Thailand Roundup: Visa-free entry, murder investigations, digital wallet

Digital Wallet

Thailand's government is rolling out a $13.8 billion digital cash handout plan to boost the economy. Eligible businesses and individuals can register from August for the controversial program, which aims to give 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens in digital money. The plan, called the "Digital Wallet," has faced criticism from economists and financing hurdles. The funding will come from the 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets. The plan has limitations, and exclusion details will be announced soon. The World Bank projected GDP growth of 2.4% for Thailand in 2024. Initially suggested for all Thais 16 and older, the digital wallet payments have been limited to lower-income Thais, Independent.co.uk reports.

Thai tourist dies

A 39-year-old Thai tourist, Sitthikorn K, died on Koh Larn Island after vomiting blood, Pattaymail reports. He had pre-existing bruises and health issues, including cirrhosis and hypertension. The exact cause of his death is still undetermined, and an autopsy will be conducted.

Visa-free entry

Thailand to allow visa-free entry for Sri Lankans, pending confirmation from the Thai Embassy. The decision will be effective once authorities are informed, according to The Daily Mirror.

 Thailand Banks' investigations

Thailand is investigating whether its banks were used by Myanmar's military to buy weapons used to harm civilians, following a report linking Thai banks to atrocities in Myanmar. The investigation involves the central bank, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and major Thai banks. The report alleged that Thai banks facilitated the purchase of weapons, with exports to Myanmar doubling in one year. Reuters reports that the Thai government stated that it does not support violence in Myanmar and will coordinate with authorities for the investigation.

Remains of murdered Chinese woman found

Human remains found dumped in a deserted area of Chachoengsao are believed to belong to a missing Chinese woman who was reported to have been kidnapped for ransom in Bangkok nearly two weeks ago, say police. A search team led by Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Poolsawat, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), inspected the deserted site near a housing estate in Tambon Bang Phra of Muang district in the eastern province around noon on Saturday. They found a skeleton, including human legs, that they believe could belong to Yan Ruimin, 38, Bangkok post reports.