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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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Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings

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Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings

Supermarket chain Iceland has filed a trademark application for its well-known “King Prawn Rings,” urging rival supermarkets to stop selling similar products. Iceland, headquartered in Flintshire, claims it has faced increasing imitation since introducing its prawn rings in 1991.

In a bold open letter shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Iceland called out major competitors Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, and Asda, accusing them of selling “copy crustaceans.” The letter cheekily asserted, “The King Prawn Ring is ours, and we won’t be letting you off the hook.”

Lidl humorously responded, “Here was us thinking it was a classic 1970s party dish.”

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Iceland’s letter, signed by “Iceland Foods,” warned other retailers to cease selling prawn rings, especially ahead of Christmas. The chain emphasized its intent to pursue legal action if competitors don’t comply, declaring, “Our lawyers are more than ready to dive into legal waters.”

The prawn ring battle has sparked social media buzz, with consumers eagerly watching how rival supermarkets will respond to Iceland’s trademark claim.

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Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says

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Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says

The union representing striking Boeing workers has stated that its members are not interested in the company’s latest pay proposal, which includes a 30% raise over four years. According to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a survey revealed overwhelming dissatisfaction with the offer, labeling it as “inadequate.”

This rejection follows Boeing’s new “best and final” offer, which also included a performance bonus reinstatement, improved retirement benefits, and a one-time $6,000 signing bonus. The company set a deadline for the deal to be ratified by union members by midnight on September 27.

However, IAM criticized Boeing for sending the offer directly to workers and the media without consulting union leaders and stated that the time frame was insufficient to organize a proper vote. Boeing has denied the union’s claims and said it would allow more time and provide support to facilitate the vote.

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China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns

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China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has launched a significant package of measures aimed at revitalizing its struggling economy. PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng announced plans to lower borrowing costs and allow banks to expand lending to stimulate economic activity.

With recent economic data raising concerns that China may miss its 5% growth target this year, the central bank will cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR)—the amount of cash banks must hold in reserve—by half a percentage point, releasing around 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion) into the economy. Additional cuts may follow later in the year.

The package also addresses China’s property market crisis by cutting interest rates for existing mortgages and reducing minimum down payments for all homes to 15%.

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Asian stock markets responded positively to the news, seeing a boost after Mr. Pan’s announcement, which came during a rare joint press conference with officials from two other financial regulators.

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