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Tourism

Thailand Reminds Visitors Of Proof Of Funds Requirement

Thailand's Tourism Authority reminds foreign visitors they must show proof of sufficient funds upon entry, a longstanding requirement ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 Baht depending on visa type.

1h ago TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 6 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reminds foreign visitors travelling to Thailand to keep evidence of sufficient funds ready for entry screening. This visitor information is a travel-preparation reminder and does not introduce a new measure.

The proof-of-funds requirement has been part of Thai immigration rules since 1980 under the Ministry of Interior announcement, with the current amounts updated under a later announcement in 2000. The requirement is also reflected in current guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General. Immigration Bureau officers apply the requirement when assessing eligibility for entry.

Depending on their entry category, visitors may be asked to show funds in Thai Baht, an equivalent amount in another currency, or documents evidencing payment of an equivalent amount. Visitors should keep these documents readily accessible and follow instructions from Immigration Bureau officers during entry screening.

The amounts visitors may be asked to show are:

• Transit Visa and certain visa-exempt cases under immigration regulations: 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.• Visa on Arrival: 10,000 Baht per person, or 20,000 Baht per family.• Tourist Visa: 20,000 Baht per person, or 40,000 Baht per family.• Non-Immigrant Visa: 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.

This requirement does not apply to children under 12.

Travellers using the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme should check the latest guidance for their nationality and place of departure, as some official guidance states 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family. Other entry requirements remain unchanged, including valid travel documents, visa or visa-exemption eligibility, permitted length of stay, accommodation details, and evidence of onward travel where required.

The final decision on entry into Thailand rests with Immigration Bureau officers at the entry checkpoint. Each assessment is made in accordance with applicable immigration laws and regulations.

For the latest requirements, travellers should check with the Immigration Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General responsible for their place of application or departure.

Travellers may also contact the Immigration Bureau through the following channels:

• Website: https://www.immigration.go.th/• Call Centre: 1178, with English-language service available The post Thailand entry reminder on proof of funds for foreign visitors appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Monk Elevated to Somdet Phra Ratchakhana Rank

A senior Thai monk has been elevated to Somdet Phra Ratchakhana, the highest monastic rank in Thai Buddhism, in a royal decree that took effect July 3 and was announced this month.

Thai Monk Elevated to Somdet Phra Ratchakhana Rank
2h ago Khaosod

The Royal Gazette published a royal decree announcing the elevation of monastic rank. The King has graciously approved the elevation of Phra Phrom Wachirweti to Somdet Phra Ratchakhana, bestowed with the royal title Somdet Phra Yanawachirodom, residing at Pathumwanaram Rajavoravihara Royal Monastery in Bangkok. The elevation took effect on July 3, 2026, with the announcement issued on July 5, 2026, in the eleventh year of the current reign. This is the most recent elevation to Somdet Phra Ratchakhana rank. Previously, on April 18, 2026, Phra Phrom Muni of Wat Phra Sri Mahadhat was elevated to Somdet Phra Ratchakhana with the royal title Somdet Phra Mahawachiromuniwoong. Somdet Phra Ratchakhana is the highest monastic rank in the Thai Sangha, second only to Somdet Phra Sangkharat, who serves as the Supreme Patriarch and highest leader of the Thai Buddhist Monkhood. This prestigious rank carries significant honor and status, distinguished by the royal title prefix "Somdet," indicating a status higher than ordinary abbots. During the current reign, there are ten Somdet Phra Ratchakhana monks in total, excluding the Supreme Patriarch, comprising five from the Mahanikaya order and five from the Thammayuttika order. Four of these serve as heads of the Mahanikaya order and one as head of the Thammayuttika order, while others serve as advisors in the Mahathera Samakhom, the highest governing body of Thai Buddhism. In the royal decree, the King requested that the newly elevated monks accept the responsibility of propagating Buddhism, resolving disputes, and providing guidance to all monks and novices in their communities. The Queen also granted blessings for longevity, virtue, happiness, strength, wisdom, and prosperity in Buddhist practice. Both monks elevated this year are from the Thammayuttika order and hail from northeastern Thailand: Somdet Phra Mahawachiromuniwoong is from Maha Sarakham Province, while Somdet Phra Yanawachirodom is from Yasothon Province. Both play significant roles in advancing Buddhist teachings and strengthening faith in Buddhism.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Twisted Ankle Nearly Proves Fatal From Blood Clot

A woman in her late twenties nearly died from a blood clot in her lungs caused by prolonged immobility after a twisted ankle, a case that highlights how dangerous clots can form from seemingly minor injuries.

Twisted Ankle Nearly Proves Fatal From Blood Clot
2h ago Khaosod

On July 6, Dr. Fiew posted a warning on Facebook about a patient who suffered a near-fatal condition from what seemed like a simple twisted ankle. The doctor was called in the middle of the night to examine a woman in her late twenties with normal vital signs, blood pressure, and oxygen levels who complained of heart palpitations and fatigue over two days. After initial examination revealed no obvious abnormalities, an EKG showed a slightly elevated heart rate at 100 beats per minute. However, emergency room doctors are trained to consider the most dangerous conditions first, as missing a critical diagnosis can be fatal.

While reviewing the EKG, the doctor noticed subtle details that raised suspicion this wasn't ordinary heart palpitations. When asked about immobility, the patient revealed she had fallen down the stairs a month earlier, spraining her ankle without fracture, and had barely walked since—mostly just getting up to use the bathroom. This detail connected the pieces. Additional blood tests showed abnormally high levels suggesting blood clots, prompting a CT scan of the lungs. The results confirmed acute pulmonary embolism.

The danger wasn't the ankle sprain itself, but prolonged immobility. When legs don't move much, blood flow slows, creating conditions for clots to form in leg veins. When a clot breaks free, it travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the lungs, blocking blood flow. The heart then works harder to pump blood through the obstruction. If the clot is large enough, the heart cannot handle the strain, blood pressure drops, consciousness fades, and cardiac arrest can occur within minutes.

The most frightening aspect of this condition is that many patients appear only mildly ill—some just tired, some with heart palpitations, some with shortness of breath. This patient walked into the emergency room on her own, spoke normally, and had normal oxygen levels. Had the doctor dismissed her as merely stressed or with normal tachycardia, she would have gone home with a life-threatening condition.

At-risk groups include: bedridden or nearly immobile patients, those on long flights or car rides, recent major surgery or fracture patients, pregnant women or recent mothers, oral contraceptive users (especially smokers), cancer patients, those with previous blood clots, and those with clotting disorders. Warning signs not to ignore include sudden fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

National Park Eviction Sparks Land Rights Dispute

The Thai government is demolishing structures at Thab Laan National Park while proposing to delist areas where 30,000 villagers have settlements, sparking a land rights dispute over whether residents or the park itself are the true encroach

National Park Eviction Sparks Land Rights Dispute
2h ago Khaosod

The Thai government, led by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchath Chomklin, is promoting conservation policies and sustainable natural resource management by accelerating agricultural land allocation to reduce encroachment while strictly enforcing laws against violators and restoring natural resources to abundance. Officials recently monitored the Thab Laan National Park task force operations, during which resort structures encroaching on park grounds were demolished and legal proceedings have concluded. The proposed delisting of Thab Laan National Park areas overlapping villagers' settlements has sparked broad discussion, especially among conservation and community rights groups. The article contends that extreme conservationists and hardline former officials are attempting to distort the narrative and create fear among urban middle-class citizens, portraying park delisting as deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction, giving rise to the "Save Thab Laan" campaign. However, the reality is that the park zone was carelessly declared over existing settlements, and the area now proposed for delisting contains no forest—only roads, houses, and agricultural plots. In a recent development, Democrat Party leader Thawi Sothong, chairing a special amnesty committee for citizens harmed by government land and natural resource policies, along with MP Rangsiman Rom of the same party, visited Wang Khao Khiao district in Nakhon Ratchasima to hear public input on the overlapping land dispute in Thab Laan National Park. Both concluded that unless approximately 150,000 rai of overlapping land is delisted, approximately 30,000 villagers face the risk of losing their homes and livelihoods. Their field investigation concluded that villagers are not encroaching on forest or wildlife habitat; rather, the national park itself is encroaching and forcing residents from their own homes.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Tottenham Signs Tonali For Club Record £100m

Tottenham completed the signing of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for a club-record £100 million, with the 27-year-old agreeing to a contract through 2028.

Tottenham Signs Tonali For Club Record £100m
2h ago Khaosod

Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced the signing of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for a club-record transfer fee of £100 million. The English Premier League giant has completed the deal for the 27-year-old midfielder, shattering the club's previous transfer record. Tonali will be contracted to Tottenham through June 2028.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Community

Nadech Clears Air Over Rider's Home Video Footage

Actor Nadech Kugimiya said he won't press charges against a ride-hailing driver who filmed and posted footage revealing the route to his home, calling it a mutual learning mistake and urging ride-hailing companies to improve privacy guideli

Nadech Clears Air Over Rider's Home Video Footage
2h ago Khaosod

Actor Nadech Kugimiya has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversy involving a ride-hailing driver who filmed video footage that revealed the route to his home. Nadech expressed understanding toward the affected rider and confirmed he has no intention of filing charges, viewing the incident as a mutual learning mistake stemming from both parties' lack of awareness. He hopes the situation serves as a lesson about privacy and safety for all service users, particularly women, and calls on ride-hailing companies to establish clearer guidelines and training for employees in the future.

Regarding the rider's situation, Nadech said: "I actually sympathize with him too, because public opinion has affected him quite a bit. I also need to protect my own private space. Really, I believe all riders would be happy to meet me, but there's no law or boundary that even I or the rider himself understands clearly about what the limits are. Nobody's wrong, nobody's right. We just didn't protect each other. So what we chose to do was have my manager communicate this, because we wanted it to be a lesson for ourselves, the rider, and many others. Nowadays riders can still film when I travel anywhere, but it was a real mistake for him to post such a long video from pickup to arriving at my home, which posed a safety risk to me and my household. It feels quite sensitive, but honestly having dashcam footage is normal. I believe notifying customers beforehand would be the best solution, or he could have asked me first whether he could post it. I think having a chance to clarify things here is the best outcome for everyone right now."

When asked if he knew about the filming at the time, Nadech explained: "I could see he had a camera, but I didn't know what exactly. Most of the time people just take still photos. In my experience it's usually still images, but really riders do need videos for their own protection, right? Accidents, aggressive customers—this incident has no right or wrong party. It's a lesson for both of us, and society has learned from it together."

Responding to concerns about the safety implications of filming the route to his home, Nadech said: "I appreciate the concern, but it was a lack of awareness from both of us. If I had noticed the camera, I could have asked, 'Brother, are you filming a video? If you are, please don't show my house.' I should have been more alert too. But I think we've become too accustomed to this. We're not protecting ourselves either."

When asked if he was upset about being secretly filmed, Nadech replied: "Not at all. I actually have a feeling that people will be scared of me now and won't dare take photos or meet me."

On his frequent use of ride-hailing services, Nadech noted: "Yes, I can't stand Bangkok traffic. I live around Sukhumvit where traffic is terrible, so walking or taking a motorcycle taxi feels like the best solution for us. That's why we meet riders regularly. Sometimes we even stop to take photos."

Many observers view this incident as a case highlighting privacy and safety concerns in the ride-hailing industry.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Samut Prakan Dominates Top 10 Richest Subdistricts

Bang Phli Yai in Samut Prakan leads Thailand's richest subdistricts with 1.123 billion baht in revenue, with the province claiming seven of the top 10 positions in fiscal 2568.

Samut Prakan Dominates Top 10 Richest Subdistricts
2h ago Khaosod

The Parliamentary Information Library of the House of Representatives (PRT) has released data on the 10 subdistrict administrative organizations (SAO) with the highest combined revenues in fiscal year 2568, reflecting their capacity for revenue collection and local area management.

Rank 1: Bang Phli Yai SAO, Samut Prakan - 1,123 million baht Rank 2: Bang Chlong SAO, Samut Prakan - 731 million baht Rank 3: Map Yaang Phon SAO, Rayong - 769 million baht Rank 4: Bang Sao Thong SAO, Samut Prakan - 767 million baht Rank 5: Nai Khlong Bang Pla Kod SAO, Samut Prakan - 636 million baht Rank 6: Ratchathewa SAO, Samut Prakan - 595 million baht Rank 7: Khlong Sam SAO, Pathum Thani - 588 million baht Rank 8: Bang Pla SAO, Samut Prakan - 480 million baht Rank 9: Chaeng Thalae SAO, Phuket - 467 million baht Rank 10: Nong Prueai SAO, Samut Prakan - 412 million baht

Samut Prakan's subdistricts occupy seven of the top 10 positions with a combined total revenue of over 4,807 million baht from these seven rankings alone.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Thai Influencer Under Fire for Damaging Japan Alpine Plants

A Thai travel influencer with over 100,000 followers sparked outrage on Japanese social media after posting photos and videos of herself damaging protected alpine plants at Mount Komagatake in Akita Prefecture's national park.

Thai Influencer Under Fire for Damaging Japan Alpine Plants
2h ago Khaosod

A Thai travel influencer living in Japan has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after posting photos and videos showing her lying and rolling on protected alpine plants during a trip to Mount Komagatake in Akita Prefecture.

The influencer, who has more than 100,000 followers, shared the content from the popular hiking destination in Akita Prefecture. It quickly spread across Japanese social media, where users accused her of damaging fragile vegetation inside a national park.

One viral post claimed the woman had picked alpine plants before lying on top of them, writing: "A troublesome foreigner from Thailand picked alpine plants at Akita Komagatake and even proudly showed herself lying on the vegetation, destroying nature in a national park."

The post also noted that such acts are prohibited under Japan's Natural Parks Act and that park rangers regularly patrol the area to protect its delicate ecosystem.

The backlash escalated as hundreds of Japanese users condemned the influencer's behaviour. Some said they were saddened to see mountain areas becoming increasingly vulnerable to irresponsible tourism.

"The mountains have suddenly become much less safe," one user wrote. "Even if you warn people, they don't listen. Increasing the number of rangers won't solve the problem. I want Japan to return to the peaceful country it used to be."

Others were even harsher.

"Never come back!" one comment read. "People posting the Alps on Instagram or YouTube—don't they care that foreigners end up ruining these places?"

Another user called the influencer "an embarrassment" and said she should return to her home country, adding that "people who destroy nature are not welcome, regardless of nationality."

Some comments went further, with one user calling for her deportation, saying the photos alone should be enough evidence for police and immigration authorities to act.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Nadech Counts Down to Third Bangkok Wedding Celebration

Actor Nadech Kugimiya is preparing for his third wedding celebration in Bangkok with actress Yaya Urasaya, following ceremonies in Khon Kaen and Norway. The couple's Bangkok reception will feature a simple white theme blending Thai and inte

Nadech Counts Down to Third Bangkok Wedding Celebration
2h ago Khaosod

Nadech Kugimiya, the debut brand presenter for CC DOUBLE O, appeared at the campaign launch "THE NEW BASIC – Impossible to Ignore" at CC DOUBLE O on the second floor of CentralWorld shopping center. He updated attendees on his wedding celebrations with actress Yaya Urasaya, counting down to the final Bangkok reception. He shared insights into the wedding invitation design, married life, and how their bond has deepened since marriage.

When asked if the groom looks even more handsome now, Nadech responded: "I believe so because when my brother [referring to another celebrity] got married, he looked good. Now it's my turn. I'm fully prepared. However, since this Bangkok event is happening very close to our Norway wedding, we've been quite rushed. I apologize to many people for not being able to personally hand out the invitations, but we've tried to invite everyone to be part of this third important day in our lives."

Regarding the praised wedding invitation design, Nadech explained: "We were fortunate to have a media team design it for us. They really brought our and Yaya's imagination to life. They beautifully blended Thai artistic details with international elements, creating a charm that reflects the care we put into these details."

On the concept behind the Bangkok invitation design, he said: "It comes from storytelling. We're inviting people to hear the story from our Khon Kaen wedding, through our Norway wedding, to our pre-wedding photo shoot, and to the moment I asked Yaya to be in the same invitation. Each guest invited will be part of the next chapter in our lives. The Bangkok event will have a simple white tone."

When asked if creating a third wedding theme was more challenging, Nadech replied: "It's not difficult. I feel we've become better at deciding and are much clearer now. We don't overthink things anymore. If we like something from the start, we just commit to it."

Reflecting on each celebration, he shared: "Our Khon Kaen wedding was fun and truly captured the identity of Isan people—even our wedding dress colors expressed that. The Norway wedding felt like a real wedding for the two of us who've journeyed together through various experiences. It felt like we were starting a new chapter in our life's journey, which was beautiful. The Bangkok event is a celebration of our happiness and love with the people we cherish."

On the viral vows from the Khon Kaen wedding, Nadech recalled: "It was huge. My friends told me I had to say them, so I did. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have passed—no money would help. I actually looked at Instagram beforehand, so I was clear on it. It wasn't something I memorized without understanding. When I arrived at the venue, it was the final round, and I had to read them. At first it was fun, but later I got nervous."

When Yaya mentioned recording his vows, Nadech joked: "It's fine. We'll record them onto a disc. If the disc gets damaged or lost, I'll have it engraved on a stone and place it above my pillow. Before bed, I'll recite it and bow three times."

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

PM Denies Favoritism In Local Election Corruption Probe

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied favoritism in the 2568 local election fraud probe, saying multiple government agencies are investigating separately to ensure fairness before cases converge at a fact-finding committee.

PM Denies Favoritism In Local Election Corruption Probe
2h ago Khaosod

At a press conference on July 6, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that investigations into the 2568 local election fraud cases involve committees at multiple levels. Deputy PM Pakorn Nilpraband chairs a fact-finding committee under the PM's Office, while Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arthit Sampatratana reported establishing serious disciplinary inquiry panels for potentially involved civil servants. The Central Investigation Police Bureau and the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission are also conducting parallel investigations.

"It's actually fair," the PM said, explaining that each violation falls under different government agencies' jurisdiction for proper fact-finding before prosecution. All information will ultimately converge at the fact-finding committee to ensure no favoritism or interference occurs.

When asked about duplicate names among those under investigation, Anutin refused to disclose details, citing classified status. He confirmed that the Interior Ministry's Permanent Secretary signed the serious disciplinary investigation orders this afternoon.

Anutin clarified that Pakorn's committee operates on behalf of the PM's Office and cannot prosecute independently, as members are not authorized officials. The committee's role is investigative oversight, with panel members including the Secretary-General of the Council of State, the AAPTC Secretary-General, the National Police Commissioner, and the Supreme Public Prosecutor.

Regarding immediate suspension of those under investigation, the PM explained that procedures are being followed case-by-case. Some have been reassigned to remove them from their positions, but all actions adhere to legal standards and available evidence. Where cases are clear-cut, action will be swift; where witnesses or further examination are needed, proper channels will be followed with all units working in parallel.

On outcomes, Anutin stated that verified violations involving bribery or misconduct affecting election results will become the basis for further investigation and legal prosecution in all forms.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Bangkok Condo Market Remains Buyer-Driven Despite Luxury Strength

Bangkok's condominium market remains buyer-driven in early 2025, with luxury segments thriving while mid-range properties struggle amid cautious developer investment and limited new supply of just 16,000 units projected for the year.

Bangkok Condo Market Remains Buyer-Driven Despite Luxury Strength
2h ago Khaosod

Savills Thailand assesses Bangkok's condominium market in the first half of 2025 as still in market rebalancing, with developers exercising caution and prioritizing inventory clearance over new launches, resulting in limited new supply. Only 16,000 units are projected for the full year, below pre-COVID averages.

According to Prapaporn Boonkitcharkul, deputy managing director of Savills Thailand, the overall Bangkok condo market continues its rebalancing period. Developers remain cautious about investment, resulting in limited new supply concentrated among major developers, while mid-sized and smaller operators focus on liquidity management and clearing stock rather than launching new projects.

Demand shows clear segmentation across market tiers. Luxury condominiums in central business districts maintain strong sales and absorption rates from affluent buyers, long-term investors, and foreign purchasers. Mid-range and lower-segment markets face pressure from sluggish purchasing power recovery and strict lending standards, prompting developers to compete on price and promotions to accelerate inventory clearance.

Savills expects the market to gradually recover in the second half of 2025, with growth concentrated in well-located projects offering differentiated products and competitively priced units, reflecting that successful market-aligned development will be critical amid continued competition.

In the second quarter, only five new projects launched with 2,260 units valued at 15.6 billion baht from just two registered developers—Sansiri and AP (Thailand)—with no new launches from mid-sized or smaller developers, indicating investment caution and liquidity focus.

For the first half overall, 15 new projects comprising 12,248 units launched, up 72.52% year-over-year, but driven by only a few large projects and not yet reflecting overall market recovery.

Luxury and super-luxury segments remain strongest, particularly penthouses and large units in Sukhumvit central, Thonglor, Ekkamai, Chidlom, and Lumphini, attracting owner-occupants, investors, and foreign buyers due to limited land supply and maintained pricing.

Conversely, mid-range and lower segments suffer from weak domestic purchasing power, high loan rejection rates, and fierce price competition, with developers accelerating clearance through price cuts and promotions, some pricing near levels from a decade ago to drive purchase decisions.

Savills projects 16,000 new condo units launching throughout 2025, down 6% from 2024 and below pre-COVID averages, reflecting developers' cautious investment approach. Major developers are diversifying into tourism and economic cities like Phuket and Pattaya, driven by tourism recovery and foreign purchasing power.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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