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What are the recent changes in Thailand's immigration and alcohol regulations affecting expats?

Thailand immigration Visa rules Alcohol regulations Foreigner registration TM30 Cultural differences in drinking Development and regulation enforcement

Mar 4, 2023

2 years ago

Garrett ***********

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around recent changes in Thailand regarding immigration and alcohol regulations, highlighting concerns and observations from expats. Comments reflect on the enforcement of laws in Thailand contrasted with neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos, and suggest cultural attitudes toward drinking, where respondents note stricter controls in Thailand compared to its neighbors. Observations on the evolving nature of regulations and enforcement in Thailand are also mentioned, pointing out a shift towards a more developed regulatory framework.

Paul *******

Not sure why Thailand has such a big problem with alcohol, when more conservative and traditional Myanmar does not. Laos and Cambodia don't seem to either.

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Paul *******

@Michael *********

certainly that's a factor too.

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Paul *******

I am also noticing considerable differences between the way things used to be like in Thailand perhaps 20 years ago and now. More laws and more enforcement in many areas than back then.

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Michael **********

perhaps cuz thailand is trying to become a developed country so it has realized that rules need to be enforced?

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Michael **********

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Paul *******

Yes I know what you mean. For example, in Cambodia they're now strictly enforcing the foreigner registration system, which is basically their version of the TM30. This was never really enforced, other than by hotels perhaps, pre 2020.

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Nick *********

yes it's happening everywhere. Governments are taking more control of our lives .

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Nick *********

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Jo **********

i can explain Thai people are notorious drinkers during festivals like this things can get out of control

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Paul *******

Not from what i've seen. The young don't drink as much and it's worse in Laos. I think it's the Thai nanny state mentality. Thailand is far more interested in controlling its citizens than neighboring countries are. We saw this during Covid also - with far stricter mask wearing adherence in Thailand than any neighboring country.

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Nick *********

Thailand is much more developed than the other countries you mentioned . Systems of control always come from big government. Just look at how they are enforcing laws in Cambodia now that they are becoming developed .

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Nick *********

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Yns *****

Make sense, if you don't need to go to immigration office, you don't need to drink.

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Richard ******

Does this include the border crossings?

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Steve *******

Nope, border crossings are open as normal.

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Richard ******

Thanks.

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Richard ******

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Jo **********

that will not effect anyone as in my village plenty of lao khou

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Whitt *******

I had a stroke trying to read this

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Craig **********

sounds like Jo is already into the Lao khou

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Jo **********

just edited

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Whitt *******

I figured that!

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Whitt *******

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