AWOL 2014 Issue 291 18th July

Sudoku Your free weekly newspaper since 2008 issue 2 91 18 July 2014 To Hull And Back Balloon Chasers Property Marketplace Chewing It Over on the Victor border guesthouse open 24/7 Naresdamri Rd. opposite Brasserie de Paris out/in visa runs outlawed hua hin, THAILAND Measures designed to eliminate foreigners from attempting to work in Thailand without the proper visa or work permit have begun being enforced this week at land borders and will be expanded to airport arrivals next month. With immediate effect, anyone attempting to enter Thailand at a land border crossing will have their passport closely scrutinised, and if the officer sees either back to back tourist visas or multiple visa exempt entries in the passport, entry will be denied. From 12th August the same will apply to air passengers. Reaction to this from the expat community has been mixed, with some bemoaning the strict enforcement of the existing rules and questioning the motives, while many are applauding the moves as a big step towards better security and a better image for the country which has been seen as a safe haven for the criminal and terrorist fraternity. There has also been confusion, and speculation whether there will be further changes to visa rules; rumours abound that overstayers will be more harshly dealt with, while it isn’t completely clear what will be an acceptable period between tourist visas or visa exempt stamps. Others believe that the authorities may also clamp down on other visa types as well, although there has been no official word on this, and normally changes to rules are ‘grandfathered’ for those already holding them. Hopefully the confusion that has reigned will die down as the stricter enforcement becomes the norm, and does not deter genuine tourists from coming here; further changes may also be necessary next year to align with other ASEAN countries which could possibly ease things again. For any reader concerned how they might be affected, we advise visiting the new immigration office in Soi 35. Rooms/family suites in heart of Hua Hin a/c, lcd tv, dvd player, fridge, free premium wifi, cable TV www.victorguesthousehuahin.com GET RACING FROM ONLY 400 BAHT! OPEN EVERYDAY 10.30AM - 7PM, LATE NIGHT BY APPOINTMENT Call 032 547 199 (Office) or 081 817 3000 (Mobile) Soi 2, Phetchkasem Road opposite Hua Hin Airport www.gokarthuahin.com