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Mixed Reactions to Viral Video of Phuket Police Restraining Foreigner - video
True, but there is more. Americans wear white socks on slippers, big NO in the rest of the world. Americans name their state instead of country when asked where from. As if the whole world knows that Indiana is a state instead of a country with -na added to it. Plain ignorance. Americans think the whole world looks up to them, where actually the opposite is true. I used to love the US, Americans, culture. But now it seems we are looking at a rebirth of Nazi Germany. -
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Thai Singer Tik Shiro Sells Iconic Harley Fatboy Amid New Beginnings
What was that concert really for? -
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18-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Trafficking 14-Year-Old Girl via X
Minor correction, but she's not a 'woman' if she's 18. She is still a girl herself. I'm aware of the international definition of 18 as adult, but in Thailand the age of majority is 20. So she'd be a Thai 'woman' at 20. As I say, it's a minor correction - and doesn't change the sleeziness of trafficking a younger girl. Shameful, but not very surprising to be honest. -
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European Parliament Condemns Thailand's Uyghur Deportations
Picture courtesy of Thai PBS In an emphatic motion, the European Parliament has taken a firm stance against Thailand's recent deportation of Uyghur detainees to China, urging the Southeast Asian nation to cease any further forced returns. The deportations in late February have provoked significant concern among international human rights advocates, with allegations that the lives of these individuals might be at grave risk in China. The European Parliament convened on Thursday, highlighting this pressing issue, and has called upon the Thai government to grant the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) uninhibited access to all detained Uyghur asylum seekers. Furthermore, they have demanded transparency regarding the status of these individuals, to prevent any further clandestine deportations. Moreover, the European Parliament has urged Thailand to align its institutional frameworks with international human rights standards. In doing so, it advocates for amnesty for parliamentarians and activists who have faced legal action under Thailand's stringent laws, such as the controversial lese-majesty regulations. In an accompanying call to action, the European Parliament suggested suspending extradition treaties with China until concrete measures ensuring the safety and rights of deported Uyghurs are confirmed. The resolution also demands China honour the fundamental rights of these deportees, urging transparency about their conditions and whereabouts, and allowing the UNHCR access to them to safeguard their welfare. A broader set of recommendations from the European Parliament includes urging Thailand to ratify core conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), thereby reinforcing its commitment to international standards for the protection of human rights. In a bid to leverage its economic ties with Thailand, the European Commission has been called upon to use ongoing free trade agreement negotiations as a platform to pressure Thailand into reforming its lese-majesty laws and releasing political prisoners. The motion, underscoring widespread concern across Europe, was adopted by a significant majority—with 482 votes in favour, 57 against, and 68 abstentions. This decisive action reflects growing global scrutiny over Thailand's human rights practices, especially regarding the treatment of Uyghur asylum seekers. The European Parliament's intervention underscores the urgency for Thailand to reassess its international obligations, amid calls for greater transparency and adherence to global human rights norms. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Thailand's next moves, with international human rights entities poised to respond if necessary, reported Thai PBS. -- 2025-03-14 -
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Thai Tourism Grapples with Declining Chinese Visitors
Picture courtesy of Kasikorn Research Centre In the rapidly evolving world of tourism, Thailand once basked in the glory of hosting over 10 million Chinese visitors annually. Yet, troubling trends have disrupted this golden age, casting a shadow over future prospects. At the heart of the decline are pressing concerns over safety and perceived inefficiencies in law enforcement, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta). Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the president of Atta, poignantly remarks on the missed growth opportunities over the past four years. While nations like China, Japan, and Vietnam have vigorously updated and expanded their tourist offerings, Thailand has remained anchored to its existing, albeit charming, resources without refreshing its appeal or infrastructure. The stagnation is compounded by a prevailing sense of insecurity among potential Chinese visitors. "We're sticking to the old resources and not maintaining or improving them," Mr Sisdivachr says. Present challenges are only exacerbated by the abundant negative sentiment pervading Chinese social media, where cyber scam woes discourage many potential tourists from exploring Thai shores. Optimism surrounding the return to pre-2019 visitor numbers, which once soared to 10 million Chinese tourists, fades unless Thailand can rapidly assure these travellers of their safety. Sisdivachr remains sceptical of meeting even the more modest target of 8 million Chinese arrivals this year, expecting closer to 7 million, mirroring figures slightly above the 2024 forecast. The lack of substantial growth in Chinese tourism is likely to impact Thailand's overall foreign arrival targets. Government forecasts aiming for 39 million arrivals seem increasingly ambitious with these challenges at the forefront. Ambitiously, the government has floated the concept of new entertainment complexes, including casinos, as a tourist draw. Yet, Sisdivachr voices his caution, highlighting potential pitfalls such as gambling-related issues among visitors and risks of money laundering without regulatory vigilance. Instead, he suggests careful implementation with perhaps only a few strategic locations, namely in Bangkok and other key tourist hotspots, where infrastructure is ripe for such developments. As Thailand looks forward to its next general election in 2027, he advocates for tourism to be front and centre in economic discussions, lamenting its absence in previous campaigns. Thailand stands at a crossroads, where the intricate balance of refreshing its offerings and ensuring security can shape the future of its tourism industry. As the country navigates these challenges, the past four years serve as a potent reminder of the importance of innovation and vigilance in maintaining its status as a premier travel destination, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-14
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