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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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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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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Accessing Telemedicine in Thailand: Benefits and Effective Tips for Expats

Telemedicine in Thailand is revolutionizing the accessibility of healthcare services, offering more efficiency and convenience for medical institutions. From urban Bangkok to remote rural areas, telemedicine services remove geographical barriers, ensuring accessible professional medical services. In the current information age, big data is having a significant impact on people’s lives in just about every way. …

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Caisse des Français de l’Étranger: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

The Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) program has been evolving for nearly half a century to safeguard the health of French nationals residing abroad. As 2024 begins, the French Legislature has implemented various changes to ensure the program remains resilient in this ever-changing world. The key changes in this year’s policy are the increase …

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Leptospirosis in Thailand

A bacterial infection, leptospirosis, is spread through the urine of domesticated animals such as dogs, farm animals, and small rodents. A common disease affecting animal lovers and an occupational hazard to outdoor workers, the disease thrives in warm parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia.   During periods of heavy rain or floods in Thailand, …

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