The Thai Brief #2: Fees, filters and a tea village in the clouds

Proposed 450-baht tourist fee moves forward

At an Oct 6 consultation, government and business representatives backed a proposed 450-baht fee for foreign tourists, starting with air arrivals. The money would fund visitor insurance and tourist sites. It isn't in effect yet: it still needs approval from the National Tourism Policy Committee and the Cabinet.

Sources: www.nationthailand.com

Departure tax proposal is open for comment until Oct 29

The Revenue Department is taking public comments until Oct 29 on a draft departure tax. As proposed, it would be 1,000 baht per departure by air for both Thais and foreigners, with land and sea departures exempt at first. It's only a proposal for now.

Sources: theledger.asia · www.bangladeshmonitor.com.bd

Immigration's THIM app now handles the TDAC

Thailand's Immigration Bureau has launched the THIM app. You can now submit your Thailand Digital Arrival Card in the app as well as on the official website. The bureau says it plans to add services such as 90-day reports and visa extensions later.

Sources: www.bangladeshmonitor.com.bd

Terroir.BKK, Song Wat

A bare-concrete shophouse in Bangkok's Song Wat and Chinatown area that puts the beans first. Expect single-origin filter, espresso, and occasional rare pours from Thailand, Panama, Ethiopia and other rotating origins. It's coffee-focused rather than a brunch spot, and weekdays are calmer than weekends.

Sources: www.filternotes.com

Graph Coffee Co., One Nimman

Graph is a Chiang Mai roaster that started in Sangkhlaburi in 2009 and moved to Chiang Mai in 2012. It roasts beans from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai farms. This branch sits on a cobbled passage inside One Nimman, and drinks arrive on wooden boards with a printed card.

Sources: cnxbrew.com

Gallery Drip Coffee Hua Hin, Soi 51

A small, minimalist, gallery-style café that does single-origin hand drip one cup at a time, using northern-Thai and imported beans. It's a short walk from the beach along Soi 51. It closes on some days of the week, so check before you go.

Sources: wherebest.com · thailand-vloggers.com

The Roastery by Roj, Sanambin Road

Roj Pongpijit started roasting in 2009 and is widely credited with bringing third-wave coffee to Chiang Rai. It's a big wooden shop with a long list of local filter and espresso options, plus beans from around the world to buy.

Sources: www.rojroastery.com · sprudge.com

Travelling as a family? One TDAC submission covers up to 10 people

The official TDAC guide lets you put up to 10 travellers in a single submission, and every non-Thai traveller needs to be included, infants too. The system is free and you file it within the 3 days before you arrive.

Sources: tdac.immigration.go.th · tdac.immigration.go.th

Ban Rak Thai (Mae Aw), Mae Hong Son

A Yunnanese tea village around a mountain reservoir, about 44 km north of Mae Hong Son town, with clay-walled houses, tea terraces and oolong tasting. The best months are November to February, for misty mornings. You'll need your own transport. The final road is steep and winding, there are no ATMs, and it's worth staying a night to see the dawn mist.

Sources: en.wikivoyage.org · www.thaiholidayguide.com · catmotors.net

File your 90-day report online

If you're on a long-stay permit, you can file the TM.47 90-day report online at tm47.immigration.go.th. Bangkok Immigration says to submit it between 15 and 7 days before your due date. Your first report after a new passport or a first extension still has to be done in person, and after that you can file online.

Sources: bangkok.immigration.go.th · bangkok.immigration.go.th

Boat noodles (kuay teow reua)

A strongly flavoured noodle soup made with pork or beef, dark soy and spices, served in small bowls, so people usually order several. The broth gets its rich, thick texture from blood mixed with salt and spices, which is good to know if you're squeamish.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Tao rai? (เท่าไหร่): how much?

"Tao rai khrap/kha?" means "How much is it?" You'll use it at every market stall.

Sources: general Thai language usage

I Tried $0.15 vs $1,000 Food in Thailand!!

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