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Koh Taen island locals, situated in the Koh Samui district, handed in a petition yesterday in opposition to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation’s (DNP) plan. The proposal is to include the island, along with its neighbouring area, in the soon-to-be-established Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. This has sparked controversy among the locals, who point out that the island has an already established community dating back over 200 years. The district chief, Kampanat Klinsaowakon, received the petition from Thanakom Ruenpanich, the leader of the Rak Koh Taen Club, who was accompanied by a delegation of 58 locals. The letter, which was addressed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, demanded the cancellation of the island’s inclusion in the national park. According to Thanakom, Koh Taen is home to at least 300 locals who mainly work in coconut plantations and the fisheries industry. The island not only houses a school, hospital, and monastery but also boasts a rich biodiversity that attracts many conservationists. Its highlights include a coral reef and a mangrove forest. The government has reportedly approved plans to install submarine electronic cables on the island. However, the DNP’s proposal to incorporate the island’s land and waters, extending at least three nautical miles around the island, as well as ten neighbouring isles in tambon Taling Ngam into the national park, has been met with resistance. The locals argue that this would create issues related to environmental preservation and their livelihoods, as many rely on income earned from working in these areas. They further claim that certain areas – Koh Taen, Koh Rab, and Koh Mudsum – have land deeds attached to local plantations, rendering their inclusion unnecessary, reported Bangkok Post. Thanakom added that the proposal would also impact the submarine cable project aimed at bringing electricity from the mainland. Despite the controversy, the national park posted on Facebook that the DNP had already excluded 73,197 rai out of the 197,614 rai of the park’s potential area since the project commenced in 1990. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

National Telecom’s spectrum rights expiry threatens mobile traffic quality Photo of Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post National Telecom (NT), a state telecom company, faces a potential threat to its spectrums as the rights to three of its spectrum ranges are set to expire in September next year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321771-national-telecom’s-spectrum-rights-expiry-threatens-mobile-traffic-quality/

National Telecom (NT), a state telecom company, faces a potential threat to its spectrums as the rights to three of its spectrum ranges are set to expire in September next year. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been urged to devise a transparent plan to reallocate these spectrums, which are currently held by NT. The spectrum ranges in question are 850 megahertz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz, which NT utilises in partnership with major mobile operators to deliver services. According to Prawit Leeathapornwongsa, an advisor to NBTC commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoota, if these three spectrum bands are not reallocated correctly, consumers may experience a reduction in the quality of their mobile traffic. The traffic on these bands is projected to conclude post-September 2025. Prawit expressed concerns about the NBTC’s lack of a coherent plan to address this critical issue. A failure to decide on the reallocation or auctioning of these bands promptly could pose a risk, Prawit stated. He further added that the process for spectrum reallocation or auctioning could take at least nine months, and the NBTC office, along with its board, should seriously consider this matter. Mobile signal quality is a significant worry, with public criticism and the potential impact on consumers if it worsens. Prawit emphasised that the NBTC must decide how to handle the three spectrum ranges while balancing the financial pressure on operators and the benefits to the public. Nattapon Nattasomboon, the board chairman of NT, previously stated that the company’s current annual revenue of approximately 40 billion baht (US$ 1.12 billion) through several existing partnership agreements with private operators is expected to disappear after they expire in 2025. NT is the amalgamation of TOT and CAT Telecom. TOT had previously collaborated with Advanced Info Service on TOT’s 2100MHz service development. Similarly, CAT partnered with True Move H Universal Communication on CAT’s 850MHz service development. The rights to these two spectrum ranges are set to expire in 2025, reported Bangkok Post. Post-2025, NT will operate via the spectrum range on 700MHz and 26GHz that it secured in a license auction in February 2020. NT has yet to utilise the 700MHz spectrum. The company is currently implementing a turnaround plan focused on reducing redundant investment and expenditure while creating new revenue streams. As part of this plan, the NT board approved a budget cut of 1 billion baht (US$ 58 million) from its 6 billion baht (US$ 169 million) investment budget for 2024, as well as a 6.6 billion baht (US$ 185 million) budget for an early retirement scheme expected to attract 2,800 employees over the next three years. Photo of Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

TAT Survey Reveals Rises in Tourist Spending by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - A Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) survey has revealed that foreign tourists have increased their spending on accommodation post-pandemic, showing a preference for luxury hotels or resorts despite higher airfares. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321767-tat-survey-reveals-rises-in-tourist-spending/

BANGKOK (NNT) - A Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) survey has revealed that foreign tourists have increased their spending on accommodation post-pandemic, showing a preference for luxury hotels or resorts despite higher airfares. The survey, which involved 30,054 tourists in 2023, highlighted that average spending per trip rose to 50,900 baht, up from previous years. Accommodation costs accounted for a significant portion of this expenditure, averaging 23,518 baht per trip. The survey also showed a shift in dining preferences among tourists, with an increase in those opting for street food, rising from 63% to 77.3%. This change has led to a decrease in the average spending on food and beverage to 4,094 baht, down from 5,875 baht in 2019. Café hopping has emerged as a new trend, increasing in popularity among tourists. The TAT observed spending patterns among different nationalities, with tourists from the Middle East being the biggest spenders, followed by visitors from Oceania, the US, and Europe. The survey highlighted the evolving landscape of travel bookings, with a majority of individual travelers (53.7%) using online platforms for trip arrangements. Despite this, travel agents and tour operators still play a significant role in the industry. TAT's digital strategy includes a substantial budget request for fiscal 2024 aimed at leveraging social media to target potential tourists. Platforms such as TikTok have seen notable growth, indicating the effectiveness of short video content in attracting new visitors. TAT plans to collaborate with influencers to promote Thailand's destinations and activities further, capitalizing on the expansive reach of its global social media presence. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Over 400 Thai firms suspected of foreign nominee operations by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ThaiPost An inspection by the Business Development Department has revealed that over 400 firms across Thailand’s major tourist hotspots may be operating under foreign nominees. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321766-over-400-thai-firms-suspected-of-foreign-nominee-operations/

An inspection by the Business Development Department has revealed that over 400 firms across Thailand’s major tourist hotspots may be operating under foreign nominees. The firms under scrutiny are located in bustling provinces including Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and Chon Buri. The businesses investigated span various sectors, such as tour guides, restaurants, car rentals, hotels, and real estate. The Director-General of the Business Development Department, Auramon Supthaweethum, announced yesterday that the inspection targeted companies suspected of acting as nominees for foreign corporations. Of the 419 firms identified, 313 were commanded to provide additional documents for further verification. In collaboration with the Tourism Department and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the department is also examining 59 firms in Phuket believed to be functioning as nominees. One such firm is the Elephant Sanctuary Park Phuket, run by Urs David Fehr, a 45 year old Swiss national, and his Thai wife, Khanuengnit. Fehr recently made headlines for allegedly assaulting a doctor he accused of trespassing on his rented property. However, an inquiry showed that the firm, registered as a tour guide business, is not operating under a nominee. The shares are divided, with 51% held by Khanuengnit and another Thai shareholder, while Fehr owns the remaining 49%. The aforementioned inspection came in the wake of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the Tourism Department to eradicate proxy tourism businesses. Six agencies have teamed up for this cause, including the Tourism Department, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Business Development Department, the DSI, the Tourist Police Bureau, and the Immigration Bureau. An operation centre has been established at the Tourism Department to address the issue of proxy businesses. Additionally, a joint panel has been convened to devise measures to enhance the standard of tourism businesses. In a separate development related to the assault case involving Fehr, Phuket’s deputy governor, Sattha Thongkham, revealed that they have proposed to revoke Fehr’s visa due to his behaviour, deeming it a threat to public order and safety. However, the final decision lies with the court, as Fehr has the right to stay in Thailand to defend himself in the legal case, reported Bangkok Post. Furthermore, the location of the assault, a staircase at Yamu Beach in Thalang district, is being demolished by the local municipality after being found to encroach on public land. Police have vowed to inspect all public areas in Phuket for similar violations. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ThaiPost Source: THe Thaiger 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM to visit Europe, aiming to bolster trade and investment by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thai Government Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is set to travel to Germany and France in an official capacity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321764-thai-pm-to-visit-europe-aiming-to-bolster-trade-and-investment/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is set to travel to Germany and France in an official capacity. The visit, scheduled for March 7 to March 14, aims to bolster trade and investment between Thailand and these European nations. Accelerating the completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and advocating for visa exemptions for Thai passport holders are top priorities. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke emphasised the visit’s objectives, highlighting the intent to boost investor confidence in Thailand’s trade and investment potential. Alongside the FTA negotiations, he mentioned the discussions on visa exemptions for Thai passport holders. “Other key issues on the agenda include sustainable economic development, clean energy, and addressing environmental challenges.” He added that the prime minister will accentuate the significance of elevating relations with Germany and France, aiming to establish them as strategic partners. Throughout the week-long visit, PM Srettha is expected to engage with business leaders from a range of industries, including aviation, automobile, tourism, fashion, and retail. His itinerary also includes attendance at key events like ITB Berlin 2024, MIPIM 2024 and a speech at the annual reception of the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses. The government spokesman revealed in early February that Thailand aspires to finalise an FTA with the EU by next year, with the third round of talks due in June. As per the Commerce Ministry’s Department of Trade Negotiations, the EU is currently Thailand’s fourth-largest trade partner. “Trade value stood at US$34.8 billion within the first ten months of 2023,” said Chai. He noted that major exports include computers, gems, jewellery, air conditioners, and electronic circuits, while key imports are machinery, pharmaceutical products, electric machines, and chemical products. Trade discussion The initial FTA discussions between Thailand and the EU were launched in 2013 but were suspended in 2014 due to the military takeover in Thailand. With advancements in Thailand’s democratisation process, the European Council adopted an approach of gradual re-engagement in 2017 and 2019, which culminated in the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in December 2022. The council’s conclusions in 2017 and 2019 encouraged the European Commission to consider resuming FTA talks with Thailand, highlighting the importance of taking steps in this direction. The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy 2021 further asserted the EU’s longstanding interest in resuming FTA negotiations with Thailand. Currently, the EU has comprehensive FTAs with two ASEAN countries, Singapore and Vietnam, reported Bangkok Post. Srettha’s visit to Germany and France follows his recent trip to Australia for the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, commemorating 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner. Post-visit, the prime minister expressed optimism about the benefits of this visit for Thailand and its people, promising to advocate for connectivity and the green agenda. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thai Government Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Bust Suspected Drug Ring in Chonburi By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Chonburi — A police raid conducted by officers from the Ban Bueng Police Station at a residence in the Ban Bueng area resulted in the arrest of three Thai men and the seizure of drugs and firearms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321761-police-bust-suspected-drug-ring-in-chonburi/

Chonburi — A police raid conducted by officers from the Ban Bueng Police Station at a residence in the Ban Bueng area resulted in the arrest of three Thai men and the seizure of drugs and firearms. Acting on a tip, authorities searched the residence of a suspect identified only as Mr. Kwan, a 42-year-old Thai man, on March 5th, 2024. During the search, officers discovered a .380 caliber handgun with ammunition, two air rifles, 1,164 methamphetamine pills, 0.48 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and a long-barreled air gun. Three men were apprehended at the scene, including Mr. Kwan, Mr. Prakit (45 years old), and Mr. Prateep (56 years old). By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 7 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321760-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-7-march-2024/

A transgender Filipino and a Thai named Champ have come to a resolution after confrontations between a group of Thai and Filipino transgenders on Monday night. Both sides expressed gratitude and offered apologies to each other at Lumpini Police Station on Wednesday. Authorities apprehended six Indian nationals at suvarnabum airport for allegedly trying to smuggle 87 wild animals, including a red panda, out of the country. Officials were suspicious of xrays of 8 bags which were found to contain reptiles and animals .All were on the list of protected and endangered species. Prime minister Thavasin heads to Germany and France in pursuit of a free trade agreement with the European Union, the PM is seeking trade and investments plus visa free travel for Thai passport holders. Police seized 10 million methamphetamine pills and made one arrest during a drugs raid at a property in Pathum Thani. One other person managed to escape. Both were packing drugs due for delivery in Nakhon Nayok when police arrived. The arrested suspect admitted having driven a scout car, ahead of vehicles used for smuggling drugs. And would warn the driver of checkpoints ahead. Thailand's department of business development claims more than 400 foreign operated companies operate using nominees. Many of them are in the hospitality industry, running hotels, restaurants, tourism, car rentals and property. Further investigations are underway. Around the region The Philippines says it will not allow China to remove a Philippine military outpost in the fiercely disputed South China Sea. The announcement came a day after four Filipino navy personnel were injured in a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine ships. Philippine officials summoned a Chinese Embassy diplomat in Manila to convey a strong protest over the confrontation. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 38C Bangkok: sunny partly cloudy, 37C Pattaya: Sunny, partly cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny, partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny winds light from the South East 34C AQI yellow moderate, Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-03-07 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai economy predicted to bounce back in Q2 despite sluggish start by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Mariah Dalusong, Unsplash The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Bangkok (JSCCIB) has indicated that the Thai economy, which is set to experience sluggish growth this year, is expected to pick up in the second quarter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321759-thai-economy-predicted-to-bounce-back-in-q2-despite-sluggish-start/

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Bangkok (JSCCIB) has indicated that the Thai economy, which is set to experience sluggish growth this year, is expected to pick up in the second quarter. This projection is attributed to the anticipated state budget spending and a reduction in tension within the Red Sea region. The National Economic and Social Development Council has forecasted GDP growth of 2.7% for the year as fuel consumption recorded a downturn in January. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Federation of Thai Industries chairman, predicts that the economy will see improvement in the second quarter as the trade tensions caused by Houthi rebel attacks should ease, positively impacting international commerce. The government has previously announced that the parliamentary session to review the budget allocation for fiscal 2024 should be finalised by April. The Thai economy is also poised to benefit from a rebound in tourism and exports, with the Chinese economy predicted to grow by 5% this year. The JSCCIB expects the number of foreign arrivals to hit the government’s target of 35 million this year, a projection also shared by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This is in part due to the government’s visa-free policy aimed at attracting more foreign tourists. Kriengkrai suggested that the government should introduce new measures to stimulate the economy and boost consumer spending. He also stressed the need for the government to focus on exports to drive the economy. He noted that while exports are increasing, the pace of recovery is sluggish and new markets for Thai products are needed. Consumer spending is reportedly weak due to high household debt levels, which are estimated to be over 90% of GDP. Small and medium-sized enterprises are also struggling to access financing. Thai economy The JSCCIB maintains its GDP growth forecast for the year at between 2.8 and 3.3%, with exports expected to grow by 2 to 3% and inflation projected at 0.7 to 1.2%. This projection is dependent on the government’s implementation of its contentious digital money handout scheme worth 10,000 baht (US$ 280), reported Bangkok Post. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy Business reported a 5.2% year-on-year decrease in total fuel consumption to 153.3 million litres per day (MLD) in January. Diesel consumption fell by 11.4% year-on-year to 69.3 MLD, while demand for gasoline and gasohol increased by 2.7% to 32.2 MLD. Liquefied petroleum gas demand dipped by 1.6% year-on-year to 16.2 million kilograms per day due to a slowdown in the petrochemical industry in Asia. However, jet fuel consumption saw a significant rise of 15.6% year-on-year to 16.3 MLD, primarily due to the visa-free scheme that has boosted foreign visitor travel. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Mariah Dalusong, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya to Host Major Medical Cannabis Festival in April By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — The CISW MedCann Festival International (CMCF) will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, from April 25th to the 28th, 2024, focusing on medical cannabis, health tourism, and business opportunities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321757-pattaya-to-host-major-medical-cannabis-festival-in-april/

Pattaya — The CISW MedCann Festival International (CMCF) will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, from April 25th to the 28th, 2024, focusing on medical cannabis, health tourism, and business opportunities. This announcement was made jointly by Mr. Rattanachai Suthidechanai, a prominent figure in the Pattaya community, Dr Kampon Sriwatanakul, chairman of the Thailand National Charter of Health, and other industry leaders. This year’s CMCF will showcase interesting new products, special items, and exciting activities related to the medical cannabis industry. The festival aims to serve as a platform for international connection, bringing together experts and investors in the cannabis, medical, and pharmaceutical fields from countries such as Colombia, the United States, Germany, and Israel. It will also facilitate business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand: 10 million sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses in 2023 By Kelly Ng | BBC News File photo: National News Bureau of Thailand More than 10 million Thais sought treatment for illnesses linked to air pollution in 2023, authorities said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321756-thailand-10-million-sought-treatment-for-pollution-related-illnesses-in-2023/

More than 10 million Thais sought treatment for illnesses linked to air pollution in 2023, authorities said. The data from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) come as Thailand's air quality is worsening. Widespread farm burning and forest fires, notably in the country's north, often create a noxious smog at the beginning of the year. The start of 2024 has already seen a jump in cases of pollution-related diseases compared to the previous year. From 1.3 million in the first nine weeks of 2023, the number of people seeking treatment for pollution-related illnesses increased to 1.6 million at the start of 2024, AFP reported. Thailand has a population of about 72 million. By Kelly Ng | BBC News File photo: National News Bureau of Thailand Full story: BBC 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Man Arrested For Allegedly Working at Money Exchange Booth in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket-On Monday, March 5th, the Sakoo Police apprehended a suspect identified only as Mr. Andrei, a 37-year-old Russian national, at a money exchange booth in the Sakoo sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321750-russian-man-arrested-for-allegedly-working-at-money-exchange-booth-in-thalang/

Phuket-On Monday, March 5th, the Sakoo Police apprehended a suspect identified only as Mr. Andrei, a 37-year-old Russian national, at a money exchange booth in the Sakoo sub-district. The arrest occurred after he was allegedly found working inside the booth. Mr. Andrei was taken to the Sakoo Police Station to face charges related to overstaying and working without permission. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Overstay Incident: Australian Man Arrested After Escaping Hospital By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket-On Wednesday, March 6th, the Phuket Provincial Police apprehended a 26-year-old Australian man at a hotel near the Sri Kor Intersection in Kathu. The man had reportedly overstayed his visa by 34 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321749-phuket-overstay-incident-australian-man-arrested-after-escaping-hospital/

Phuket-On Wednesday, March 6th, the Phuket Provincial Police apprehended a 26-year-old Australian man at a hotel near the Sri Kor Intersection in Kathu. The man had reportedly overstayed his visa by 34 days. The backstory involves a road accident that occurred on January 31st, 2024, between the Australian man and a Thai individual. Both parties sustained injuries. Following the accident, the Australian man received medical treatment at a hospital in Phuket City. However, he managed to escape from the hospital before settling his bill. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Tourism Flourishes with Free Thai-China Visa Policy and Upcoming Songkran Festival By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: mgronline Pattaya — Pattaya’s tourism industry is experiencing a surge in the number of Chinese tourists following the implementation of the free Thai-China visa policy, according to Mr. Boonkerd Suksrikan, Vice President of the Eastern Thai Hotels Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321748-pattaya-tourism-flourishes-with-free-thai-china-visa-policy-and-upcoming-songkran-festival/

Pattaya — Pattaya’s tourism industry is experiencing a surge in the number of Chinese tourists following the implementation of the free Thai-China visa policy, according to Mr. Boonkerd Suksrikan, Vice President of the Eastern Thai Hotels Association. Mr. Boonkerd revealed that there is a significant rise in hotel bookings by Chinese tourists, particularly for stays extending into April, the month of Thailand’s word-famous Songkran water festival. This surge is attributed to the Thai government’s support for the festival, which could potentially see the festivities lasting throughout the month. The free Thai-China visa policy, implemented on March 1st, allows Chinese citizens to stay within Thailand for up to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative stay not more than 90 days but within 180 days. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: mgronline Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe