Thailand's Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin removed from office for unethical ministerial appointment

Photo Credit: Thaiger

Today, Thailand's Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin from office after finding him guilty of violating political ethics by appointing a former convict as a government minister.

Former Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin appointed Pichit Chuenban, a well-known lawyer with ties to the Shinawatra family, as Minister of the Prime Minister's Office. The appointment raised concerns among 40 senators as Pichit was not qualified for the role due to a previous criminal conviction.

Pichit was sentenced to six months in prison a decade ago for attempting to bribe court officials with 6 million baht during a case involving Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife. Due to this serious offense, he was also removed from Thailand's Royal Council.

Amid growing controversy over his appointment, Pichit decided to step down on May 21.

"If I was as bad as they claim, I would not have entered parliament," Pichit said. Despite his resignation, 40 senators filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, asking the court to rule on whether the 62-year-old former prime minister's actions violated the ethical standards expected of Thai politicians. Bangkok-born Sritha knew Pichit was unfit, but he still appointed him as minister.

The court delivered its ruling at 3pm today, stating that Sritha's actions were a serious breach of political ethics. As a result, he has been removed from the position of prime minister with immediate effect.
 

Note on the next prime minister

With Sritha no longer in office, a new prime minister and Cabinet must be selected. Although Sritha is no longer able to perform his duties, other Cabinet members will continue to serve until a new Cabinet is in place. Former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai is expected to serve as interim prime minister during this transition.

Sri Sri, Thailand's 30th Prime Minister, continued his duties as usual before the Court's decision. In an interview this morning, he mentioned that he planned to visit a market under the Plon Chit Bridge in Bangkok later in the day.

When asked about his concerns about the Court's decision, Sri Sri admitted, "I slept well last night, but I worry about everything all the time. However, this matter is beyond my control, so I will let the Court proceed."

Stithorn Thananitichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok Institute, shared his thoughts on Thailand's potential new Prime Minister during an interview with ThaiRath. He suggested that the position could be filled by Patongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party. However, the new Prime Minister could also come from other coalition parties, such as Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, or Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party.

Dhaka Indian Visa Centre Resumes Limited Operations in Bangladesh

 

 

 The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka has cautiously resumed limited services after remaining suspended for a period of time due to recent political unrest in Bangladesh.

This temporary closure was a response to the violent protests that erupted following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which caused widespread disruption across the country.

On Tuesday, IVAC announced that it had resumed offering limited visa services in Dhaka, allowing applicants to collect their passports. However, the centre stressed that only those who receive a notification from IVAC via text message should visit to collect their documents. This cautious reopening reflects the ongoing challenges in the sector.

IVAC assured applicants that they would be notified when their passports were ready for collection and advised them to wait for this message before visiting the centre.

The Visa Centre initially closed all its locations in Bangladesh on [07 August, 2024] due to the unstable situation following the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This closure caused delays to travellers who had already applied for visas or were planning to do so.

During the period of unrest, IVAC closed all its centres in Bangladesh as a security measure to protect both its staff and applicants. At the time the closure was indefinite, IVAC stated that services would only resume when the situation stabilized.

Applicants who have already submitted their visa applications will be contacted individually via SMS and will be given instructions on how to obtain their passports. Due to limited operations, processing times for both new and existing applications may take longer than usual. IVAC appeals for patience and understanding during this period.

For Bangladeshi nationals planning a trip to India, here is what you need to know:

• IVAC in Dhaka is now accepting visa applications with limited capacity.
• Expect long processing times for your visa application.
• Stay updated by checking the IVAC website for the latest information on operations and procedures.

AirAsia launches first international flights from Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur

AirAsia has launched an exciting new route connecting Port Blair in India to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. This marks a significant milestone as AirAsia becomes the first airline in the ASEAN region to operate international flights from Port Blair.

From November 16, 2024, AirAsia will launch three weekly flights on this route. With this launch, the airline expands its reach, now offering 17 routes between various destinations in India and major cities including Amritsar and Chennai.

To celebrate the new route, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares starting from just Rs 4,999 (all-inclusive, one-way) from Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur. Travellers can book these deals from now until August 25, 2024 on the AirAsia Move app or the AirAsia website, for travel between November 16, 2024 and October 8, 2025.

In 2024, AirAsia is rapidly expanding its network in Southeast Asia. This new connection adds to the list of 10 recently launched routes connecting India to Malaysia and Thailand, including popular cities such as Jaipur, Bhubaneswar and Kozhikode. AirAsia now operates 97 flights per week from India, reflecting its strong commitment to expanding its presence in the region.

Indian travellers can also take advantage of Malaysia's visa-free entry policy, which allows tourists to stay for up to 30 days, valid until June 30, 2025. With AirAsia's affordable fares, Kuala Lumpur has now become an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists.

Thailand's tourism industry is set to grow rapidly

Get ready for a big boom in Thailand's tourism industry! According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the second half of the year is forecast to bring in a staggering 1.46 trillion Baht, bringing annual revenue to 2.8 trillion Baht - a 25% increase over the previous year.

TAT is optimistic about this growth, as more flights have resumed and a series of promotional campaigns are underway. They expect a 23% increase in tourism revenue from both international visitors and locals.

The number of foreign tourists is forecast to reach 18.2 million, contributing 964 billion Baht. At the same time, domestic travelers are expected to make 103 million trips, generating 504 billion Baht in revenue.

According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphibool, Thailand is expected to welcome at least 35.9 million international visitors this year and record a total of 192 million domestic trips. International flights are forecast to return to 80% of 2019 levels between July and December, representing a 10% increase from the same period last year, with around 22 million seats available.

Key markets driving this growth in the second half of the year include East Asia, Europe and South Asia, with China expected to lead the way with 3.6 million visitors, followed by Malaysia with 2.6 million and South Korea with one million.

Nihao Month
To tap into the Chinese market, TAT will launch "Nihao Month" in September, which celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. According to Thapanee, the campaign will run from September to the end of the year in partnership with five Chinese online travel platforms, aiming to attract Chinese tourists who seek destinations that offer great value.

"We are also focusing on attracting meeting and incentive groups from India and attending trade shows aimed at the Middle East market." In addition, TAT is expanding its global reach by opening a new office in Chicago to meet growing demand from the Midwest and Canada. However, Thapanee also warned that the slowing Chinese economy and geopolitical tensions, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, could impact the tourism sector. Thailand also faces stiff competition from neighbouring countries such as China, Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia, which have eased visa restrictions and launched aggressive marketing efforts to attract high-spending tourists.

Hat Yai: Asia's most affordable travel destination, ranked by Agoda

The Hat Yai district in Songkhla, Thailand has been recognized as the most affordable travel destination in Asia by Agoda, one of the world's leading online travel platforms.

Agoda's ranking highlights cities that offer affordable accommodation options for travelers. The list was based on the cost of an average night's stay between June 15 and July 7 this year. Hat Yai, a popular city in southern Thailand, topped the list with an average accommodation cost of 1,250 baht per night. The platform noted that Hat Yai is perfect for travelers who want to stay connected to nature while still staying in the city center, thanks to attractions like Hat Yai City Municipal Park.

Agoda also recommends that visitors enjoy local street food at Kimyong Market and experience the unique culture of Hat Yai, which serves as an important connection point between Thailand and Malaysia. The city's accessibility is enhanced by Hat Yai International Airport, making it convenient for tourists.

This is not the first time Hat Yai has topped the list in terms of affordability. The city was also ranked as the most affordable destination in Asia in 2023. In an interview with Than Settakij news agency in January, Nongyao Jirandon, director of the Hat Yai Tourism Authority Office, mentioned that Malaysian tourists are the main target market for Hat Yai. The province is also aiming to attract visitors from Singapore and Indonesia thanks to direct flights launched by Air Asia. Additionally, visitors from Malaysia can easily reach Hat Yai by train from KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, with services running two to five times daily.

Air India Express expands domestic routes

 

New flights connecting major Indian cities from August 2024

Air India Express is expanding its domestic network by adding six new daily flights, providing better connections between major cities in India. These new routes, starting from August 12, 2024, will offer passengers more travel options, connecting Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, and other cities.

This expansion is part of Air India Express' plan to improve connectivity within India, making it easier and more convenient for passengers to travel between major destinations.

The new routes will connect Chennai to Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra, and Thiruvananthapuram, while Kolkata will get new services to Varanasi and Guwahati. Additionally, the airline will launch a new direct route between Guwahati and Jaipur, providing a unique connection between these cities.

Detailed flight schedule:

- Chennai: Air India Express will now connect Chennai to 10 domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram. Internationally, Chennai will be connected to Dammam, Kuwait, Singapore, and 24 additional one-stop destinations.

- Bhubaneswar: With the new flights, Bhubaneswar will have better connections to seven major cities in India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. The airline also offers 26 one-stop itineraries from Bhubaneswar, providing greater travel flexibility.

- Kolkata: As a major hub, Kolkata will now have 124 weekly flights with Air India Express, connecting passengers to 34 destinations, including 12 direct domestic cities and multiple one-stop options.

- Thiruvananthapuram: The airline will connect Thiruvananthapuram with 12 direct flights, both domestic and international. Additionally, passengers will have access to 23 one-stop destinations from the city.

- Guwahati: Air India Express will expand its network from Guwahati to eight domestic destinations, with an additional 23 one-stop routes available for domestic and international passengers.

- Varanasi: The airline will offer 42 weekly departures from Varanasi, connecting it to three domestic destinations and one international route, along with multiple one-stop travel options.

- Jaipur: Air India Express will operate nine direct flights from Jaipur to domestic cities and one international destination, offering 24 one-stop connections to passengers.

South Africa extends visa concession until December 2024

Due to ongoing delays in the visa process, South Africa has extended a temporary concession for foreign nationals who are awaiting the results of their visa, exemption and appeal applications. This extension, which runs until December 31, 2024, is designed to protect applicants from negative consequences while the Ministry of Home Affairs works through the backlog.

To ease the concerns of those awaiting decisions, the South African government has announced this extension, specifically for foreign nationals currently residing in the country.

This concession is only available to applicants who have submitted their requests through VFS Global. This ensures that foreign nationals will not face negative impacts while their applications are being processed.

Here is a description of what this extension means:

- This concession applies to foreign nationals who were legally admitted to South Africa and who have applied for a visa, exemption or appeal through VFS Global. Applicants must show a valid receipt for their application through the VFS Global tracking system. This measure is intended to help those who are stuck in a waiting period while their requests are processed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

- Visa holders who have exemption applications pending until June 30, 2024 have now been given an extension until December 31, 2024. This gives the Ministry of Home Affairs more time to handle these applications, giving applicants the opportunity to receive their results and submit the correct visa application.

- Foreign nationals with long-term visa applications (such as visitor, business, study, relative and work visas) pending until June 30, 2024 have also been given an extension of their current visa status until December 31, 2024. This ensures they can legally remain in South Africa while waiting for a decision.

- Visa holders who have appealed a negative decision on their long-term visa applications will also have their current status extended until December 31, 2024. This gives appeals more time to process, without the risk of being left without documents.

- Those awaiting an appeal decision can leave and re-enter South Africa until December 31, 2024. They will need to show their rejection letter and appeal receipt when leaving and returning. Non-visa-exempt applicants will need a visa to re-enter even with an appeal receipt.

- Short-term visa holders (those with visas issued for 90 days or less) awaiting renewal must leave South Africa within 90 days of their visa expiring to avoid being labelled as undesirable. This situation may affect future entry into the country.

By extending this concession, the South African government aims to address delays in visa and waiver processing. The Department of Home Affairs is committed to reducing the backlog and ensuring that applicants, particularly those with the necessary skills, are not negatively impacted.

Thailand's tourism industry is set to boost the economy

According to government spokesman Chai Watcharoenke, the Thai government expects the tourism sector to generate about 2.8 trillion baht in revenue this year, with about 38 million international tourists visiting the country.

Mr Chai recently updated the government's tourism projections for this year, forecasting 20.47 million foreign visitors in the second half of the year, bringing the total number to 37.97 million - a 34.88% increase over last year.

Regarding domestic tourism, Mr Chai said the number of visits made by Thai tourists is expected to reach 105 million in the second half of the year, contributing to an annual total of 205 million, a 10% increase over last year.

On the revenue side, Mr Chai said 1.41 trillion baht is estimated to be generated in the second half of the year, bringing the annual total to 205 million The total will be 2.73 trillion. baht. This represents an increase of 650 billion baht or 31% year-on-year. He further pointed out that of the total 2.73 trillion baht, 1.77 trillion baht will come from foreign tourists and 962 billion baht from domestic tourists, representing an increase of 44.2% and 12% respectively compared to the previous year. Mr Chai attributed the improved performance of the tourism industry this year to four key factors: 1. Improved travel convenience: Visa-free entry, the removal of immigration cards and special train services have made cross-border travel easier. 2. Increased flight availability: More airline seats are available due to the increased number of flights from key markets such as China, Japan, Australia, Germany and the UK, as well as the resumption of flights suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. 22 million seats will be available between July and December. 3. Influence of artists and social media: Many travellers are following in the footsteps of artists and social media influencers who have highlighted Thailand as a must-visit tourist destination.

4. Events and activities*: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organised various festivals and events such as the Amazing Beach Life Festival and Amazing Food Festival to attract more visitors.

Mr Chai also mentioned that the positive performance of the tourism industry will help increase the country's GDP by more than 3%. He said Prime Minister Sritha Thavisin is confident that next year will be the "golden year" for Thailand's tourism, and even better results are expected.

Family demands justice after Thai woman dies of electric shock at Phuket hotel

The family of a Thai woman who died of electric shock at a Phuket hotel is demanding justice, accusing the hotel and police of covering up the real cause of her death to avoid responsibility.

Kanoukwan "Nam" Intachak, a 26-year-old assistant chef at a well-known hotel in Phuket, died tragically while working on April 21. A witness reported that Nam started screaming, fell backwards, hit her head on a table and lost consciousness.

Nam's family suspected that the cause of her death was electric shock because the place where she was working had many electrical appliances. However, Thalang Police Station found no signs of physical assault or electric shock after investigating the scene. Nam's body was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem and on April 22, police claimed that Nam had died from atherosclerosis, a congenital heart disease.

The hotel offered Nam's family 68,000 baht in compensation, while his co-workers contributed an additional 12,100 baht. However, Nam's father refused to accept the money, doubting the police report.

Later, Amarin TV reported that the hotel had given the family a fake post-mortem report, raising suspicions that the police were involved in the fraud.

The family received the official post-mortem report from the hospital late last month, which clearly stated that Nam had died of electric shock.

In response, Nam's father and other family members carried his body in a coffin from their home in Nakhon Si Thammarat to the hotel in Phuket. They vowed to sit outside the hotel until the management takes responsibility and properly compensates the family for their losses.

In a related incident, a Thai high school student in Trang province died of electric shock while trying to turn off a water dispenser on a teacher's instruction. Although the family did not take any legal action against the school, many Thai netizens criticized the school and teachers' negligence, and urged all schools to prioritize students' safety.

India suspends visa services for Bangladeshi nationals

 

India has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Bangladeshi nationals due to the deteriorating political situation in Bangladesh. As a result, all Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) in Bangladesh have been closed until further notice, as non-essential Indian embassy staff is being evacuated.

India has closed all its visa centres indefinitely due to the escalating political crisis in Bangladesh. The decision comes after non-essential Indian embassy staff and their families were evacuated due to the volatile situation.

Visa centres temporarily shut

Due to the closure of the Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC), Bangladeshi nationals cannot currently apply for Indian visas. The action highlights the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh, where widespread protests have forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.

While diplomatic missions in Bangladesh are still operational, visa services have been temporarily suspended due to the ongoing unrest, meaning Bangladeshi citizens cannot apply for Indian visas at this time.

The Indian government said all IVACs will remain closed "until the situation stabilises". Updates on when visa services will resume will be sent via SMS, and passport processing will continue on the next available working day.

Political turmoil triggers crisis
The suspension of visa services is a response to widespread protests in Bangladesh, which began in June over the controversial labour quota system. What began as peaceful protests turned into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in over 300 deaths.

Impact on travel and trade
The indefinite closure of IVACs is likely to significantly impact travel and trade between India and Bangladesh. Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi citizens visit India for business, tourism, medical treatment and education. The suspension of visa services will disrupt these plans, causing inconvenience to many.

 

Sri Lanka Suspends e-Visa System: Key Updates for Travellers

On August 2, 2024, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka temporarily halted the e-Visa system managed by VFS Global and other foreign firms. The decision was taken due to concerns over procedural issues, corruption and breach of public trust. The suspension aims to restore transparency in the visa application process.

2. Refunds for affected applicants:

- Applicants who submitted visa applications after 5:00 pm Sri Lanka Standard Time on August 2, 2024 are eligible for a refund. They must send their application reference number to travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk for processing.

3. Restoration of ETA System:

- The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, previously managed by Sri Lankan telecommunications company Mobitel, is expected to be restored. The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) indicated that the ETA system could resume within the next week.

4. Visa on arrival option:

- Travellers can still obtain visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. However, citizens of certain countries (Afghanistan, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, North Korea, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria) are excluded from this option and must apply through the Immigration Department with a representative.

5. Ongoing discussions:

- Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Vianney Gunathilaka confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Department of Immigration and Emigration to resolve the situation immediately.

 

 

 

India expands visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities to boost tourism

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on August 5 announced that India will extend visa-on-arrival facility to citizens of Japan, South Korea and UAE. The update was provided in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Visa-on-arrival allows visitors from these countries to stay in India for up to 60 days for tourism, business, conference and medical purposes, including the option of double entry. The service is available at six designated airports, making travel more convenient for these visitors.

Additionally, the ministry has expanded the e-visa facility, which is now accessible to citizens of 167 countries. The e-visa allows entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, making travel simpler for a wide range of international tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism conducts various surveys, research and feasibility studies to inform policy development and evaluate current programmes. The data collected helps identify areas of improvement and ensure that tourism policies meet their goals.

To enhance the safety of tourists and provide immediate assistance, 15 state governments and Union Territory administrations have deployed tourist police. A 24x7 multilingual tourist information-helpline is also available toll-free at 1800111363 or short code 1363, which provides assistance in 12 languages, including 10 international languages.

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which was launched in 2014-15, aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India. Financial assistance is provided to states, Union Territory administrations and central agencies. Since its inception, 76 projects have been sanctioned with a total revised amount of ₹5287.90 crore, out of which ₹4944.47 crore has been released. The scheme has been updated to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.

The Ministry has also launched National Mission on Pilgrimage Revival and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) for development of pilgrimage sites. ₹1621.14 crore has been sanctioned under the scheme, out of which ₹1024.18 crore has already been released.

Thailand's 'Amazing Beach Life Festival': Music, sports and arts on stunning beaches

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled the "Amazing Beach Life Festival", which will be held in four spectacular locations: Rayong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Songkhla. Featuring music, sports and arts on the beach, the festival aims to promote tourism.

The launch event, held at the Thanarat Hall of the TAT Building on July 4, was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Phonpoom Wipattipumiprats, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkiat, Deputy Governor of Tourism Product and Business at TAT, Mr. Chaya Chandavasu, Executive Vice President of Sustainability at PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), and actor Pe Arak Amornsupasiri, known for his love of beach travel.

Dr. Phonpoom emphasized that the festival is part of TAT's efforts to boost tourism during Thailand's Green Season. The selected destinations—Rayong, Phang-Nga, Phuket and Songkhla—are well-known tourist destinations. The target is to generate 3.5 trillion baht from tourism this year and in the coming years.

Mr. Apichai highlighted that the event aims to attract foreign and Thai tourists with high purchasing power and a passion for beach life, bringing economic benefits to local communities in these areas during the off-season.

Sustainable and responsible tourism will be the main focus of the festival, with eco-friendly decorations and a display of award-winning sustainable tourism enterprises from the Thailand Tourism Awards. TAT and GC are also collaborating on effective waste management practices for the event.

Mr. Chaya Chandabasu pointed out that GC will ensure a responsible event experience by promoting proper waste separation and recycling through its "YOUTURN Platform". Visitors can engage in DIY activities, turn plastic waste into keychains and other items, and explore eco-friendly beach fashion from the UPTOYOU brand.

Actor Pe Arak said that despite the rainy season, the festival will highlight the unique beauty of the sea and offer activities tailored to this time of year. He enjoys beach visits and surfing during the rainy season, when the waves are higher, and he encourages others to explore the Thai sea year-round.

Festival highlights by location:
- Rayong: "Tropical Beach (July 12-14, 2024)
- Phang-Nga: "Beach Rhythm (July 26-28, 2024) - Enjoy the vibrant party vibe of the Andaman Sea.
- Phuket: Neon Waves (August 2-4, 2024) - Experience the nightlife of Patong city with neon lights reflecting off the sea.
- Songkhla: Art Paradise (August 9-11, 2024) - Discover the artistic transformation of Chalat Beach.

Activities and Entertainment:
The festival will feature a variety of beach activities, such as SUP-boarding with expert guidance. Attendees can enjoy live music from popular artists such as F.Hero, PARADOX, Aof Pongsak, Singto Numchok and more. Admission to the event is free and includes water sports, concerts, DJ sets, tattoo parlors and workshops.

Art installations and inflatable landmarks will offer unique photo opportunities, while local goods, food trucks, beach bars, fashion items and booths from award-winning Thai tourism entrepreneurs will be available for visitors to enjoy.