Legal

Thailand Real Estate Continues to Attract Buyers: Why Foreigners are Buying More Thailand Property Than Ever Before!

Thailand has long been a popular vacation destination, but the last few years has seen a significant increase in the number of foreigners choosing Thailand as a place to live, work, or retire.

For foreigners seeking warmer climes and who prefer shorts and flip flops to thermal underwear, long sunny days compared to short dark depressing ones, and who have the flexibility or the financial means to live somewhere else, Thailand certainly ticks many of the boxes.

Whether there is a preference for the cooler mountains of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, the hustle and bustle of vibrant Bangkok, or the crystal clear waters of Phuket, there is an ideal location for everyone seeking a new life adventure in “Amazing Thailand!!”

Foreigners of all walks have always been attracted to the “Land of Smiles”, all the way back from the times of Jim Thompson to the present day. The wonderful people, amazing wildlife, superb culinary delights, low cost of living, and the stunning scenery are all magnets for those seeking a better quality of life.

Even before the pandemic, Thailand had a vibrant retiree market, but global lockdowns have since made many foreigners reassess their priorities. Now even more expatriates working in neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia have made lifestyle changes, which includes living in their favorite Thai destination and traveling regularly to their work place.

In many cases, multinational employers have even created more flexibility for their employees to work more extensively from home, rather than being permanently office based.

This has all led to an extremely buoyant Thailand real estate market, one which continues to mature and expand. It is now far beyond a run of the mill tourist destination, and is continuing to attract more foreign residents, rather than those just seeking a holiday home or an investment property.

As the market has developed, it is now becoming a primary residential location for foreigners coming from all over the world. As this influx of foreign residents keeps expanding unabated, it continues to buoy the property markets around the country, and this is especially so in the main tourist areas.

For example, Phuket, which sees nearly one third of all visitors to the country, has seen incredible growth in the real estate sector over the last 10 years, even more so, since the pandemic.

Also known as the “Jewel of the Andaman Sea”, Phuket is famous for its 32 sun drenched beaches. Those foreigners first visiting the island as spellbound tourists, can see first hand all the foreigners currently living in paradise, and they want their own little slice of it too!!

The Phuket Property Market has continued to boom and is attracting both investors riding the tourism wave or those families seeking a home in paradise. The amazing choice and the number of Phuket properties looks incredible. Just one look at the extensive selection of properties on the market is an excellent indicator of how Phuket, like many parts of Thailand, has been maturing.

A noticeable factor driving Phuket’s residential property market are the significant upgrades in the island’s infrastructure, from new underpasses to alleviate traffic congestion, new shopping centres and the huge choice of international schools.

Koh Samui too, although much smaller than Phuket, is seeing a forever growing real estate market, with some amazing sea view villas and condominiums. There also appears to be an ever increasing amount of new projects launching in the lesser known tropical islands in Southern Thailand too.

Other factors helping to attract foreign residents include high quality medical services, with internationally accredited hospitals offering excellent care, as well as a multitude of dental practices. The high standard of medical care is quite often an important motive for retirees, as well as for families with children.

The international school market also seems to be thriving, becoming a discernable trend seen throughout the Kingdom, with new internationals schools opening around the country. Families with children now have a choice of schools in pretty much every area of Thailand.

Incredibly, Bangkok now has over 90 internationals schools and Phuket, a relatively small island, has 14, with more campuses and schools opening all the time. Koh Samui now has 5 international schools and even Koh Pha-Ngan, just 57 square miles, with no airport, has its very own international school.

Living and Working in Paradise

It is worth noting that a life in paradise could never become a reality without the extremely accommodating Thai authorities. This is perhaps one of the major factors propelling the influx of foreign residents to Thailand. The number of different visa options available for those seeking a home or a new life in the sun is quite remarkable.

The term “digital nomad” has now been popularized, which has led to a huge influx of IT professionals making Thailand their home, whilst still servicing their clients from around the world. These digital nomads have been flocking to the country, especially since the pandemic, and the number of new arrivals does not seem to be easing off.

Although many countries offer tourists a 30 day visa exemption, those wishing to stay in the Kingdom for longer periods have many choices for longer term visas.

Retirees, which in Thailand relates to anyone over 50 years old, allows for a one year or a five year visa. For non-retirees, many foreigners choosing to work from Thailand opt for a standard work permit, which can be acquired through their own Thai company if they open a business. This can all be arranged through experienced lawyers or accountants.

The Thai Elite Visa continues to offer foreigners a choice of 5, 10 or even 20 year privileged visa options, providing a range of perks to holders as well as expedited processing through immigration.

The prices, however, may not appeal to everyone as they can go as high as THB 5 Million THB. We have also recently seen the introduction of the Thailand Smart Visa, the aim of which is attract entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers to Thailand, however, this scheme targets only selective industries in the country.

And even for parents with children attending an international school, they may apply for an Education Visa. In many cases, the school they have chosen for their children can assist the parents in becoming a dependent of their child.

If the above parameters continue to work in favor of Thailand, then hopefully it will continue to attract foreigners at the same levels, or even better, than it is now. If this trend persists, then we should expect the real estate sector to be a major beneficiary too!

Legal

Thai Court Amends Law to Allows Wives to Sue Husband’s Lovers

Thailand's Constitutional Court Allows Wives to Sue Husband's Lovers

Angry Thai Wife: File Image

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has changed the Civil Code will allow women to sue their husbands’ lovers, male or female. The Constitutional Court found on Tuesday that Section 1523 of the Civil Code breached Section 27 of the constitution, which safeguards Thais’ rights and liberties regardless of gender.

The court directed that the verdict be enforced within 360 days.

Section 1523 of the Civil Code states that husbands can sue their wives’ lovers, and wives can sue other women who publicly display an adulterous connection with their husband.

Keirov Kritteeranon, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, stated that the Ombudsman had previously urged the court to rule on the legality of Section 1523, which allowed wives to suit only female lovers.

Husbands can now sue their wives’ boyfriends regardless of gender, and there was no requirement for any public declaration of an adulterous connection, he claimed.

Once enforced, Tuesday’s Constitutional Court order, according to the Ombudsman, will correct this imbalance.

Thailand Amends Marriage Law

Meanwhile, Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage, after its marriage equality law was passed in the Upper House on Tuesday and is now on its approach to being promulgated before going into effect in the coming months.

LGBTQ+ advocates rejoiced as the Senate voted 130-4 to pass the bill on its final reading, with 18 abstentions. They hailed the development as a win in their long struggle for equal rights.

When the advocates who had gathered at parliament on Tuesday to witness the Senate’s final reading and vote on the measure heard the outcome, they burst out in cheers.

They next went to authorities House, where the authorities had planned a celebratory reception for them later in the day. They then went to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where the party lasted until late at night.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is on sick leave due to Covid-19, congratulated them via Zoom call from Government House.

The new law will allow any two people aged 18 or older to register their marriage and obtain the same advantages and rights as heterosexual couples. The bill refers to married couples as “two individuals” rather than “a man and a woman,” and changes their legal status from “husband and wife” to “spouses.”

LGBTQ+ people from any country can legally marry in Thailand. When the bill goes into force, foreign same-sex married partners will be eligible for a spousal visa.

The law will be sent to the government for approval before being presented to the monarch.

It will take effect within 120 days of its publication in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the third Asian country to accept same-sex marriages after Nepal and Taiwan.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Senate’s special committee evaluating the proposed law, called it a victory for equal rights campaigners.

“There is no reason for the Upper House to disagree with the judgement made by the House of Representatives,” he told reporters. He was referring to the legislation’s passage in the Lower House prior to its submission to the Senate for approval.

The battle for same-sex marriage legislation began 23 years ago. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party list-MP, said that the law’s passage on Tuesday signified the beginning of a new chapter in Thai history.

Source: Bangkok Post

Court Upholds Israel’s Ban on News Agency Al Jazeera

Court Upholds Israel’s Ban on News Agency Al Jazeera

Legal

Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Marriage Equity Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage

Thailand’s Senate has approved a long awaited marriage equality bill on Tuesday, making the country the third Asian country to accept same-sex couples. The Senate approved the law 130-4 with 18 abstentions.

The marriage equality bill will be sent the palace for royal clearance. The marriage equality law takes 120 days to take effect after Royal Gazette publication.

LGBTQ+ advocates welcomed the proposal a “monumental step forward” because Thailand would be the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marriage equality. Thailand is popular with travellers due to its LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance.

“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTI+ couples said.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to commemorate Pride Month, joined thousands of LGBTQ+ revellers and activists in a Bangkok parade at the start of June.

The prime minister will open Government House to commemorate the bill’s passage. Pride supporters will march from Parliament to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Srettha, who has Covid-19, will join them online after taking several days off.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai anticipates June’s Pride Month to create approximately 4.5 billion baht in economic cash flow.

Marriage Equity Bill

Pride Month in Thailand

On Saturday, Mr. Phumtham said the government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is encouraging sexual diversity and working with the commercial sector to plan more Pride Month festivities to attract LGBTQ+ tourists.

He claimed it will increase the country’s trade potential by giving SMEs business expansion chances and adding soft power value.

Mr. Phumtham claimed Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, told him Pride Month celebrations will make Thailand a “pride-friendly destination” for LGBTQ+ Thai and global consumers.

This would help the country become a regional tourism hub under the government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” initiative to enhance tourism in 55 “worth visiting” provinces.

He added that such festivals will support downstream industries like event planners, food and beverage companies, hotels, and transport services and disperse cash to local areas. Mr. Phumtham stated Thailand’s Pride Month began in 1999. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri host parades, festivities, and campaigns.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects approximately 860,000 people to attend this year’s festival and contribute at least 4.5 billion baht for the economy. LGBT Capital estimates that the world’s LGBTQ+ population has US$4.7 trillion in purchasing power and Thailand’s sexually varied population has US$26 billion.

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving, but there’s still much to do. The LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is notably strong in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Strong legal recognition allows transgender people to change their names and titles. Many LGBTQ+ couples lack legal rights since same-sex marriage is banned.

Marriage Equity Bill

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand

Thailand is becoming more accepting despite these difficulties. LGBTQ+ rights are gaining favour. Activists want legal changes to guarantee equality.

Pride parades are becoming increasingly visible, demonstrating diverse acceptance. While challenges remain, LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving as awareness and acceptance expand.

Legal

Protecting Your Designs: Intellectual Property Rights in the Jewelry Manufacturing Industry

Intellectual Property jewellery

The jewelry manufacturing industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector where creativity and innovation are paramount. Designers invest significant time, effort, and resources into crafting unique pieces that appeal to consumers’ tastes and preferences. However, this industry faces a persistent challenge: the protection of original designs from imitation and unauthorized use.

Intellectual property rights (IPR) play a crucial role in safeguarding jewellery designs, ensuring that creators receive recognition and financial benefits from their work. This article delves into the various forms of intellectual property rights pertinent to the jewelry manufacturing industry and offers insights on how designers can protect their creations.

Understanding Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights are legal mechanisms that grant creators exclusive rights to their inventions, designs, and artistic works. These rights encourage innovation by providing creators with the means to control the use of their creations and to benefit financially from them. In the context of jewelry design, the most relevant forms of IPR are copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights.

Copyrights

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including artistic creations such as jewelry designs. Under copyright law, the designer of a piece of jewelry automatically acquires the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the design upon its creation. This protection does not require registration, although registering the copyright with the appropriate governmental body, such as the U.S. Copyright Office, can provide additional legal benefits and evidence of ownership.

For jewelry designers, copyright protects the aesthetic aspects of a piece, such as the specific design, patterns, and artistic expressions. However, it does not cover the functional elements or the materials used. The duration of copyright protection varies by country, but it typically lasts for the life of the creator plus an additional 50 to 70 years.

Trademarks

Trademarks protect symbols, names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace. For jewelry manufacturers, a trademark can cover the brand name, logo, or even a unique product line name.

Registering a trademark with the appropriate authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), provides nationwide protection and the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the specified goods or services.

A strong trademark helps consumers identify and differentiate a brand’s products from those of competitors, fostering brand loyalty and reducing the risk of confusion in the marketplace. It also provides legal recourse against counterfeiting and unauthorised use of the brand’s identity.

Patents

Patents protect new inventions and technical innovations. In the jewelry industry, this could include innovative manufacturing processes, unique mechanisms for adjustable or interchangeable jewelry, or novel materials and techniques. A patent grants the inventor the exclusive right to use, make, and sell the invention for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date of the patent application.

Obtaining a patent involves a rigorous process of proving that the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. For jewelry designers, the primary benefit of patent protection lies in safeguarding their innovative techniques and mechanical features, which can provide a competitive edge in the market.

Design Rights

Design rights specifically protect the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. These rights are particularly relevant to the jewelry industry, where the aesthetic appeal of a product is a key selling point. In many jurisdictions, design rights must be registered to be enforceable, though some countries offer unregistered design rights that provide limited protection.

Registering a design right involves submitting detailed representations of the design to the relevant authority, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection within the EU. Registered design rights typically offer protection for up to 25 years, subject to renewal fees.

Steps to Protect Jewelry Designs

Document Your Designs: Maintain detailed records of your design process, including sketches, prototypes, and finished pieces. This documentation can serve as evidence of originality and ownership in case of disputes.
Conduct Searches: Before launching a new design, conduct thorough searches to ensure it does not infringe on existing intellectual property. This can prevent legal issues and costly disputes.
Register Your IP: Where applicable, register your copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights with the appropriate authorities. Registration enhances protection and provides legal advantages in enforcing your rights.
Use NDAs and Contracts: When working with manufacturers, suppliers, and collaborators, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and detailed contracts to protect your designs and outline the terms of use. ( Check out EJ: A Jewelry Manufacturer with NDA’s.
Monitor the Market: Regularly monitor the market for potential infringements. This can involve online searches, attending trade shows, and staying informed about competitors’ activities.
Take Legal Action if Necessary: If you discover an infringement, take prompt legal action to enforce your rights. This may involve sending cease-and-desist letters, pursuing litigation, or seeking alternative dispute resolution methods.

Challenges and Considerations

While intellectual property rights offer significant protection, there are challenges and limitations to consider. The cost and complexity of obtaining and enforcing IPR can be prohibitive, especially for small designers and startups. Additionally, the global nature of the jewelry market means that protections obtained in one jurisdiction may not be recognized elsewhere, necessitating international strategies for comprehensive protection.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of fashion and jewelry trends can make lengthy registration processes impractical for certain designs. In such cases, relying on unregistered design rights or focusing on brand protection through trademarks may be more viable strategies.

Conclusion

Intellectual property rights are a vital tool for protecting the creativity and innovation that drive the jewelry manufacturing industry. By understanding and strategically utilizing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights, designers can safeguard their creations, enhance their competitive edge, and ensure they reap the financial rewards of their ingenuity. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about IPR and adapting to emerging challenges will be crucial for sustaining success in the dynamic world of jewelry design.