Escape to Thailand Update September 20 2024

Wise Removed Long Stay Reason on Transfers

Wise has said to use the option for purchasing property if you want it to show as international. But some say they've used 'Rent or other property expenses' and it showed as an international transaction as well.

Thailand to borrow 2.59 trillion baht for 2025 budget

Approximately 1.1 trillion baht (US$33 billion) would be new borrowing primarily to cover the budget deficit, with the remainder designated for refinancing and restructuring existing debt.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is grappling with near-record-high household debt, weak exports, and a manufacturing sector under pressure from inexpensive imports, mainly from China.

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-to-borrow-2-59-trillion-baht-for-2025-budget

US State Department Announces Passport Updates

The U.S. Department of State on Wednesday announced that Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a mail-in method that could take many weeks.

An update to the State Department’s website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html) on Wednesday shows that its portal to renew passports online is now operational.

You are required to be currently residing in the United States and have their passport on hand. It cannot be “damaged” or “mutilated,” the website says.

Thailand launches app to replace physical driving licenses

Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) has launched a new mobile application, QR Licence, designed to eliminate the need for motorists to carry a physical driver’s license.

The digital licenses include essential personal information, such as blood type and drug allergy history, and provide notifications when the license is nearing its expiration date.

Users can share their travel routes, current location, and vehicle registration numbers with others. In case of an emergency, the app allows for the sending of distress messages via phone or SMS.

The QR Licence app can be downloaded from official platforms like the Google Play Store or App Store. However, it requires motorists to possess the newer type of driver’s license that includes a QR code on the back, allowing the app to sync with their digital profile.

Full story:

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-launches-app-to-replace-physical-driving-licences

The Thai Government Is Introducing A Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Which Must Be Obtained Ahead of Travel

This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country.

The Thai ETA is required for travelers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations.

Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website.

Full story:

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/aussies-now-need-an-eta-to-enter-thailand

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A link to Immigration's online system for 90 day address reporting.

The new system is available under the Online Services section (https://www.immigration.go.th/en/#serviceonline) of the Immigration Bureau’s website, and by selecting TM47, which is the official name of the form used for 90 day reporting. We have a member site posting on fulfilling the necessary steps to get it accepted titled, Using the 2022 Immigration 90 Day Reporting Website