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Thailand Expands Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries to Boost Tourism

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Thailand Expands Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries to Boost Tourism

Thailand has taken a significant step to rejuvenate its tourism industry by expanding its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries and territories. Under the new scheme, which began on Monday, visitors can now stay in the vibrant South-East Asian nation for up to 60 days.

Previously, passport holders from 57 countries enjoyed visa-free entry. This expansion is part of Thailand’s strategic efforts to recover and grow its tourism sector, a vital pillar of its economy.

In the first half of 2024, Thailand welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists, a remarkable 35% increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data. Although these numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels, the growth is a positive sign of recovery. The majority of visitors hailed from China, Malaysia, and India.

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Tourism revenue during the first six months of 2024 amounted to 858 billion baht ($23.6bn; £18.3bn), which is less than a quarter of the government’s ambitious target. Nonetheless, Thailand remains a top destination for its golden temples, white sand beaches, picturesque mountains, and vibrant nightlife.

The revised visa-free rules are part of a broader initiative to stimulate tourism. Additionally, Thailand introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers, allowing holders to stay for up to 180 days each year. The country also extended a warm welcome to visiting students, permitting those who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand to stay for one year after graduation to find a job or travel.

In June, authorities extended a waiver on hoteliers’ operating fees for two more years and scrapped a proposed tourism fee for visitors flying into the country. These measures aim to create a more inviting environment for tourists and support the industry’s recovery.

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Despite these positive changes, some stakeholders have voiced concerns about the country’s infrastructure keeping pace with the influx of travelers. Kantapong Thananuangroj, president of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association, emphasized the need for comprehensive preparation to ensure a positive experience for visitors.

“If more people are coming, it means the country as a whole, not just the Ministry of Tourism – has to prepare our resources to welcome them,” said Thananuangroj. “If not, [the tourists] may not be impressed with the experience they have in Thailand and we may not get a second chance.”

Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, also highlighted potential bottlenecks in air traffic, as the number of incoming flights might not increase quickly enough to meet travelers’ demands.

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There have been safety concerns amid rumors of tourists being kidnapped and sent across the border to work in scam centers in Myanmar or Cambodia. However, Thailand remains committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its visitors.

With these dynamic changes and a focus on creating a welcoming and safe environment, Thailand is poised to further solidify its status as a premier global tourist destination.

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Travelers Brace for Hurricane Milton: Airlines, Theme Parks, and Cruise Lines Adjust Plans

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Travelers Brace for Hurricane Milton: Airlines, Theme Parks, and Cruise Lines Adjust Plans

With Hurricane Milton rapidly approaching Florida’s west coast, travel plans across the region are being significantly disrupted. The Category 4 storm, carrying winds of up to 145 mph, has triggered widespread cancellations, route changes, and closures as airlines, theme parks, and cruise lines prepare for its anticipated landfall on Wednesday.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across more than 50 counties, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warning that Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida’s west coast with dangerous force.

Airports are taking precautionary measures, with Tampa International Airport suspending operations early on Tuesday, stating that it will “reopen when safe to do so.” Orlando International Airport, a major hub, announced it will close by 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Southwest Airlines, which accounts for a significant portion of flights in and out of Orlando, has already canceled 402 flights for Wednesday. FlightAware reports that over 85% of flights at Orlando International Airport have been grounded for the day, with many more cancellations at Tampa and Southwest Florida International airports.

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Theme parks are also responding to the storm. Busch Gardens Tampa will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday, while SeaWorld Orlando remains open for the time being but continues to monitor Hurricane Milton’s path closely.

Cruise lines have been proactive as well, with Carnival informing passengers that ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami are likely to close. As a result, several routes and destinations have been altered to steer clear of the storm’s impact.

As Hurricane Milton nears, travelers and local residents are urged to stay informed and adjust plans accordingly, with further disruptions expected in the coming days.

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States Sue TikTok, Alleging Impact on Teen Mental Health Crisis

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States Sue TikTok, Alleging Impact on Teen Mental Health Crisis

A coalition of 14 U.S. states has filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the social media giant of exacerbating a mental health crisis among teenagers. The bipartisan group of attorneys general claims the platform’s addictive features target young users, misleading the public about the safety of prolonged use, and contributing to negative mental health outcomes.

In the lawsuit, filed in New York, the attorneys general argue that TikTok intentionally designed features that drive compulsive use, negatively affecting millions of teens. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that TikTok’s influence has led to tragic incidents, including the death of a 15-year-old boy in Manhattan, who died while “subway surfing” after watching similar videos on TikTok.

James emphasized that many teenagers are struggling with increased anxiety, sadness, and depression, attributing some of these effects to the app’s alerts, disappearing videos, and beauty filters. These features, she said, encourage constant checking of the platform and contribute to issues surrounding body image.

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TikTok, which is already grappling with legislation that could ban it from the U.S. unless its parent company, Bytedance, sells the app, called the lawsuit “disappointing.” The platform contends that it has introduced tools to limit screen time and content exposure, but the lawsuit claims these tools are ineffective.

In addition to the mental health accusations, the lawsuit also points to TikTok’s virtual currency as running an unlicensed money transmission business in Washington D.C. The plaintiffs seek financial penalties and a court order to halt TikTok’s practices that allegedly harm teenagers.

TikTok has responded by defending its efforts to protect young users, stating, “We strongly disagree with these claims,” and reaffirming their commitment to improve the platform.

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Rolls-Royce Unveils Exclusive NYC Showroom for Ultra-Wealthy Clients

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Rolls-Royce Unveils Exclusive NYC Showroom for Ultra-Wealthy Clients

Rolls-Royce has launched its first U.S. “Private Office” in New York City’s Meatpacking District, offering a VIP design studio experience for its most affluent clients. This highly exclusive showroom marks a significant step in the luxury carmaker’s strategy to enhance profits by focusing on high-end, personalized vehicles rather than increasing production.

Last year, Rolls-Royce manufactured just 6,032 cars—less than half of Ferrari’s output—but its custom designs continue to drive profit growth for parent company BMW. The Private Office takes car personalization to an elite level, where select clients can work closely with designers to customize every aspect of their vehicle, from paint colors to fabrics, woods, and even intricate lighting schemes. Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge emphasized that customer requests can be as unique as matching the car’s exterior to the color of a pet’s eyes or incorporating mother-of-pearl from a private collection.

This bespoke design service, known as the “Bespoke” program, allows clients to add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the base price of a Rolls-Royce. For instance, a Phantom priced at just under $500,000 could exceed $1 million after personalization.

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Unlike traditional dealerships, the Private Office is a discreet and luxurious space, designed more like a billionaire’s Manhattan loft than a car showroom. The entrance is unmarked, with clients entering through a secure elevator. Inside, the studio features a sleek black kitchen, an outdoor terrace, and a collection of classic vinyl records, creating an intimate environment for clients to explore materials such as paint samples, leather, and metals.

This Manhattan showroom brings the expertise of Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood factory directly to clients, accommodating the increasingly intricate requests of the brand’s top-tier clientele.

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