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- Expats in Thailand: the eerie silence about cash transfers and income taxSince the end of March 2025, the cascade of opinions has abruptly stopped. No more news reports, no anguished debates on Thai social media and no experts offering advice at packed expat meetings. Pattaya Mail, in an unscientific survey, last week randomly asked 75 expat tax residents (living here 180 days plus in the calendar […]
Many expats believe they can ignore a tricky subject. Since the end of March 2025, the cascade of opinions has abruptly stopped. No more news reports, no anguished debates on Thai social media and no experts offering advice at packed expat meetings. Pattaya Mail, in an unscientific survey, last week randomly asked 75 expat tax residents (living here 180 days plus in the calendar year 2024) what they actually did, if anything, about contacting the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) about income transfers from abroad. There was a huge variety of responses.
Never heard of it. This was a common response, especially from expats whose first language is not English, perhaps reflecting the fact that most analysis and commentary last year was targeted at English speakers. For example, two Russian and Chinese nationals with longstay visas said nobody they knew had ever mentioned paying Thai income tax for any reason whatsoever.
Not on your life. Another popular response, especially from retiree expats, was to say that they lived here on income previously taxed in the home country and, in any case, were protected by a double taxation treaty. They had absolutely no intention of sharing cash with TRD. This group also threatened to live elsewhere rather than register with TRD.Doesn’t apply to me. This group stressed that they were living on historic savings, transmitted to Thailand before 1 January 2024, or (in the case of Americans) that it would be illegal for TRD to tax them on their payments. One respondent said he was sending cash to his Thai wife as this was “tax free” and another claimed exemption as he was a longterm visa holder.
Tax office said “Go Away”. Several respondents said they had indeed visited their local TRD office and apparently been told to ignore the whole thing. Others said that individual tax offices were operating as they saw fit and that there was no standard practice. However, none of this group was able to substantiate the TRD response with evidence.Gestapo tactics. Several respondents who had indeed paid personal income tax on overseas transfers during 2024 said they feared a knock on the door in the middle of the night, prosecution, deportation etc. Mostly, they had paid their dues via a law agency which had arranged all documentation on their behalf without necessitating a personal visit to the local TRD office.
I’m a good boy. Expats with a work permit already had a tax identification number and were familiar with TRD regulations. There were also one or two retired expats who said they had registered after discovering that the sums involved were not large. One expat said he paid personal income tax on 800,000 transferred baht which cost him only 15,000 baht (plus agency fee) after his built-in personal allowances from TRD were taken into account.The Pattaya Mail “research” was designed simply to find out how some expats had responded, not to assess their specific answers. However, it is obvious that many expats are “waiting to see what happens next”. There is no reason to doubt the findings of an earlier piece of research by the Thai Examiner which said that most (58%) expats would neither seek a tax number nor submit a form this time around. The fact that TRD offices up and down the country have acted individually has complicated the picture.
The whole debate will presumably reheat as 2025 draws to a close and the reporting and payment time slot (January – March 2026) kicks in. Unless there is a commentary from the Thai government by then, which is far from assured, there is likely to be a jumble of expat responses in 2026 as in 2025 ranging from Ignorance Is Bliss to Your Time Is Running Out. As Benjamin Franklin pointed out 200 years ago, “People who complain about taxes can be divided into two groups: men and women!”
30 April 30 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499314 - Pattaya transgender women rally for justice and respect after brutal murder and online mockeryPATTAYA, Thailand – Following a horrifying murder of a Thai transgender woman in Pattaya, a wave of anger and grief has erupted among the local LGBTQ+ community, leading to a peaceful but emotionally charged protest demanding justice, dignity, and improved safety. The protest, held along Pattaya Beach Road, was sparked not only by the murder […]
Transgender women in Pattaya gather to protest violence and demand respect following a community member’s murder. PATTAYA, Thailand – Following a horrifying murder of a Thai transgender woman in Pattaya, a wave of anger and grief has erupted among the local LGBTQ+ community, leading to a peaceful but emotionally charged protest demanding justice, dignity, and improved safety.
The protest, held along Pattaya Beach Road, was sparked not only by the murder itself but also by a deeply offensive social media post by a Laotian Facebook user. The post mocked the victim in vulgar terms in the Lao language, saying, “The end of a fake sissy, haha. Heart ripped out, lungs boiled. Serves her right for pretending to be a girl.” The cruel remark quickly went viral, causing widespread outrage, particularly among transgender women working in the Pattaya area.
Leading the protest was “Phor Big Calypso,” a 39-year-old transgender community leader, who condemned the hateful post and called for public recognition of the deceased’s humanity and rights. “This wasn’t just a murder—it was a hate crime, and the response online has been shameful,” said Phor Big. “We came together not only to remember our sister, but to send a message: we demand respect, safety, and justice.”The protesters carried signs, lit candles, and called upon authorities to take hate speech seriously, especially when it compounds the trauma of violent crimes. They also expressed frustration over the ongoing risks faced by transgender women working in nightlife and tourism industries in Pattaya—jobs that often come without protections or legal recognition.
While the identity and location of the Laotian poster remain unknown, the group vowed to keep pressing for accountability, both online and on the streets. “If this person is still in Pattaya, we want to speak face to face. We won’t let this pass,” said Phor Big.As of now, there have been no direct confrontations between the protesters and the poster, but the incident continues to fuel heated discussion online about discrimination, online abuse, and the vulnerability of transgender individuals in Thailand.
Community leader Phor Big Calypso leads the call for justice and accountability after a cruel social media post mocked the victim. 
Signs and candles along Beach Road reflect grief and resilience from the local LGBTQ+ community. 
The hateful comment from a Laotian Facebook user ignited online outrage and real-world action.
29 April 29 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499307 - Thai university revokes ‘Ghost Student’ visas after social media exposes rampant abuse of immigration loopholesPATTAYA, Thailand – Following mounting public pressure, a prominent university in Chiang Mai has canceled student visas for dozens of foreign nationals after discovering clear evidence that many were enrolled only on paper and never attended classes. The move comes after widespread criticism on social media and growing concerns over the misuse of student visas […]
Immigration officers reveal frustration, saying current Thai laws prevent them from stopping fake students at the border. PATTAYA, Thailand – Following mounting public pressure, a prominent university in Chiang Mai has canceled student visas for dozens of foreign nationals after discovering clear evidence that many were enrolled only on paper and never attended classes. The move comes after widespread criticism on social media and growing concerns over the misuse of student visas to gain illegal employment in Thailand.
The Immigration Bureau (IB) revealed that current Thai laws severely limit their ability to prevent such abuse. Despite immigration officers being aware of fake or misused student visas, they often cannot legally deny entry due to the lack of discretionary power compared to countries like South Korea.
The controversy erupted after whistleblower and MP Wiroj Lakkhanadisorn exposed links between Chinese-backed institutions and fake qualifications. He alleged these universities sell degrees and facilitate illegal employment for foreigners using student visas, potentially endangering public safety—particularly in engineering and construction sectors.Social media watchdog page “CSI LA” played a key role in exposing the issue. On April 28, it posted documents showing student visa holders from China, Myanmar, India, and Malaysia had never shown up for classes. In response, the university swiftly revoked their visas and ordered them to leave the country immediately.
The Immigration Bureau admitted that many of these “ghost students” are working illegally in sectors such as online gambling, massage parlors, and tattoo shops—particularly in hotspots like Phuket. They also revealed that some foreigners openly mock Thailand on platforms like TikTok, while abusing visa privileges.Immigration officers say that unless Thai immigration laws are reformed to grant more screening authority and discretion at entry points, Thailand will remain vulnerable to becoming a hub for visa fraud and illegal labor.
29 April 29 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499304 - Pattaya Mayor responds to drop in Chinese tourists, calls for national action to rebuild confidencePATTAYA, Thailand –Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has addressed growing concerns over the sharp decline in Chinese tourists, stressing that the issue is being taken seriously at both the local and national levels. He confirmed that the city is actively coordinating with the Thai government to restore confidence, especially regarding public safety, which has been a major […]
Pattaya Mayor takes action as Chinese tourist numbers drop, pledges stronger safety measures and national cooperation. PATTAYA, Thailand –Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has addressed growing concerns over the sharp decline in Chinese tourists, stressing that the issue is being taken seriously at both the local and national levels. He confirmed that the city is actively coordinating with the Thai government to restore confidence, especially regarding public safety, which has been a major factor in the drop.
Speaking to the press, Mayor Poramet acknowledged that Chinese visitor numbers to Pattaya have plummeted, citing several contributing factors: fears over safety, misconceptions about earthquakes in Thailand, economic anxieties tied to U.S. trade policies, and China’s domestic tourism promotion policies—including restrictions on outbound flights.
“The decline in Chinese tourists is affecting the city’s tourism economy,” the mayor said. “We are working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Pattaya Office and the Chonburi Tourism Federation to reassure travelers, especially by clarifying that Pattaya is not located in an earthquake zone.”In a proactive step, the city has initiated discussions with relevant agencies to strengthen Pattaya’s public image, especially around safety. The mayor emphasized that long-haul tourist markets remain stable, but the short-haul market—particularly China—has been significantly impacted by safety concerns and misinformation.
Pattaya is not in an earthquake zone, insists Mayor, pushing to correct safety misconceptions harming tourism. To reinforce public safety and counter perceptions of danger, the city is working on signing an MOU with Region 2 Police to integrate Pattaya’s extensive CCTV network with law enforcement databases. This collaboration will help track criminal activity, monitor potential suspects with outstanding warrants, and deter crimes against tourists.
“We’ve been consistently promoting Pattaya’s safety in the media,” Mayor Poramet added. “Our efforts are ongoing and targeted to rebuild trust, especially with our most impacted markets.”
Public reaction online has been mixed, with many expressing concern about recurring negative headlines.
“There are videos of tourists being assaulted almost every day,” one commenter posted. “This has to be addressed if you want people to feel safe again.”
As Pattaya grapples with the challenge of winning back key tourist segments, the city leadership is hoping that transparency, upgraded security, and government support will help turn things around.
City plans MOU with police to enhance CCTV monitoring, target crime, and reassure international visitors. 
Public urges city to address daily safety incidents: Videos of tourists being assaulted are everywhere.
29 April 29 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499293 - Pattaya Enforces Order – Jomtien officers tackle illegal signage and public space encroachmentPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City officials continue their citywide campaign under the slogan “Done, Doing, and Continuing—for Pattaya” by cracking down on unauthorized use of public space. On April 29, municipal officers in the Jomtien area inspected signage and structures placed on sidewalks and public land without permission. During the inspection, officials found several businesses […]
Jomtien municipal officers issue warnings to businesses placing signs on public land without permission. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City officials continue their citywide campaign under the slogan “Done, Doing, and Continuing—for Pattaya” by cracking down on unauthorized use of public space. On April 29, municipal officers in the Jomtien area inspected signage and structures placed on sidewalks and public land without permission.
During the inspection, officials found several businesses displaying signs and installing fixtures beyond their property boundaries. Operators were warned and told to remove the items immediately. Authorities emphasized that if violations are repeated, legal action including fines will be imposed.
“The goal is not to punish but to maintain order and accessibility in shared public areas,” one officer said during the operation. “We want to work with the community to ensure everyone respects the rules.”The enforcement effort has sparked discussion among local residents on social media. Many welcomed the move, while others called for broader action in other congested areas of Pattaya.
Residents call on authorities to investigate Soi Pothisarn 1/1, where public roads are blocked by laundry lines, sunshades, and illegally parked cars. “Please come check Soi Pothisarn 1/1,” one user wrote. “The public road is barely passable—there are clothes hanging out, cars parked in front of homes, and sunshades extending into the street.”
Another commented on the infamous beer bar street: “Please organize Soi Buakhao. Cars are parked all over the place—it’s a mess!”
Others pointed to additional issues, such as political campaign signs that obstruct drivers’ view. “Please do something about campaign signs too,” a resident pleaded. “They block intersections and make it hard to see when turning.”One sarcastic user summed up the challenge of enforcement with a tongue-in-cheek comment: “I told you, it’s in front of my shop—I’ll do whatever I want!”
The city says this is just the beginning. Officials intend to continue their rounds, ensuring fair use of public space and improving urban livability—one street at a time.
Calls for better traffic and space management in Soi Buakhao, where disorderly parking continues to frustrate locals. 
Some criticize political campaign signs that obstruct visibility at intersections, calling for stricter enforcement on all fronts.
29 April 29 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499287 - Free Visa, Free Reign? How Pattaya and Phuket became foreigners’ playgrounds amid mounting public outragePATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya and Phuket, once symbols of Thailand’s coastal charm, are now increasingly associated with chaos, misconduct, and growing frustration among locals—largely driven by a perception that foreign tourists can act with impunity. Two recent incidents have reignited debate over Thailand’s free visa policy and its impact on law and order. In Pattaya, […]
Naked Stroll in Phuket – A foreign tourist walks fully nude along Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road, drawing shocked reactions from locals and fierce criticism online about Thailand’s free visa policy. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya and Phuket, once symbols of Thailand’s coastal charm, are now increasingly associated with chaos, misconduct, and growing frustration among locals—largely driven by a perception that foreign tourists can act with impunity.
Two recent incidents have reignited debate over Thailand’s free visa policy and its impact on law and order. In Pattaya, a violent brawl erupted in front of a 7-Eleven on South Pattaya Road between foreign tourists and local residents following a traffic dispute. Despite the presence of police, the situation escalated quickly, with punches thrown and chaos caught on video. Officers later issued fines, but many questioned whether stronger legal action should have been taken.
Meanwhile in Phuket, social media erupted when a video surfaced of a completely naked, apparently drunk foreign man strolling casually down Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road at night. He was seen performing odd gestures and ignoring passing motorists, ultimately making his way toward the Phuket Vocational College intersection. According to witnesses, he had exited a local hotel in the nude and wandered off, with no clear explanation of his state or intent. The most pressing concern: there appeared to be no immediate consequences for his behavior.The Phuket incident sparked fierce criticism online, with users questioning whether the government’s visa-free entry scheme—currently extended to dozens of countries—has compromised the quality of visitors. “Is this what free visa policies bring us? No standards, no consequences,” one commenter asked. Others wondered if such obscene behavior could even be properly prosecuted under Thai law or if authorities were reluctant to act against foreigners for fear of hurting tourism.
Critics argue that this growing trend isn’t isolated. It’s part of a broader transformation where cities like Pattaya and Phuket are becoming lawless zones for certain foreign tourists—those who mistake hospitality for weakness and permissiveness for freedom from accountability. Locals see tourists urinating on streets, picking fights, abusing substances in public, and behaving as if they’re above the law.Supporters of the free visa policy cite its benefits to tourism numbers and economic stimulation. But for many on the ground, it’s not just about the quantity of tourists—it’s about their quality and respect for the host country.
As Thailand continues to market itself as a tourist-friendly destination, the question remains:
At what point does “friendly” become “exploitable”?
Street Brawl in Pattaya – A violent altercation erupts outside a 7-Eleven between foreign tourists and locals over a traffic dispute, highlighting rising tensions in the beach town. 
Free Visa, Free Pass? – Public outrage grows as more foreign visitors behave inappropriately without facing serious consequences, fueling debate over the country’s open-door tourism strategy. 
Locals Losing Patience – Thai netizens express frustration as viral incidents of tourist misconduct spark concerns that Pattaya and Phuket are becoming playgrounds for lawless behavior.
29 April 29 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499281 - Pattaya launches community-based drug rehab program to give over 30 addicts a second chance at lifePATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City launched its community-based treatment (CBTx) initiative under the “Sustainable Sub-district Project for Integrated Drug Solutions”, aiming to rehabilitate more than 30 drug users and guide them toward a new path in life. The opening ceremony took place in the Chumsai community, with Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presiding over the event. The […]
Mayor Poramet leads the launch of a groundbreaking community rehab program, offering a second chance to drug users through CBTx therapy. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City launched its community-based treatment (CBTx) initiative under the “Sustainable Sub-district Project for Integrated Drug Solutions”, aiming to rehabilitate more than 30 drug users and guide them toward a new path in life. The opening ceremony took place in the Chumsai community, with Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presiding over the event.
The program is part of a national strategy led by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), in collaboration with security and public health agencies across Thailand. The key principle of this initiative is a holistic and localized approach to drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation—making subdistricts (tambons) the operational hub. It engages various sectors including local governments, hospitals, police, military, and especially the community itself.
The Pattaya CBTx event was also attended by Pol. Col. Chatree Suksiri, Deputy Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police; Dr. Wichai Thanasopon, expert in preventive medicine; as well as Banglamung district officials, Pattaya City Council members, and leaders from local hospitals and communities.This round of treatment sees 30 participants divided into eight recovery modules: medical detox, faith-based healing, vocational therapy, music therapy, sports therapy, family therapy, innovation-based therapy, and psychological rehabilitation. All participants are required to take urine drug tests regularly throughout the 16-session program, which spans five months. Upon completion, they will receive a certificate from Pattaya Patthammakhun Hospital, serving as both recognition and encouragement for their recovery journey.
The initiative marks a vital step toward sustainable drug reform in Pattaya through community involvement and inter-agency collaboration—empowering those struggling with addiction to reclaim their lives.
More than 30 participants begin their recovery journey in Pattaya, engaging in eight holistic therapy stations including music, sports, and family counseling. The CBTx initiative, under Thailand’s Sustainable Subdistrict Project, integrates local health, police, and community networks to combat drug problems at the grassroots level. 
Graduates of the 5-month rehab program will receive certificates from Pattaya Patthammakhun Hospital, recognizing their commitment to building a better future.
29 April 29 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499275 - Pattaya braces for scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds as summer storms hit upper Thailand April 30 – May 1PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued Announcement No. 11 (104/2568), warning of summer storms across upper Thailand from April 30 to May 1. Affected areas are expected to experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail in some locations, heavy rainfall, and possible lightning strikes. The conditions are the result of a moderate high-pressure system […]
Pattaya may see scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds as upper Thailand braces for summer storms from April 30 to May 1. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued Announcement No. 11 (104/2568), warning of summer storms across upper Thailand from April 30 to May 1. Affected areas are expected to experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail in some locations, heavy rainfall, and possible lightning strikes.
The conditions are the result of a moderate high-pressure system from China spreading over Vietnam and the South China Sea. This system is interacting with southeasterly and southwesterly winds covering upper Thailand. In addition, the hot weather in the region, combined with westerly wind waves from Myanmar, is intensifying the likelihood of summer storms, especially in the North and Upper Northeast.
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions by avoiding outdoor activities during storms, staying away from large trees and weak structures, and securing agricultural products and livestock to prevent damage. The warning includes several provinces in the North, Northeast, and Central Thailand, which are likely to see fluctuating weather, including sudden downpours and gusty winds.While Pattaya is not listed among the high-risk provinces under this announcement, local residents and visitors should still remain cautious. The area may experience increased humidity and isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the late afternoon and evening hours, due to the broader influence of regional weather systems.
Coastal winds may also strengthen temporarily, and scattered rain is possible, although not severe. Visitors planning outdoor activities or travel should monitor local forecasts and remain alert for changing weather conditions.The Meteorological Department encourages people across the country to stay informed through official weather updates and prepare accordingly for potential disruptions.
29 April 29 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499272 - Pattaya businesses sound alarm as Chinese tourists disappear, European visitors not enough to sustain city during low seasonPATTAYA, Thailand – Business owners in Pattaya are raising serious concerns over the sharp decline in Chinese tourists, a group that once formed the backbone of the city’s tourism economy. The ongoing absence of this high-spending demographic has created a ripple effect across multiple sectors—from hotels and restaurants to tour agencies and retail shops. While […]
Pattaya businesses struggle to stay afloat as Chinese tourists vanish and low-spending Europeans can’t fill the gap. PATTAYA, Thailand – Business owners in Pattaya are raising serious concerns over the sharp decline in Chinese tourists, a group that once formed the backbone of the city’s tourism economy. The ongoing absence of this high-spending demographic has created a ripple effect across multiple sectors—from hotels and restaurants to tour agencies and retail shops.
While European tourists continue to visit, especially during winter months, they cannot fill the void left by the massive drop in arrivals from China. Many European travelers are more budget-conscious and tend to avoid the hottest low-season months, further weakening the city’s ability to stay afloat during off-peak periods.
“Without the Chinese market, the city feels half-empty,” said one tour operator in South Pattaya. “We’re relying on weekend visitors from Bangkok and a few scattered tourists, but that’s not enough to cover rent, wages, and electricity bills.”Local businesses are also pointing to concerns about safety, regional instability, and lingering misinformation—such as fears of earthquakes—as factors deterring Chinese visitors. Despite efforts from city officials to rebuild trust, including safety campaigns and improved infrastructure, it may not be enough without direct support from the national government and coordinated international outreach.
As the low season continues, some businesses are downsizing or temporarily closing, fearing the situation may worsen if China’s outbound tourism policies remain restrictive and Thailand’s promotional efforts fail to gain traction.
With China outbound tourism stalled, Pattaya faces harsh low season—some shops forced to shut doors. 
Tourism blues in Pattaya: No Chinese crowds, few Europeans, and businesses left in survival mode.
29 April 29 2025Daily Newsletterhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499299 - Pattaya to replace 4,000 streetlights with LEDs to boost safety and save energyPATTAYA, Thailand – Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai discussed plans to replace public streetlights across Pattaya, with the project aiming to swap old 250-watt High Pressure Sodium lamps for 110-watt LED lights to improve community safety and energy efficiency. Recognizing the importance of public safety at night, Pattaya officials noted that many of the city’s current […]
Deputy Mayor Manoch leads a meeting on Pattaya’s major streetlight upgrade project at City Hall. PATTAYA, Thailand – Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai discussed plans to replace public streetlights across Pattaya, with the project aiming to swap old 250-watt High Pressure Sodium lamps for 110-watt LED lights to improve community safety and energy efficiency.
Recognizing the importance of public safety at night, Pattaya officials noted that many of the city’s current streetlights—using aging High Pressure Sodium technology—emit a soft orange glow that is no longer sufficient. Many fixtures have also deteriorated after years of use.
To address these issues, Pattaya has launched a project to modernize its street lighting by installing 4,000 LED lamps citywide. The new LED lights will provide stronger illumination, enhance public safety, reduce energy consumption, and improve the overall quality of life.During the meeting, officials agreed to divide the work into four zones, starting from the inner city outward to the city limits. The installation is expected to be completed within six months.
Pattaya City plans to install 4,000 new LED streetlights to replace outdated High Pressure Sodium lamps. 
The switch to LED lights is aimed at improving nighttime safety and boosting energy efficiency. 
Officials expect the full installation of LED lights across Pattaya to be completed within six months.
28 April 28 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=499208