Thai academic wins US copyright case
Brief: (20 Mar 2013) A Thai professor who bought textbooks in Thailand and sold them in the United States won a major Supreme Court ruling on copyright law that gives foreign buyers of textbooks, movies and other products a right to resell them in the United States without the permission of the copyright owner.

Experts slam flaw in trafficking law
Brief: (19 Mar 2013) Anti-human trafficking legislation has failed to protect migrants who pay trafficking gangs to smuggle them into Thailand illegally, human rights activists say. The key flaw in the legislation is its definition of “human trafficking”. The law does not cover cases in which the victims have willingly paid traffickers to get them into Thailand.

 

 UK to raise visa fees 
Brief: (27 Feb 2013) Britain is to put up the cost of visas to visit the UK, with effect from April 6. The fee for a short visit visa will rise from £78 to £80 (B3,510 to B3,600); for a two-year visa from £270 to £278 (B12,150 to B12,510), a five-year visa from £496 to £511 (B22,320 to 22,995), and a 10-year visa from £716 to £737 (B32,220 to 33,165). An extended student visa (six to 11 months) will rise from £140 to £144 (B6,300 to B6,480). 

 
Auto industry, exporters warned of tough US Law  
Brief: (04 Mar 2013) The Open Computing Alliance (OCA) recently held a workshop for business leaders in the auto sector, to warn them of charges of unfair competition in the US if they used illegal software. Thai companies in the supply chain are the target given Japan's leadership in the auto sector, and a number of recent cases against Japanese companies over software piracy in Thailand.

 
 Germany, 16 other nations on possible visa-on-arrival list  
Brief: (07 Mar 2013) Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi on Wednesday said a proposal to grant visa-on-arrival (VoA) to tourists from Germany, Russia, France and South Africa was under his Ministry’s active consideration. Consistent with the Look East policy, the Tourism Ministry has included Thailand, Malaysia and Brunei in the proposed VoA list.

 
Phuket law: Some good news for all taxpayers  
Brief: (05 Mar 2013) Last year saw the beginning of a significant reduction of the corporate income tax rate in Thailand. The long-established 30 per cent rate was reduced to 23 per cent for the year 2012, and further reduced to 20 per cent for the years 2013 and 2014 for all companies.

  Health plans for foreigners in Thailand under review
 Brief: (05 Mar 2013) The Ministry of Public Health on Thursday revealed it was seeking appropriate forms of health insurance for foreigners in preparation for the formation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

 PM Yingluck calls Thailand haven for foreign investment during visit to Europe
Brief: (07 Mar 2013) Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday urged the Belgian private sectors to take part in investment in Thailand’s mega infrastructure projects during her official visit. She also asked the Belgian prime minister to consider Schengen visa waivers for Thai passport holders to promote tourism between the two countries.

 NZ sees Thailand at heart of SE Asia in push for more visitors  
Brief: (06 Mar 2013) New Zealand this year is placing greater emphasis on attracting tourists from Southeast Asia, where it considers Thailand to be a hub within the emerging region. Mischa Mannix-Opie, Tourism New Zealand's regional manager for South and Southeast Asia, described Thailand as one of the country's important tourism markets.

 
PM invites Sweden to invest in logistics, regional transport  
Brief: (06 Mar 2013) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has invited the Swedish government to invest in Thailand's logistics and regional transport system, so that Sweden can use Thailand as a gateway to neighbouring countries in the region. Yingluck said she was glad that about 30,000 Thais were now living comfortably in Sweden and had a role in the Swedish economy. 

 
Prime Minister Promises to End Thailand’s Ivory Trade     
Brief: (03 Mar 2013) The prime minister of Thailand pledged Sunday to end the nation’s ivory trade, responding to growing calls from international wildlife groups desperate to stop the slaughter of African elephants.A Yingluck Shinawatra, promised to amend the kingdom’s laws, which critics say include loopholes that have allowed smugglers to ferry African tusks to Thai markets and onward.

niversity council seeks longer visas for foreign students, profs Brief: (21 Feb 2013) The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) has vowed to continue pushing for longer visas for foreign lecturers and students. At present, foreign students in Thailand need to renew their visa every three months, while foreign lecturers also need to renew their visa often. 

 
90-Day Medical Visa Granted to Arabs visiting Thailand 
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Visitors from six Gulf Cooperation Council countries seeking medical services in Thailand will be granted a 90-day visa on entry. At the initial stage, the visa extension from 30 days to 90 days will be granted to nationals of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

 Money-laundering law still falls  
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded Thailand improve the draft amendment of its anti-money laundering law and issue a new "Know Your Customer" law requiring banks to gather and verify customer information. The FATF had removed Thailand from its list of high-risk countries for financial transactions, but was warned that more work needs to be done to stamp out money laundering.

Capitalising taxable income over 90 years? Yes, It can be done   
Brief: (26 Feb 2013) Have you ever thought that you could capitalise taxable income over a very long period of time and pay corporate income tax year by year, even if you have already received all the upfront payments from customers? As Thailand has strict rules on foreigners owning land or condominium units, long-term leases have become an alternative. Nonetheless, as foreign customers are paying an amount equal to the freehold acquisition, a 30-year lease term is too short and is not attractive for someone paying that price.

Leonardo DiCaprio Calls on Thailand to Outlaw Sale of Ivory 
Brief: (22 Feb 2013) The actor signed a World Wildlife Fund petition this week, urging Thailand’s Prime Minister to outlaw the sale of ivory in her country. During a WWF-organized press conference at the landmark Central World mall in downtown Bangkok on Thursday, local Thai TV, film and radio talent all joined the stage to call on Thai citizens to sign the DiCaprio backed petition.

Phuket Amcham seminar to address US expatriate tax  
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) If you are a US citizen and are baffled by the US tax regime as it applies to expatriates, the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) has a seminar for you on March 8 at the Holiday Inn Patong. John Andes, tax partner at KPMG Thailand, will provide a overview of US taxpayers’ 2012 US income tax and information reporting requirements, including a discussion on the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and the Statement of Foreign Financial Assets (Form 8938).

Foreign land ownership strikes a raw nerve 
 Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Foreigners need to read the fine print carefully when buying land. Under the Thailand Land Code Act of 1954, foreigners may own land under the provisions of a treaty. However, the last treaty allowing foreigners to own land in Thailand was terminated in 1970. But in 1999 the Land Code Act was amended allowing foreign individuals to own land of up to one rai (1,600 square metres) under Section 96 for residential purposes through the Board of Investment, which requires a 40-million-baht investment in Thailand in specified assets, government bonds or businesses beneficial to the Thai economy. However, strict conditions still apply. 

 

University council seeks longer visas for foreign students, profs
Brief: (21 Feb 2013) The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) has vowed to continue pushing for longer visas for foreign lecturers and students. At present, foreign students in Thailand need to renew their visa every three months, while foreign lecturers also need to renew their visa often.

90-Day Medical Visa Granted to Arabs visiting Thailand
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Visitors from six Gulf Cooperation Council countries seeking medical services in Thailand will be granted a 90-day visa on entry. At the initial stage, the visa extension from 30 days to 90 days will be granted to nationals of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Money-laundering law still falls short
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded Thailand improve the draft amendment of its anti-money laundering law and issue a new “Know Your Customer” law requiring banks to gather and verify customer information. The FATF had removed Thailand from its list of high-risk countries for financial transactions, but was warned that more work needs to be done to stamp out money laundering.

Capitalising taxable income over 90 years? Yes, It can be done
Brief: (26 Feb 2013) Have you ever thought that you could capitalise taxable income over a very long period of time and pay corporate income tax year by year, even if you have already received all the upfront payments from customers? As Thailand has strict rules on foreigners owning land or condominium units, long-term leases have become an alternative. Nonetheless, as foreign customers are paying an amount equal to the freehold acquisition, a 30-year lease term is too short and is not attractive for someone paying that price.

Leonardo DiCaprio Calls on Thailand to Outlaw Sale of Ivory
Brief: (22 Feb 2013) The actor signed a World Wildlife Fund petition this week, urging Thailand’s Prime Minister to outlaw the sale of ivory in her country. During a WWF-organized press conference at the landmark Central World mall in downtown Bangkok on Thursday, local Thai TV, film and radio talent all joined the stage to call on Thai citizens to sign the DiCaprio backed petition.

Phuket Amcham seminar to address US expatriate tax
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) If you are a US citizen and are baffled by the US tax regime as it applies to expatriates, the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) has a seminar for you on March 8 at the Holiday Inn Patong. John Andes, tax partner at KPMG Thailand, will provide a overview of US taxpayers’ 2012 US income tax and information reporting requirements, including a discussion on the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and the Statement of Foreign Financial Assets (Form 8938).

Foreign land ownership strikes a raw nerve
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Foreigners need to read the fine print carefully when buying land. Under the Thailand Land Code Act of 1954, foreigners may own land under the provisions of a treaty. However, the last treaty allowing foreigners to own land in Thailand was terminated in 1970. But in 1999 the Land Code Act was amended allowing foreign individuals to own land of up to one rai (1,600 square metres) under Section 96 for residential purposes through the Board of Investment, which requires a 40-million-baht investment in Thailand in specified assets, government bonds or businesses beneficial to the Thai economy. However, strict conditions still apply.

Migrant registration offices open in Thailand
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand on Thursday announced the recommencement of a new period of registration for migrant workers and their employers at 11 sites throughout Thailand beginning Friday, February 15. The policy falls in line with a proposed extension of the March 16 deadline for migrant registration—known officially as Nationality Verification (NV).

Thai Legal Firm Rebrands
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) The international law firm formerly operating under the name Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville has now rebranded to Limcharoen. A new team of Thai and foreign lawyers has been assembled for Phuket and will be working from its new office premises at Royal Phuket Marina.

Visit Beijing For up to 72 Hours With No Visa Requirement
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) Exo China also teamed up with Exo Japan to create a new tour in Asia that takes travelers to two of the continent’s most intriguing countries. For those planning a holiday in Asia, it allows the opportunity to visit not one, but two, of Asia’s main hubs with no visa requirements, making the planning a great deal easier and saving on cost.

No consensus on scope of amnesty law
Brief: (18 Feb 2013) Amnesty for law violators involved in the political conflict since the coup of 2006 has become a hot topic and has led to heated public debate over who should benefit and who should be excluded.

New Thai-Taiwan treat delivers unexpected tax benefits
Brief: (18 Feb 2013) Last month, a new double taxation agreement (DTA) between Thailand and Taiwan entered into force. This is the first such treaty between Thailand and Taiwan and is aimed at promoting bilateral cross-investment by reducing the tax burden on several aspects of foreign direct investment, including reduced withholding on dividends, interest and capital gains.

Job seekers must change strategies
Brief: (11 Feb 2013) The Asean Economic Community is greatly reshaping the job landscape in Thailand, demanding that workers change their strategies for finding and securing positions. Kasikornbank has reported that this year, more than 1,000 medium-sized Japanese companies are planning to expand into Thailand.

Migrant registration offices open in Thailand
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand on Thursday announced the recommencement of a new period of registration for migrant workers and their employers at 11 sites throughout Thailand beginning Friday, February 15. The policy falls in line with a proposed extension of the March 16 deadline for migrant registration—known officially as Nationality Verification (NV).

Thai Legal Firm Rebrands
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) The international law firm formerly operating under the name Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville has now rebranded to Limcharoen. A new team of Thai and foreign lawyers has been assembled for Phuket and will be working from its new office premises at Royal Phuket Marina.

Visit Beijing For up to 72 Hours With No Visa Requirement

Brief: (15 Feb 2013) Exo China also teamed up with Exo Japan to create a new tour in Asia that takes travelers to two of the continent’s most intriguing countries. For those planning a holiday in Asia, it allows the opportunity to visit not one, but two, of Asia’s main hubs with no visa requirements, making the planning a great deal easier and saving on cost.

No consensus on scope of amnesty law
Brief: (18 Feb 2013) Amnesty for law violators involved in the political conflict since the coup of 2006 has become a hot topic and has led to heated public debate over who should benefit and who should be excluded.

New Thai-Taiwan treat delivers unexpected tax benefits
Brief: (18 Feb 2013) Last month, a new double taxation agreement (DTA) between Thailand and Taiwan entered into force. This is the first such treaty between Thailand and Taiwan and is aimed at promoting bilateral cross-investment by reducing the tax burden on several aspects of foreign direct investment, including reduced withholding on dividends, interest and capital gains.

Job seekers must change strategies
Brief: (11 Feb 2013) The Asean Economic Community is greatly reshaping the job landscape in Thailand, demanding that workers change their strategies for finding and securing positions. Kasikornbank has reported that this year, more than 1,000 medium-sized Japanese companies are planning to expand into Thailand.

Hundreds back civil unions for gay couples
Brief: (09 Feb 2013) More than 200 people turned out yesterday to show their support for a so-called civil partnership bill that would allow same-sex couples equal marriage rights. The supporters attended the bill’s first public hearing at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok. If the bill becomes law, it would be the first of its kind in Thailand.

Thailand: Public hearings on civil unions begin
Brief: (13 Feb 2013) A series of public hearings held by a joint team of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department and the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights – began in Thailand last week. Supporters of the bill have pledged to collect 10,000 signatures – or the support of 20 members of the House of Representatives – in case the cabinet rejects the bill.

Number of visitors from Thailand to grow by 25 percent in 2013
Brief: (13 Feb 2013) The number of people from Thailand visiting Taiwan is expected to grow by at least 25 percent this year, a Tourism Bureau official said Wednesday at a press conference to promote its presence at a travel fair that opens in Bangkok Thursday. A total of 97,712 people from Thailand visited Taiwan last year, down by about 5,000 people from the year before, according to Tourism Bureau statistics.

Act exempts AIT from work-permit need
Brief: (14 Feb 2013) Legal opinion and response to Mr Thanin Bumrungsap, AIT Alumni Association (Thailand) president, on the topic “Non-extension of visa is purely a legal issue”: The Foreign Employment Act, BE 2551 (2008), is not enforceable regarding expatriates performing their duties under agreements the Thai government made with foreign governments or international organisations, as provided in Section 4 of the same legislation.

Visa norms for medicare in Thailand eased
Brief: (09 Feb 2013) Citizens who are looking forward to receiving medical treatment in Thailand can now stay in the country for 90 days without a visa, according to Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana.

Foreigners Flock to Thailand
Brief: (04 Feb 2013) An increase in tourist figures is being taken as a signal that Thailand is set to see a rise in demand from overseas buyers for the condo property market, particularly in popular spots such as Phuket.

ASEAN talk: A lot of room to grow
Brief: (04 Feb 2013) ASEAN is set to be the region to be situated in come 2013. The region is expected to see economies such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia matching or exceeding their 10-year average rates.

22 firms found breaking foreign ownership rules
Brief: (05 Feb 2013) Twenty-two firms operating in two tourism provinces have been alleged to use nominees for their foreign shareholders. Many of these companies have representatives of foreigners on their boards or as shareholders who usually come from accounting, consultancy or law companies, according to an investigation by the ministry’s Business Development Department.

‘About 100′ Phuket Tourism, Property Businesses With Foreign Links Face Investigation
Brief: (02 Feb 2013) About 100 Phuket businesses are likely to be targeted in an investigation over the next month, says the Director of Phuket’s Department of Business Development. Closest scrutiny was likely to be applied to about 100 businesses relating to property and to various aspects of tourism, including tours, diving, restaurants and bars. To put it is proportion, he said, new companies on Phuket had increased by 1370 in 2011 and 1437 in 2012.

Crackdown begins on illegal foreigners in Phuket
Brief: (01 Feb 2013) PHUKET: Twelve foreigners, including people from Australia, Finland, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the UK, were arrested yesterday (January 31) for working illegally in the island’s tourism industry, police said.

Thailand offers GCC nationals 90-day visa exemption
Brief: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals going to Thailand for medical treatment are entitled to a three-month visa exemption following a decision by the Thai government last month.

Upsurge in retirement visas
Brief: The number of one-year retirement visas has surged by more than 30 percent, according to a source at the Chonburi Immigration Bureau. Although there are more British applicants than any other nationality, there is a noticeable growth in the number of Russian applicants. If the trend continues, more than 45,000 such visas will have been issued by the end of the 2013.

Malaysians warned on Thai marriages
Brief:Malaysian authorities have warned men who marry foreign women that failure to register the marriages could create problems for both themselves and their brides.

Thailand set to see increase in interest from foreign property investors
Brief: An increase in tourist figures is being taken as a signal that Thailand is set to see a rise in demand from overseas buyers for the condo property market, particularly in popular spots such as Phuket.

 

University council seeks longer visas for foreign students, profs Brief: (21 Feb 2013) The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) has vowed to continue pushing for longer visas for foreign lecturers and students. At present, foreign students in Thailand need to renew their visa every three months, while foreign lecturers also need to renew their visa often.

Money-laundering law still falls Brief: (25 Feb 2013) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded Thailand improve the draft amendment of its anti-money laundering law and issue a new "Know Your Customer" law requiring banks to gather and verify customer information. The FATF had removed Thailand from its list of high-risk countries for financial transactions, but was warned that more work needs to be done to stamp out money laundering.

Capitalising taxable income over 90 years? Yes, It can be done Brief: (26 Feb 2013) Have you ever thought that you could capitalise taxable income over a very long period of time and pay corporate income tax year by year, even if you have already received all the upfront payments from customers? As Thailand has strict rules on foreigners owning land or condominium units, long-term leases have become an alternative. Nonetheless, as foreign customers are paying an amount equal to the freehold acquisition, a 30-year lease term is too short and is not attractive for someone paying that price.

Leonardo DiCaprio Calls on Thailand to Outlaw Sale of Ivory Brief: (22 Feb 2013) The actor signed a World Wildlife Fund petition this week, urging Thailand’s Prime Minister to outlaw the sale of ivory in her country. During a WWF-organized press conference at the landmark Central World mall in downtown Bangkok on Thursday, local Thai TV, film and radio talent all joined the stage to call on Thai citizens to sign the DiCaprio backed petition.

Phuket Amcham seminar to address US expatriate tax Brief: (25 Feb 2013) If you are a US citizen and are baffled by the US tax regime as it applies to expatriates, the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) has a seminar for you on March 8 at the Holiday Inn Patong. John Andes, tax partner at KPMG Thailand, will provide a overview of US taxpayers’ 2012 US income tax and information reporting requirements, including a discussion on the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and the Statement of Foreign Financial Assets (Form 8938).

Foreign land ownership strikes a raw nerve Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Foreigners need to read the fine print carefully when buying land. Under the Thailand Land Code Act of 1954, foreigners may own land under the provisions of a treaty. However, the last treaty allowing foreigners to own land in Thailand was terminated in 1970. But in 1999 the Land Code Act was amended allowing foreign individuals to own land of up to one rai (1,600 square metres) under Section 96 for residential purposes through the Board of Investment, which requires a 40-million-baht investment in Thailand in specified assets, government bonds or businesses beneficial to the Thai economy. However, strict conditions still apply. 

UK to raise visa fees   Brief: (27 Feb 2013) Britain is to put up the cost of visas to visit the UK, with effect from April 6. The fee for a short visit visa will rise from £78 to £80 (B3,510 to B3,600); for a two-year visa from £270 to £278 (B12,150 to B12,510), a five-year visa from £496 to £511 (B22,320 to= 22,995), and a 10-year visa from £716 to £737 (B32,220 to 33,165). An extended student visa (six to 11 months) will rise from £140 to £144 (B6,300 to B6,480). 

Auto industry, exporters warned of tough US Law 
 Brief: (04 Mar 2013) The Open Computing Alliance (OCA) recently held a workshop for business leaders in the auto sector, to warn them of charges of unfair competition in the US if they used illegal software. Thai companies in the supply chain are the target given Japan's leadership in the auto sector, and a number of recent cases against Japanese companies over software piracy in Thailand.

 Germany, 16 other nations on possible visa-on-arrival list Brief: (07 Mar 2013) Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi on Wednesday said a proposal to grant visa-on-arrival (VoA) to tourists from Germany, Russia, France and South Africa was under his Ministry’s active consideration. Consistent with the Look East policy, the Tourism Ministry has included Thailand, Malaysia and Brunei in the proposed VoA list. 

Phuket law: Some good news for all taxpayers
 Brief: (05 Mar 2013) Last year saw the beginning of a significant reduction of the corporate income tax rate in Thailand. The long-established 30 per cent rate was reduced to 23 per cent for the year 2012, and further reduced to 20 per cent for the years 2013 and 2014 for all companies. 

 Health plans for foreigners in Thailand under review Brief: (05 Mar 2013) The Ministry of Public Health on Thursday revealed it was seeking appropriate forms of health insurance for foreigners in preparation for the formation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. 

 PM Yingluck calls Thailand haven for foreign investment during visit to Europe Brief: (07 Mar 2013) Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday urged the Belgian private sectors to take part in investment in Thailand’s mega infrastructure projects during her official visit. She also asked the Belgian prime minister to consider Schengen visa waivers for Thai passport holders to promote tourism between the two countries.

NZ sees Thailand at heart of SE Asia in push for more visitors Brief: (06 Mar 2013) New Zealand this year is placing greater emphasis on attracting tourists from Southeast Asia, where it considers Thailand to be a hub within the emerging region. Mischa Mannix-Opie, Tourism New Zealand's regional manager for South and Southeast Asia, described Thailand as one of the country's important tourism markets. 

 PM invites Sweden to invest in logistics, regional transport Brief: (06 Mar 2013) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has invited the Swedish government to invest in Thailand's logistics and regional transport system, so that Sweden can use Thailand as a gateway to neighbouring countries in the region. Yingluck said she was glad that about 30,000 Thais were now living comfortably in Sweden and had a role in the Swedish economy.

Prime Minister Promises to End Thailand’s Ivory Trade Brief: (03 Mar 2013) The prime minister of Thailand pledged Sunday to end the nation’s ivory trade, responding to growing calls from international wildlife groups desperate to stop the slaughter of African elephants. Yingluck Shinawatra, promised to amend the kingdom’s laws, which critics say include loopholes that have allowed smugglers to ferry African tusks to Thai markets and onward.

niversity council seeks longer visas for foreign students, profs Brief: (21 Feb 2013) The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) has vowed to continue pushing for longer visas for foreign lecturers and students. At present, foreign students in Thailand need to renew their visa every three months, while foreign lecturers also need to renew their visa often.

90-Day Medical Visa Granted to Arabs visiting Thailand Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Visitors from six Gulf Cooperation Council countries seeking medical services in Thailand will be granted a 90-day visa on entry. At the initial stage, the visa extension from 30 days to 90 days will be granted to nationals of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Money-laundering law still falls    Brief: (25 Feb 2013) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded Thailand improve the draft amendment of its anti-money laundering law and issue a new "Know Your Customer" law requiring banks to gather and verify customer information. The FATF had removed Thailand from its list of high-risk countries for financial transactions, but was warned that more work needs to be done to stamp out money laundering.

Capitalising taxable income over 90 years? Yes, It can be done Brief: (26 Feb 2013) Have you ever thought that you could capitalise taxable income over a very long period of time and pay corporate income tax year by year, even if you have already received all the upfront payments from customers? As Thailand has strict rules on foreigners owning land or condominium units, long-term leases have become an alternative. Nonetheless, as foreign customers are paying an amount equal to the freehold acquisition, a 30-year lease term is too short and is not attractive for someone paying that price.

Leonardo DiCaprio Calls on Thailand to Outlaw Sale of Ivory Brief: (22 Feb 2013) The actor signed a World Wildlife Fund petition this week, urging Thailand’s Prime Minister to outlaw the sale of ivory in her country. During a WWF-organized press conference at the landmark Central World mall in downtown Bangkok on Thursday, local Thai TV, film and radio talent all joined the stage to call on Thai citizens to sign the DiCaprio backed petition.

Phuket Amcham seminar to address US expatriate tax Brief: (25 Feb 2013) If you are a US citizen and are baffled by the US tax regime as it applies to expatriates, the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) has a seminar for you on March 8 at the Holiday Inn Patong. John Andes, tax partner at KPMG Thailand, will provide a overview of US taxpayers’ 2012 US income tax and information reporting requirements, including a discussion on the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and the Statement of Foreign Financial Assets (Form 8938).

Foreign land ownership strikes a raw nerve  Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Foreigners need to read the fine print carefully when buying land. Under the Thailand Land Code Act of 1954, foreigners may own land under the provisions of a treaty. However, the last treaty allowing foreigners to own land in Thailand was terminated in 1970. But in 1999 the Land Code Act was amended allowing foreign individuals to own land of up to one rai (1,600 square metres) under Section 96 for residential purposes through the Board of Investment, which requires a 40-million-baht investment in Thailand in specified assets, government bonds or businesses beneficial to the Thai economy. However, strict conditions still apply. 

University council seeks longer visas for foreign students, profs

Brief: (21 Feb 2013) The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) has vowed to continue pushing for longer visas for foreign lecturers and students. At present, foreign students in Thailand need to renew their visa every three months, while foreign lecturers also need to renew their visa often.

 

Money-laundering law still falls short
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded Thailand improve the draft amendment of its anti-money laundering law and issue a new “Know Your Customer” law requiring banks to gather and verify customer information. The FATF had removed Thailand from its list of high-risk countries for financial transactions, but was warned that more work needs to be done to stamp out money laundering.

Capitalising taxable income over 90 years? Yes, It can be done
Brief: (26 Feb 2013) Have you ever thought that you could capitalise taxable income over a very long period of time and pay corporate income tax year by year, even if you have already received all the upfront payments from customers? As Thailand has strict rules on foreigners owning land or condominium units, long-term leases have become an alternative. Nonetheless, as foreign customers are paying an amount equal to the freehold acquisition, a 30-year lease term is too short and is not attractive for someone paying that price.

Leonardo DiCaprio Calls on Thailand to Outlaw Sale of Ivory
Brief: (22 Feb 2013) The actor signed a World Wildlife Fund petition this week, urging Thailand’s Prime Minister to outlaw the sale of ivory in her country. During a WWF-organized press conference at the landmark Central World mall in downtown Bangkok on Thursday, local Thai TV, film and radio talent all joined the stage to call on Thai citizens to sign the DiCaprio backed petition.

Phuket Amcham seminar to address US expatriate tax
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) If you are a US citizen and are baffled by the US tax regime as it applies to expatriates, the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) has a seminar for you on March 8 at the Holiday Inn Patong. John Andes, tax partner at KPMG Thailand, will provide a overview of US taxpayers’ 2012 US income tax and information reporting requirements, including a discussion on the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and the Statement of Foreign Financial Assets (Form 8938).

Foreign land ownership strikes a raw nerve
Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Foreigners need to read the fine print carefully when buying land. Under the Thailand Land Code Act of 1954, foreigners may own land under the provisions of a treaty. However, the last treaty allowing foreigners to own land in Thailand was terminated in 1970. But in 1999 the Land Code Act was amended allowing foreign individuals to own land of up to one rai (1,600 square metres) under Section 96 for residential purposes through the Board of Investment, which requires a 40-million-baht investment in Thailand in specified assets, government bonds or businesses beneficial to the Thai economy. However, strict conditions still apply.

Migrant registration offices open in Thailand
Brief: *(15 Feb 2013) The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand on Thursday announced the recommencement of a new period of registration for migrant workers and their employers at 11 sites throughout Thailand beginning Friday, February 15. The policy falls in line with a proposed extension of the March 16 deadline for migrant registration—known officially as Nationality Verification (NV).

Thai Legal Firm Rebrands
Brief: *(15 Feb 2013) The international law firm formerly operating under the name Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville has now rebranded to Limcharoen. A new team of Thai and foreign lawyers has been assembled for Phuket and will be working from its new office premises at Royal Phuket Marina.

Visit Beijing For up to 72 Hours With No Visa Requirement
Brief: *(15 Feb 2013) Exo China also teamed up with Exo Japan to create a new tour in Asia that takes travelers to two of the continent’s most intriguing countries. For those planning a holiday in Asia, it allows the opportunity to visit not one, but two, of Asia’s main hubs with no visa requirements, making the planning a great deal easier and saving on cost.

No consensus on scope of amnesty law
Brief: *(18 Feb 2013) Amnesty for law violators involved in the political conflict since the coup of 2006 has become a hot topic and has led to heated public debate over who should benefit and who should be excluded.

New Thai-Taiwan treat delivers unexpected tax benefits
Brief: *(18 Feb 2013) Last month, a new double taxation agreement (DTA) between Thailand and Taiwan entered into force. This is the first such treaty between Thailand and Taiwan and is aimed at promoting bilateral cross-investment by reducing the tax burden on several aspects of foreign direct investment, including reduced withholding on dividends, interest and capital gains.

Job seekers must change strategies
Brief: *(11 Feb 2013) The Asean Economic Community is greatly reshaping the job landscape in Thailand, demanding that workers change their strategies for finding and securing positions. Kasikornbank has reported that this year, more than 1,000 medium-sized Japanese companies are planning to expand into Thailand.

Migrant registration offices open in Thailand
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand on Thursday announced the recommencement of a new period of registration for migrant workers and their employers at 11 sites throughout Thailand beginning Friday, February 15. The policy falls in line with a proposed extension of the March 16 deadline for migrant registration—known officially as Nationality Verification (NV).

Thai Legal Firm Rebrands
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) The international law firm formerly operating under the name Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville has now rebranded to Limcharoen. A new team of Thai and foreign lawyers has been assembled for Phuket and will be working from its new office premises at Royal Phuket Marina.

Visit Beijing For up to 72 Hours With No Visa Requirement
Brief: (15 Feb 2013) Exo China also teamed up with Exo Japan to create a new tour in Asia that takes travelers to two of the continent’s most intriguing countries. For those planning a holiday in Asia, it allows the opportunity to visit not one, but two, of Asia’s main hubs with no visa requirements, making the planning a great deal easier and saving on cost.

No consensus on scope of amnesty law
Brief: (18 Feb 2013) Amnesty for law violators involved in the political conflict since the coup of 2006 has become a hot topic and has led to heated public debate over who should benefit and who should be excluded.

New Thai-Taiwan treat delivers unexpected tax benefits
Brief: (18 Feb 2013) Last month, a new double taxation agreement (DTA) between Thailand and Taiwan entered into force. This is the first such treaty between Thailand and Taiwan and is aimed at promoting bilateral cross-investment by reducing the tax burden on several aspects of foreign direct investment, including reduced withholding on dividends, interest and capital gains.

Job seekers must change strategies
Brief: (11 Feb 2013) The Asean Economic Community is greatly reshaping the job landscape in Thailand, demanding that workers change their strategies for finding and securing positions. Kasikornbank has reported that this year, more than 1,000 medium-sized Japanese companies are planning to expand into Thailand.

Hundreds back civil unions for gay couples
Brief: (09 Feb 2013) More than 200 people turned out yesterday to show their support for a so-called civil partnership bill that would allow same-sex couples equal marriage rights. The supporters attended the bill’s first public hearing at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok. If the bill becomes law, it would be the first of its kind in Thailand.

Thailand: Public hearings on civil unions begin
Brief: (13 Feb 2013) A series of public hearings held by a joint team of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department and the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights – began in Thailand last week. Supporters of the bill have pledged to collect 10,000 signatures – or the support of 20 members of the House of Representatives – in case the cabinet rejects the bill.

Number of visitors from Thailand to grow by 25 percent in 2013
Brief: (13 Feb 2013) The number of people from Thailand visiting Taiwan is expected to grow by at least 25 percent this year, a Tourism Bureau official said Wednesday at a press conference to promote its presence at a travel fair that opens in Bangkok Thursday. A total of 97,712 people from Thailand visited Taiwan last year, down by about 5,000 people from the year before, according to Tourism Bureau statistics.

Act exempts AIT from work-permit need
Brief: (14 Feb 2013) Legal opinion and response to Mr Thanin Bumrungsap, AIT Alumni Association (Thailand) president, on the topic “Non-extension of visa is purely a legal issue”: The Foreign Employment Act, BE 2551 (2008), is not enforceable regarding expatriates performing their duties under agreements the Thai government made with foreign governments or international organisations, as provided in Section 4 of the same legislation.

Visa norms for medicare in Thailand eased
Brief: (09 Feb 2013) Citizens who are looking forward to receiving medical treatment in Thailand can now stay in the country for 90 days without a visa, according to Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana.

Foreigners Flock to Thailand

Brief: (04 Feb 2013) An increase in tourist figures is being taken as a signal that Thailand is set to see a rise in demand from overseas buyers for the condo property market, particularly in popular spots such as Phuket.

ASEAN talk: A lot of room to grow

Brief: (04 Feb 2013) ASEAN is set to be the region to be situated in come 2013. The region is expected to see economies such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia matching or exceeding their 10-year average rates.

22 firms found breaking foreign ownership rules

Brief: (05 Feb 2013) Twenty-two firms operating in two tourism provinces have been alleged to use nominees for their foreign shareholders. Many of these companies have representatives of foreigners on their boards or as shareholders who usually come from accounting, consultancy or law companies, according to an investigation by the ministry’s Business Development Department.

‘About 100′ Phuket Tourism, Property Businesses With Foreign Links Face Investigation

Brief: (02 Feb 2013) About 100 Phuket businesses are likely to be targeted in an investigation over the next month, says the Director of Phuket’s Department of Business Development. Closest scrutiny was likely to be applied to about 100 businesses relating to property and to various aspects of tourism, including tours, diving, restaurants and bars. To put it is proportion, he said, new companies on Phuket had increased by 1370 in 2011 and 1437 in 2012.

Crackdown begins on illegal foreigners in Phuket

Brief: (01 Feb 2013) PHUKET: Twelve foreigners, including people from Australia, Finland, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the UK, were arrested yesterday (January 31) for working illegally in the island’s tourism industry, police said.

Thailand offers GCC nationals 90-day visa exemption

Brief: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals going to Thailand for medical treatment are entitled to a three-month visa exemption following a decision by the Thai government last month.

Upsurge in retirement visas

Brief: The number of one-year retirement visas has surged by more than 30 percent, according to a source at the Chonburi Immigration Bureau. Although there are more British applicants than any other nationality, there is a noticeable growth in the number of Russian applicants. If the trend continues, more than 45,000 such visas will have been issued by the end of the 2013.

Malaysians warned on Thai marriages

Brief:Malaysian authorities have warned men who marry foreign women that failure to register the marriages could create problems for both themselves and their brides.

Thailand set to see increase in interest from foreign property investors

Brief: An increase in tourist figures is being taken as a signal that Thailand is set to see a rise in demand from overseas buyers for the condo property market, particularly in popular spots such as Phuket.

 

University council seeks longer visas for foreign students, profs

Brief: (21 Feb 2013) The Council of University Presidents of Thailand

(CUPT) has vowed to continue pushing for longer visas for foreign lecturers

and students. At present, foreign students in Thailand need to renew their

visa every three months, while foreign lecturers also need to renew their

visa often.

Money-laundering law still falls

Brief: (25 Feb 2013) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded

Thailand improve the draft amendment of its anti-money laundering law and

issue a new "Know Your Customer" law requiring banks to gather and verify

customer information. The FATF had removed Thailand from its list of

high-risk countries for financial transactions, but was warned that more

work needs to be done to stamp out money laundering.

Capitalising taxable income over 90 years? Yes, It can be done

Brief: (26 Feb 2013) Have you ever thought that you could capitalise

taxable income over a very long period of time and pay corporate income tax

year by year, even if you have already received all the upfront payments

from customers? As Thailand has strict rules on foreigners owning land or

condominium units, long-term leases have become an alternative.

Nonetheless, as foreign customers are paying an amount equal to the

freehold acquisition, a 30-year lease term is too short and is not

attractive for someone paying that price.

Leonardo DiCaprio Calls on Thailand to Outlaw Sale of Ivory

Brief: (22 Feb 2013) The actor signed a World Wildlife Fund petition this

week, urging Thailand’s Prime Minister to outlaw the sale of ivory in her

country. During a WWF-organized press conference at the landmark Central

World mall in downtown Bangkok on Thursday, local Thai TV, film and radio

talent all joined the stage to call on Thai citizens to sign the DiCaprio

backed petition.

Phuket Amcham seminar to address US expatriate tax

Brief: (25 Feb 2013) If you are a US citizen and are baffled by the US

tax regime as it applies to expatriates, the American Chamber of Commerce

(Amcham) has a seminar for you on March 8 at the Holiday Inn Patong. John

Andes, tax partner at KPMG Thailand, will provide a overview of US

taxpayers’ 2012 US income tax and information reporting requirements,

including a discussion on the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts

(FBAR) and the Statement of Foreign Financial Assets (Form 8938).

Foreign land ownership strikes a raw nerve

Brief: (25 Feb 2013) Foreigners need to read the fine print carefully

when buying land. Under the Thailand Land Code Act of 1954, foreigners may

own land under the provisions of a treaty. However, the last treaty

allowing foreigners to own land in Thailand was terminated in 1970. But in

1999 the Land Code Act was amended allowing foreign individuals to own land

of up to one rai (1,600 square metres) under Section 96 for residential

purposes through the Board of Investment, which requires a 40-million-baht

investment in Thailand in specified assets, government bonds or businesses

beneficial to the Thai economy. However, strict conditions still apply.