Thailand Roundup: New immigration rule, Tesla plant, Myanmar refugees

Taiwanese tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand targeted Taiwanese tourists with cultural exhibits and special deals at the “Amazing Thailand Travel Fair 2024” in Taipei. The fair showcased Thailand’s attractions, cuisines, and festivals, and highlighted the new visa exemption for Taiwanese tourists. The event aimed to entice Taiwanese visitors to experience the Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand and featured activities such as traditional Thai dances, Muay Thai exhibitions, and demonstrations on preparing Thai cuisine, Travel and Tour World reported.

Foreign business

The Thai government is addressing concerns over foreign business encroachment, particularly in the restaurant, transportation, and e-commerce sectors. They are enforcing laws to ensure maximum benefit for Thai people and are working to support the hospitality industry through digital technologies. According to Khaosod English, the government is also investigating companies with nominee agreements and clarifying legal requirements for foreign ownership in various sectors.

New immigration rule

A new immigration rule in South Korea has led to a social media boycott campaign by Thai tourists, causing a significant drop in Thai tourist numbers in the country. The boycott has led Thai tourists to favour Japan and China as holiday spots instead, Daily Express reports indicated. The issue at the border is attributed to the arrival of illegal workers from Thailand, and the introduction of the electronic travel authorisation system, K-ETA, has also contributed to the decline in Thai tourist numbers in South Korea.

Myanmar refugees

Thailand is prepared to accept 100,000 people fleeing Myanmar due to ongoing fighting near the border. The country is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and does not distinguish between refugees and other migrants. The Thai-Myanmar border remains open, but trade has decreased by 30% over the last year. The Thai government has granted a request from the junta to repatriate people, and thousands fleeing Myanmar have been permitted to stay in informal settlements near the border since the 1980s, news agency The Sun reported.

Tesla plant

Tesla is reevaluating its global investment strategy and may scrap plans to invest in Thailand, as well as other proposed new sites in Mexico and India. The company is focusing on its existing major production bases in the US, China and Germany. According to Bangkok Post, the Thai government is waiting for confirmation from Tesla about halting the investment plan. Meanwhile, Indonesia is also waiting to hear from Tesla about a planned EV battery manufacturing plant. The Prime Minister of Thailand had previously announced Tesla’s interest in investing in the country, but there are now reports that Tesla may only invest in EV charging stations in Thailand.