Thailand’s New ETA Requirement: What Expats and Travelers Need to Know

As of December 2024, Thailand has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visa-free visitors, transforming the country’s immigration process. This change impacts travelers from over 100 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and European nations, aligning with similar systems already in place globally. In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, we’ll …

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New Guidelines Announced for Safer School Trips in Thailand

Following the school bus fire that saw multiple casualties, supervisory bodies of private and public schools in Thailand have announced new guidelines to ensure better safety for school trips. These include vehicle inspection, parents’ presence, and limited trip distance for example. School trips are a great learning experience, but we also understand parents’ concern for …

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Private Hospitals Consider Leaving the Thai National Health Insurance Scheme

Paiboon Eksaengsri, president of the Private Hospitals Association (PHA), revealed that many private hospitals are considering leaving the Social Security Fund (SSF), a Thai national health insurance scheme that provides health coverage for employees in the private sector. Foreign expats working in Thailand are required to register to the SSF. This Pacific Prime Thailand article …

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What Travelers Need to Know About Thailand’s Plan for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

A talk is ongoing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, about the implementation of electronic travel authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers. This means you might need to apply for an online authorization before entering the Land of Smiles. This Pacific Prime Thailand article has compiled all you need to know about this system, what …

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Thailand Expands Maternity Leave to 98 Days: A Boost for Working Women

Thailand is set to enhance its maternity leave policy, extending the leave period from 90 days to 98 days. This move is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Labour to improve benefits for Social Security Fund members, aiming to better support working mothers and their families. In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, …

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The Rising Threat of Mpox in Thailand: What You Need to Know

As global travel resumes and health concerns shift from COVID-19 to other emerging diseases, Thailand finds itself facing a new challenge: the spread of monkeypox (Mpox). The recent detection of the more dangerous Clade 1b strain in the country has raised alarms among health experts and travelers alike.  This Pacific Prime Thailand article provides a …

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Thailand Grants 60-Day Visa-Free Stay to 93 Countries Starting July 15th

Thailand has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its visa policies, aiming to significantly boost tourism and attract a wider range of international visitors. The new measures, which took effect on July 15, 2024, represent a major shift in the country’s approach to foreign travel and residency. One of the most notable changes is the expansion …

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