Another week, another edition baby. I’m actually just going through the photos of what was an AWESOME meetup this past Saturday. Such a pleasure to meet so many of you that read this newsletter regularly. I was so happy to hear that it’s something you look forward to, so thanks for the feedback. Hope you all have a great week ahead no matter where in the world you may be 🇹🇭🌏
45-Day Visa Free Period To Extend Until Year End
Tourism officials in Thailand are suggesting that the current 45-day visa exemption program for travellers from over 50 countries will be extended until the end of the year. This program, known as the "visa waiver," was originally set to end on March 31st, 2023. However, the Tourism & Sports Minister and TAT are proposing to continue the extended stays for visitors. The proposal will be discussed at a cabinet meeting this coming Tuesday, and is expected to gain support from the Thai tourism and hospitality industry.
Our Take
If this all goes through, it will be a very generous gesture by officials that I’d imagine will have a big effect on the continuous push for Thailand’s full tourism recovery. I’ve chatted with so many people over the past couple months that have said how much they appreciate getting the extra 15-days without having to go to an immigration office to extend their visa OR leave the country. Yes, this entire initiative hasn’t made any difference for those visiting for two or three weeks, but in my experience, Thailand seems to be one of those places that so many people visit for a month or two at a time. It makes ALL the difference for this group. ‘Tip of the hat’ to the officials looking to extend this out until the end of the year. I hope it goes through.
An Epic Meetup In Chiang Mai
A bit of a different (and more personal) story here, but definitely one worth shining some light on! This past Saturday, we threw our first ever Chiang Mai meetup and wow, was it ever awesome meeting so many of you. My best guess is that cumulatively, about 150 to 200 people attended. It was an evening full of great conversations, cold drinks, and fun laughs. Hosted at Perng Café, it was the perfect representation of what makes this RW4U community so unique. An amazing group of like-minded people that all love Thailand. We will continue to throw these parties with regularity, so if you weren’t able to make it out this time around, keep an eye on this newsletter and the videos over on the YouTube Channel to stay in the loop. We’ll always announce these ahead of time on both platforms.
Our Take
Whenever we do these meetups, it’s a reminder for Chris and I just how special this community is. We were lucky enough to have Chris’ parents (my grandparents) attend and they couldn't believe just how nice everyone was. I’d imagine that many of you love chatting anything and everything Thailand with your friends, family, co-workers, etc, in your home country, so to have a massive group of like-minded people that just “get it” in one place at one time was definitely fun. Lots of great banter. I look forward to the next one. 🇹🇭
Thailand Travel Tip
Many of you may have seen the video that Chris and I published a few weeks ago recapping 2022 and what our commitments are for 2023. In that video I spoke about the version of Thailand that I’m lucky enough experience and how amazing it truly is. Well, we know that many of you have never been to Thailand and are wondering where to start… so, on the heels of a ton of questions about where to visit, what to do, what to eat, etc., we decided to curate three very special tours that will have you immersed DEEP into everything that makes this country so damn awesome - a lot of which you’ve already seen in our videos! From private boat tours on the Andaman, to playing mini-putt with our good buddy ‘Bang’ in Samui, each of the three different 8-day tour itineraries we designed will have you immersed in the very special version of Thailand that Chris and I get to experience on a daily basis, all while travelling with other like-minded people from around the world. If you’re interested in learning more and exploring any of the Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or Southern Thailand itineraries and tour dates, just click here. All tours are gonna be amazing, but I will say, the Phuket + Koh Samui tour is extra special 😉🇹🇭
Getting A Thai Drivers License Just Got Easier
Thailand's Department of Land Transport (DLT) has announced that obtaining a new driving license or renewing an old one has become more convenient, as walk-in services are now available at transport offices nationwide without the need to make an appointment. To renew a Thai driving license, individuals can obtain an 'eLearning' theoretical training certificate through the DLT's website, which also has an option for foreigners. With this certification, individuals can then bring it along with their medical certificate to any transport office in the country and renew their license without needing to book an appointment. Additionally, holders of two-year driving licenses who wish to change to five-year driving licenses, as well as people needing replacements for lost or damaged licenses, and those applying for the first time in Thai or English, can use the walk-in service too.
Our Take
Ahh, this is fantastic news. Although I don’t drive in Thailand, I’ve been looking to get a Thai license to make travelling here a bit easier. There’s a period every year where I need to ship my passport off to immigration to get my visa and such renewed. Unfortunately, as things currently stand, this locks me out of domestic travel during that window. Having a Thai license would make things much easier during this annual period, so as soon as I’m back in Bangkok I’ll be taking advantage of this walk-in service and finally just getting ‘er done.
Only In Thailand 🇹🇭
This next story is the embodiment of true commitment! A local man from Nakhon Nayok is in the midst of a 1,400 KM trek to propose to his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. The couple met five months ago online and despite never having met in person, they have been talking regularly via video call. His girlfriend wanted him to show his love by travelling all the way to her home in Southern Thailand, so the man accepted the challenge and set off on his journey last Saturday. He is documenting everything over on Tik Tok and has already gained a ton of followers from those looking to track his progress. He’s now just over a week in and has 850 KM’s left to cover before reaching his final destination. Gotta love it 🇹🇭