Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Permanently Waiving Visa With China, and More

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from the last week, Monday, January 1st, to Sunday, January 7th, 2024.

They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

1. Ms. Siriprakai Worapreecha, the deputy director-general of the Thai Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection (DJOP), and the parents of the 14-year-old boy who committed the Siam Paragon shooting incident, visited the Galya Rajanagarindra Institute for psychiatric rehabilitation planning.

The decision to essentially drop the charges for the juvenile has caused polarising responses online, with many concerned the suspect could be released and allowed in public, but remains under psychiatric care for now. Meanwhile, Thai law enforcement has proposed lowering the age for charging minors in major crimes such as this.

2. At 8:00 PM, on December 31st, 2023, His Royal Majesty the King, Vajiralongkorn, granted a royal blessing to welcome the new year of 2024 for morale and encouragement to the Thai people.

His Majesty the King seeks everyone to work together with a resolution to overcome any obstacles with wisdom and reason.

3. As we step into the promising year of 2024, it is essential to be aware of the dates when bars and entertainment venues in Thailand will observe closures and restrictions on alcohol sales.

On the “No Booze Days,” it is important to remember that bars, entertainment venues, Gogos, etc will be closed, with sales of all alcohol prohibited. No stores, restaurants, or hotels will legally sell alcohol these days either.

4. Thailand to Exercise Permanently Waiving Visa With China Starting March 1st of 2024 to Boost Tourism and Economy.

Following the Thai government’s approval of a permanent visa-free arrangement with China, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is prepared to support the VISA FREE policy.

Chinese New Year is coming soon too!

5. The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on Friday (January 5th), a total of 284 deaths, 2,307 injuries, and 2,288 road accidents in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of the New Year Seven Days Road Safety campaign in Thailand.

The Thai Department of Probation reported in total 7,864 cases of drunk driving in Thailand in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of the New Year Seven Days Road Safety campaign.

This was actually a reduction year over year.

That’s all for this week