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Tourism Thailand Vows to End Dual Pricing Amid Growing Tourist Backlash
FILE photo for reference only Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has committed to tackling notorious dual pricing practices following widespread complaints from foreign tourists. Minister Sorawong Thienthong vowed to eliminate unfair pricing schemes after a significant meeting with tourism industry leaders and assorted agencies on Wednesday. The ministry's heightened response stemmed from a viral social media article entitled “Where Have Foreign Tourists Gone?” published last April, which showcased concerns from foreigners and expats. The article was sparked by a Bangkok Post piece on dipping tourist numbers and drew over 1,800 comments on Facebook. Complaints pointed at various issues, including tourists' safety fears, widespread overcharging, and ongoing intimidation by transnational crime groups in popular tourist hotspots. In a move to address these issues promptly, Minister Sorawong has set up direct case reporting from police to his desk for all tourist-related incidents. Tourists can also use the Thailand Tourist Police app or visit the designated tourist assistance centres now operational in each province for support. Acknowledging the grievances, particularly about higher accommodation fees, Mr Sorawong cited seasonal price fluctuations and global airfare increases due to aircraft shortages as contributing factors. The minister assured better regulation of tourism scams and pledged to ensure equitable pricing for both Thai citizens and international visitors by scrapping dual pricing altogether. Despite a slight 0.2% dip in foreign tourist arrivals over the past four months, tourism revenue has risen by 5% year-on-year, as shown by ministry data. The ministry has also responded to the Airlines Association of Thailand's call for more governmental support by requesting the Ministry of Transport to expand flight slots at major airports, including options for chartered flights. In conclusion, while tourist arrival numbers have waned slightly, efforts are being made to boost fairness and safety in the tourist experience, promising a brighter outlook for Thailand's tourism industry. Related topic: Rising Prices, Broken Systems Dim Thailand’s Tourist Charm https://aseannow.com/topic/1359304-rising-prices-broken-systems-dim-thailand’s-tourist-charm/ Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-01 -
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Crime Man Stabs Ex-Wife to Death After She Rejects Reconciliation, Then Attempts Suicide
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 50-year-old man stabbed his ex-wife to death in Chonburi province after she rejected his attempt to rekindle their relationship, citing her commitment to a new partner. The suspect later tried to take his own life but survived with critical injuries. Police in Bo Win, Si Racha District, received the report at around 22:30 on 29 April. Officers from Bo Win Police Station, led by Pol Lt Col Kanoknan Suksri, along with rescue volunteers from the Silatham Ban Bueng Foundation, responded to the scene, a raised single-storey rented house in Moo 7, Bo Win Subdistrict. Inside, officers discovered the body of 51-year-old Ms. Wannapha lying on her back with eight stab wounds to her chest. Nearby was Mr. Den, 50, suffering from ten self-inflicted stab wounds to his own chest. He was found barely conscious and was rushed to Laem Chabang Hospital in critical condition. Initial investigations revealed that Mr. Den was the victim’s ex-husband. The two had separated in 2023, and Ms. Wannapha had since moved on, living with her new husband in the rented home for nearly two years. Mr. Den had reportedly made several attempts to reconcile, but his advances were repeatedly rejected. On the night of the incident, it is believed that Mr. Den once again attempted to win her back. When she refused, he allegedly flew into a rage and attacked her with a knife he had brought with him. After fatally stabbing her, he then turned the weapon on himself in a failed suicide attempt. The victim’s current husband, Mr. Sanya, 50, told authorities that he was unaware his partner’s ex-husband had been visiting or making contact. He stated that the couple had a loving relationship and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary in the days leading up to the attack. Rescue workers have transferred the victim’s body to Laem Chabang Hospital for autopsy and storage. Meanwhile, police have stationed officers at Mr. Den’s bedside to prevent any escape attempts as he recovers under medical supervision. Criminal charges are expected once he regains consciousness. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-10. -
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Travel Rising Prices, Broken Systems Dim Thailand’s Tourist Charm
Think your math is a bit of. 1000 times would price that Pad thai 50 000 thb in Us or Europe. 50 000 thb is around 1645 US$. Stop posting pure BS -
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Woke Art on the Rails: Avanti’s Diversity Trains Spark Debate Over Priorities
A newly unveiled train design by Avanti West Coast has ignited a national debate, with some praising the celebration of diversity and others dismissing it as political woke posturing. The rail operator recently revealed its latest livery—a striking, colourful artwork painted across all seven carriages of one of its new Evero trains. The design, titled Together We Roll, aims to reflect the ethnic diversity of the company’s workforce and the communities it serves. Digital artist Baraka Carberry, the creator of the artwork, described it as a celebration of “scenes of people, culture, colours and joy.” The design, which will begin service this summer, was born out of a suggestion from Avanti’s frontline staff based at London’s Euston station. Carberry, who also designed a Windrush-themed bus for Transport for London, called the project “a living, evolving artwork that has the potential to resonate with the public.” Despite its positive intentions, the initiative has been met with political criticism. Gareth Bacon, the Conservative shadow transport secretary, labelled the move as “virtue-signalling nonsense.” He added, “Avanti West Coast can’t run a train on time, but they can find the time and money for virtue-signalling nonsense. While passengers are stranded on platforms waiting for services that never show up, Avanti are busy patting themselves on the back for colourful train paint jobs. This nonsense won’t fix the delays, cancellations, and endless chaos that Labour have caused with their ‘no-strings’ pay giveaway to the unions. Passengers need functioning rail services and deserve better than this farce.” Avanti, however, defended the move as an important cultural and community-building gesture. Kathryn O’Brien, Avanti’s customer experience director, said, “Nothing like this has been seen on the UK’s railways. We’re incredibly proud of this unique train and who it represents. By bringing to life the vibrant communities we serve and our employees, we hope to highlight the many people of different cultures, backgrounds and heritage who have a connection to the railway. This vibrant train marks our latest step towards this by sparking conversations about ethnicity and bringing a sense of togetherness across the west coast and beyond.” Government support also came from Lord Hendy, the rail minister, who viewed the initiative as a step in the right direction. “Diversity is key to the success of any industry, and creative work like this goes a long way in sparking conversations, encouraging inclusion and may inspire more people to choose a career in rail. We still have a long way to go until we have a railway which reflects the society we live in, but Together We Roll shows Avanti West Coast’s commitment to representing more of the communities they serve, and I look forward to seeing Baraka’s artwork out on the track.” Avanti has declined to comment on the cost of the new livery, leaving some critics to question the balance between symbolic gestures and practical service delivery. Nonetheless, the train will soon roll out across the UK’s rail network, a moving canvas of cultural pride—whether seen as progress or provocation. Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-01 -
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UK Joins US in Strikes Against Houthis Amid Red Sea Shipping Threat
UK Joins US in Strikes Against Houthis Amid Red Sea Shipping Threat The United Kingdom has launched airstrikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in its involvement alongside the United States in a joint campaign aimed at curbing attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the successful operation and assured the public that all Royal Air Force personnel and aircraft had returned safely to base. “This government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security,” Healey said. “Royal Air Force Typhoons have successfully conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen and all UK aircraft and personnel have returned safely to base.” The strikes were carried out in coordination with the United States and are part of an ongoing effort to neutralize the capabilities of the Houthi rebels, who have been blamed for repeated attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea—a vital artery for global trade. Healey emphasized that the purpose of the strikes was to "degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and International shipping." According to Healey, Houthi activities in the region have created a persistent threat to international maritime freedom and stability. “A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK,” he said. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Disruptions to this route, such as those caused by Houthi attacks, have serious global economic implications, with ripple effects extending to energy prices, supply chains, and inflation. “The Government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people,” Healey stated. “I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the service men and women involved in this operation.” The UK’s involvement signals a firm stance against what it sees as escalating threats to international trade and global security. While the operation has drawn both support and criticism on the global stage, officials insist that the aim is to defend freedom of navigation and maintain stability in an increasingly volatile region. Related Topics: Tragedy Strikes as Dozens of African Migrants Killed in US Air Raid on Yemen U.S. Destroys Houthi Fuel Terminal in Yemen 70 Killed according to Houthi officials Trump Warns Israel Would Lead Strike if Iran Refuses to Abandon Nuclear Ambitions Iran Withdraws Support from Houthis Amid Intensified US Airstrikes US deploys “overwhelming lethal force” against Houthis in Yemen Adpated by ASEAN Now from LBC News 2025-05-01 -
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Strong Support for Deportations including US Citizens to El Salvador's Notorious Mega-Prison
Americans Back Tough Justice: Strong Support for Deporting Criminals to El Salvador's Notorious Mega-Prison A growing number of Americans are voicing their support for the controversial approach to criminal justice—deporting convicted criminals, including U.S. citizens, to El Salvador’s infamously harsh Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). According to a new J.L. Partners/Daily Mail poll, 41 percent of registered voters are in favor of sending U.S. citizens convicted of serious offenses such as murder or rape to serve their sentences in the Central American nation’s maximum-security facility. The support is even more striking when it comes to undocumented immigrants. A staggering 71 percent of respondents said they approve of deporting undocumented individuals who commit serious crimes to El Salvador. Only 14 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea. Additionally, 56 percent said they either strongly or somewhat approve of deporting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes of any level, not just serious offenses. This hardline stance comes in the context of former President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on crime and immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, Trump oversaw the deportation of hundreds of gang members from groups like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 to CECOT, a sprawling prison complex built in Tecoluca, El Salvador in late 2022 as part of a national crackdown on gang violence. Trump has since expressed interest in expanding the use of this facility, stating that he would “love” to deport convicted U.S. citizens to the same prison where these gang members are held. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has confirmed his country’s willingness to accept such transfers. “We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system,” Bukele said. “We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee,” he added. Bukele also shared images of inmates in the prison, showing them crouched tightly together with their hands on their heads—an image that has become emblematic of the brutal efficiency of the facility. The idea of outsourcing incarceration to another country, particularly one with a controversial human rights record, might seem extreme, but it is gaining traction. A combined 35 percent of Americans polled said they support deporting undocumented immigrants to El Salvador even if they haven’t been convicted of a crime in the United States. Trump’s hardline immigration policies continue to resonate with many voters. One of his key promises during his presidential campaign was to crack down on illegal immigration and associated crime. Within his first 100 days in office, 65,682 undocumented immigrants were deported, according to a Department of Homeland Security official who spoke to the Daily Mail. That figure represents nearly the entire number of the 66,463 undocumented people arrested in the U.S. during that time period. Public awareness of these efforts is high, with six in ten Americans reporting they have heard a “great deal” or a “fair amount” about the deportation of Garcia, one of the notable cases associated with this policy. The poll numbers suggest a growing appetite among the American public for severe consequences for criminal behavior—regardless of citizenship—and a willingness to embrace unconventional methods in pursuit of justice. Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Daily Mail 2025-05-01
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