out?
So, there is plenty to guess about, but everything is "wait and see" for the time being.
__________________________
Coalition hopefuls unveil pact
MFP must tackle lese majeste law alone
by Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth
May 23, 2023
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has given assurances that its government's policies will not harm this country's constitutional monarchy.
However, party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, said on Monday that moves to amend the lese majeste law will continue, but the party will be alone in the task.
An eight-party alliance led by the MFP has signed a pact outlining the working agenda of their proposed coalition government. The 23-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the MFP, Pheu Thai, Prachachart, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Fair, Palang Sangkhom Mai and Pheu Thai Ruam Phalang parties omitted amending Section 112, known as the lese majeste law.
Among the key items, however, is a charter rewrite, reinstatement of cannabis as a narcotic drug, replacing military conscription with voluntary recruitment, and pushing for a same-sex marriage law without forcing compliance by people who consider it against their religion.
As he announced the completion of their agreement, Mr Pita said it was a historic day because it marked a peaceful transition in Thai politics. The signing was arranged to coincide with the ninth anniversary of the May 22, 2014 coup.
"The purpose of the MoU is to gather common agendas that we agree to push through government and parliament. It's our collective responsibility," he said at the press conference.
Mr Pita said every party agreed that the core policies the coalition members all agreed to back must not affect the democratic system with the king as head of state, and the revered status of the king cannot be violated.
The eight parties, with 313 House seats, on Monday met for two hours at the Conrad Bangkok, the venue of the MoU signing, before the ceremony, which was scheduled at 4.30pm.
A source close to the talks said that the MoU was revised at the request of coalition partners, including Pheu Thai, before the signing to include the phrase "the missions of the MFP-led government must not affect the democratic system with the king as head of state and the revered status of the king who cannot be violated".
According to the source, the signed MoU slightly differed from the version seen by the media. The item on "administration of justice for cases involving expressions of political views" was dropped.
The source said Pheu Thai reportedly disagreed with an amnesty plan since the coalition talks began due to concerns about conflict of interest and the MFP eventually agreed to exclude it from the MoU.
Asked about the lese majeste law, Mr Pita said the draft law, which was submitted to the House in February 2021, would be pushed by the party, and he expected its passage.
He said that under the MoU, coalition partners could push their own agendas as long as they did not contradict the MoU, and the MFP would continue to push for all policies it had campaigned on.
The MFP leader played down speculation he would not receive support from senators, saying the working teams would hold talks with the Senate to allay any concerns senators might have over the MFP's plans.
Mr Pita brushed off a rumour that Pheu Thai was in talks with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to form a rival coalition, saying the eight parties were solid.
He said it was premature to discuss the allocation of cabinet portfolios and the House speaker post following reports that he would oversee the Defence Ministry.
Meanwhile, Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science lecturer at Rangsit University, said the MoU would be unnecessary if the MFP-led coalition does not require votes from the Senate or Mr Pita does not face a probe into his qualifications.
"The MoU is something new. It is a written agreement to prevent betrayal. It's a political tactic. As for policies, they can say what they want. But the signing of the MoU is to give the MFP confidence," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... nveil-pact
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Jun
Re: What to expect from new Thai government
Any regime that introduces same sex marriage is highly unlikely to include a ban on marrying foreigners, particularly when they don't have one for traditional marriages.Gaybutton wrote: ↑Tue May 23, 2023 6:44 am From among the agreements reached so far, the only changes that may directly affect farang are whether marijuana will again become illegal and that same-sex marriage may become legal and legally recognized. I have seen nothing that says whether farang-Thai same-sex marriages will be included, but so far I see no reason to think it won't be. And if it is included, I wonder if that will have an effect on how much money must still be kept in Thai bank accounts for visas and whether it would make us, if we do marry a Thai, eligible for other types of visas. And on the negative side, what happens if the marriage doesn't work out?
I presume good clues about the other issues could be obtained by checking what happens with existing marriages.
I will remain a butterfly.
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Gaybutton
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Re: What to expect from new Thai government
I would assume if Bangkok's Khaosan Road gets what they are hoping for, then so will Pattaya and elsewhere.
One of the things they want is an end to that absurd 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban. That has been on my "I Don't Get It" list since its inception. One question: Whatever the ban was supposed to accomplish, did it?
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Khaosan Road businesses want new government to amend outdated tourism laws
By Pattaya Mail
May 23, 2023
Khaosan Road business operators wanted the new generation of politicians in the new incoming government to take care of tourism industry, amends the outdated laws so that Thailand can compete with the neighboring countries.
Khaosan Road Business Association president Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul who represents the nightlife tour operators indicated the expectations for the new minister of the Tourism and Sports Ministry of the new government.
He said it had to admit that during the past 8-9 years, the ministry adhered with the old fashioned procedures and reacted with slow response to the new challenges. He wanted the new government to update the laws related to the tourism operators as the existing laws are unfavorable for the businesses and causing difficulties in practice.
Sa-nga says he has discussions with the tourism operators all over Bangkok and they wanted the government to scrap the ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm.
He said Bangkok and many tourism cities have lost the opportunity to compete with neighboring countries.
Many international tourists that wanted to visit Thailand have to think twice before making their final decision.
He also proposed the government to adjust the zoning for entertainment venues in order to expand the business hours from closing at midnight to 2am or 4am to open more opportunities for business competition.
In the past, the Bangkok Governor and Minister of Tourism and Sports accepted to consider this proposal but there was no any response until now. So, he wanted the new government to urgently consider this proposal.
Meanwhile, he says Khaosan Road has specific issue is the cannabis shops that spring up just like mushrooms. What he expects from the new government was the clarity of the main law and organic laws related to the cannabis.
He wanted to see how to make it clear without any impact on the operators who legally get the permissions from the outgoing government.
https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnew ... aws-431879
One of the things they want is an end to that absurd 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban. That has been on my "I Don't Get It" list since its inception. One question: Whatever the ban was supposed to accomplish, did it?
_____________________________________________________________________
Khaosan Road businesses want new government to amend outdated tourism laws
By Pattaya Mail
May 23, 2023
Khaosan Road business operators wanted the new generation of politicians in the new incoming government to take care of tourism industry, amends the outdated laws so that Thailand can compete with the neighboring countries.
Khaosan Road Business Association president Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul who represents the nightlife tour operators indicated the expectations for the new minister of the Tourism and Sports Ministry of the new government.
He said it had to admit that during the past 8-9 years, the ministry adhered with the old fashioned procedures and reacted with slow response to the new challenges. He wanted the new government to update the laws related to the tourism operators as the existing laws are unfavorable for the businesses and causing difficulties in practice.
Sa-nga says he has discussions with the tourism operators all over Bangkok and they wanted the government to scrap the ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm.
He said Bangkok and many tourism cities have lost the opportunity to compete with neighboring countries.
Many international tourists that wanted to visit Thailand have to think twice before making their final decision.
He also proposed the government to adjust the zoning for entertainment venues in order to expand the business hours from closing at midnight to 2am or 4am to open more opportunities for business competition.
In the past, the Bangkok Governor and Minister of Tourism and Sports accepted to consider this proposal but there was no any response until now. So, he wanted the new government to urgently consider this proposal.
Meanwhile, he says Khaosan Road has specific issue is the cannabis shops that spring up just like mushrooms. What he expects from the new government was the clarity of the main law and organic laws related to the cannabis.
He wanted to see how to make it clear without any impact on the operators who legally get the permissions from the outgoing government.
https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnew ... aws-431879
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Jun
Re: What to expect from new Thai government
Currently, there's no evidence of any noise abatement legislation being enforced in Pattaya.Pattaya Mail wrote: ↑Tue May 23, 2023 4:06 pmHe also proposed the government to adjust the zoning for entertainment venues in order to expand the business hours from closing at midnight to 2am or 4am to open more opportunities for business competition.
So if your hotel happens to be near any bar, restaurant or even a shop where the inconsiderate owners play loud music outside at 1:00 am or later, the unfortunate tourist or resident nearby cannot sleep.
Thankfully I have been selecting rooms that don't suffer from this problem, but considerable care is needed.
I really would not approve of a free for all on opening hours. If they do relax restrictions, it ought to be combined with enforcement to avoid nuisance noise. However, when the police are corrupt and only interested in collecting tea money, this cannot be relied upon.
Also, whilst I quite like a drink, sensible closing times are probably beneficial for my health.
For people who want to indulge more, drinking from 6:00 pm to, (say) 2:00 am is 8 hours. At a modest 3 beers per hour, that's 24 beers. Does anyone here need more ?
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Gaybutton
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Re: What to expect from new Thai government
Once I received a piece of advice which I consider one of the best ever given to me: "Don't worry until you have something to worry about."
That is good advice. We don't know yet even if the bars will be allowed to open 24/7, whether being able to open all hours means that's what they'll actually choose to do, what rules will be imposed, whether noise will be a problem, and whether noise rules will be enforced.
I think it's a little too soon to be complaining about something that hasn't even happened.
That is good advice. We don't know yet even if the bars will be allowed to open 24/7, whether being able to open all hours means that's what they'll actually choose to do, what rules will be imposed, whether noise will be a problem, and whether noise rules will be enforced.
I think it's a little too soon to be complaining about something that hasn't even happened.