Pattaya's nominee problem gets a spotlight, Thailand's open-door policy starts closing, and a deadline in the Persian Gulf keeps everyone on edge.
Nominee Crackdown Hits Pattaya
Authorities revoked the licenses of four tour companies in Pattaya after inspections found multiple irregularities, widening their investigation into nominee business structures, according to Nation Thailand. The crackdown targets the widespread practice of Thai nationals fronting for foreign-owned operations — a system that's been an open secret for decades.
30 Days May Be the New Normal
Thailand plans to trim visa-free stays to 30 days, with 30-day extensions still available, as officials cite scam-linked abuse of the current generous entry system, according to Nation Thailand. For long-stay tourists and digital nomads who've relied on visa-free entry as their default, this would force a rethink of their Thailand strategy.
The Hormuz Countdown
Trump's 48-hour Hormuz deadline sent markets into alarm mode, with the threat of strikes on Iranian power plants hanging over global energy markets, according to Nation Thailand. For Thailand, every hour of Hormuz uncertainty translates directly to fuel price volatility and supply chain anxiety.
Source: Nation Thailand
