Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb In a bold move to attract more global visitors, the Pakistani government has announced a game-changing alteration to its visa policy. Effective immediately, travelers from 126 countries, including Thailand, will enjoy waived visa fees when visiting Pakistan. This exciting new policy, which took effect on Wednesday, aims to simplify the process and make Pakistan a more enticing destination for both tourists and business investors. Previously, Thai passport holders had to shell out 1,300 baht for a tourist visa and 1,950 baht for a business visa. Additionally, they were limited to a maximum stay of 30 days. With the new regulations, the burdensome visa fees tied to the e-visa system are lifted, and the permissible stay period is generously extended to an impressive 90 days. The Pakistani government is optimistic that this visa policy overhaul will act as a magnet, drawing in tourists eager to explore the country’s…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Chiang Mai: An unexpected jolt shook the serene Mae On district yesterday morning as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the area. The Royal Irrigation Operation (RIO) quickly sprang into action to inspect two key reservoirs close to the quake’s epicenter, aiming to ensure their structural stability during this geological hiccup. RIO director Keaurkul Manasamphankul led the charge, tasking the Maintenance Department with meticulously assessing any potential damage to the Mae On and Mae Takhrai reservoirs located in the bustling tambon Mae Tha. To everyone’s relief, the inspection crew found both reservoirs unscathed with their structural integrity completely intact. “We’re pleased to report that neither reservoir sustained damage,” Mr. Keaurkul said, catching a collective sigh of relief from the local community. The earthquake, recorded at a modest 3.4 magnitude, made its presence known at exactly 1:33 am, shaking the ground about a kilometer beneath the surface for a swift five seconds. Despite…
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) recently celebrated a groundbreaking milestone with the launch of its inaugural sustainability bond, marking a significant leap towards its dedication to green finance. On a bustling Tuesday, PEA governor Supachai Ek-Un convened a press conference at the PEA headquarters, flanked by representatives from the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bangkok Bank, DNV (Thailand), and the Thai Bond Market Association, to unveil the triumphant results of their bond offering. Governor Supachai Ek-Un proudly announced that the one-billion-baht bond features a five-year maturity with a fixed-coupon repayment at an attractive 2.67% per annum. With PDMO acting as the financial facilitator and Bangkok Bank stepping in as the underwriter, the bond’s financial structuring showcased impeccable synergy. The funds raised are earmarked for two pivotal projects: the extension of the submarine cable to the picturesque island of Koh Tao in Surat Thani and the revolutionary…
The unexpected dismissal of Srettha Thavisin from his prime ministerial role has cast a long shadow over the well-publicized digital wallet initiative, throwing its future into a vortex of uncertainty. Mixed messages are emanating from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the caretaker cabinet, leaving the populace to wonder about the flagship policy’s fate. Meanwhile, those who eagerly registered for the 10,000-baht digital handout are now grappling with the fear that their personal data might be stolen or misused. The hammer came down on Mr. Srettha on Wednesday. A ruling from the Constitutional Court not only ended his tenure but also dismantled the entire cabinet, reducing ministers to mere caretakers. Now, the digital wallet’s fate hinges on the new administration, with the Pheu Thai Party advocating for either Paetongtarn Shinawatra or former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri to step into Srettha’s shoes. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat attempted to shed some…
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has flatly dismissed a plan proposed by a coalition of hospitals to allow patients under the universal healthcare scheme to pay extra for enhanced medical treatments. Last month, this network, which includes the University Hospital Network, sought intervention from Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, flagging the universal healthcare scheme’s dwindling budget as a looming crisis. Fearing that the scheme was teetering on the edge of financial collapse, the hospitals suggested a pragmatic solution: enabling patients who can afford it to pay more for better treatment options. Sounds reasonable, right? Not according to the NHSO, which swiftly nixed the idea. The universal healthcare scheme, which has been a lifeline for millions since its inception in 2002, was built on a simple, albeit lofty, principle—free medical treatment for all Thais. To curb unnecessary dentist chair warmers and hospital bed occupiers, a national committee decreed the introduction…
Thailand’s unemployment rate has largely seen a positive shift from May to June, with the notable exception of its bustling heart, Bangkok. According to a comprehensive survey by the esteemed National Statistical Office (NSO), the number of unemployed individuals dropped to an estimated 379,000 in June, down significantly from approximately 482,000 in the previous month. This survey provided a detailed scope on the working-age population, encompassing 59.19 million people aged 15 and older. Diving deeper into the statistics, the survey revealed that out of the working-age populace, a substantial 40 million were gainfully employed within the formal sector. The remaining portion of the population, which includes individuals with disabilities, contributed to the non-working demographic. The age group of 15 to 24 experienced a noteworthy plunge in their unemployment rate, dropping from a concerning 7% in May to a more palatable 5.1% in June. Meanwhile, the age group of 25 and…
In a dramatic turn of events on Surawong Road, two plainclothes police officers from the Bang Rak station found themselves in a life-or-death situation on Thursday outside the Simply Tomboy nightclub. The officers were on a routine surveillance assignment when they received an urgent call about a man causing trouble in front of the popular nightspot. Arriving at the scene around 1:30 am, the officers encountered 46-year-old Mongkol Kamolsawas, visibly intoxicated and belligerent. Mongkol, asserting he was a police investigator, was asked by the officers to produce his identification. They also indicated their intention to search his motorcycle, which was parked nearby. This straightforward request suddenly spiraled out of control. Without warning, Mongkol produced a gun and opened fire on the officers. Acting in self-defense, the officers returned fire, fatally wounding Mongkol. The dramatic exchange left the nightclub’s vicinity clamorous and chaotic, drawing attention from passersby and nearby residents. When…
Imagine yourself navigating the intricate corridors of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), amidst the shadows of political drama and legal entanglements. This is where the enigma of a 2008 bribery accusation detours into a riveting tale of power, scandal, and high-stakes decision-making. At the heart of this labyrinth lies Chaikasem Nitisiri, a figure woven into the rich tapestry of Thai politics, fiercely scrutinized amidst recent political upheavals. The plot thickens around Pichit Chuenban, a name now whispered in the halls of both legal and political discourse. Pichit’s latest climb to cabinet member led to the sudden tumble of Srettha Thavisin from the premier’s esteemed pedestal. But to grasp the essence of the drama, we rewind to 2008, when Pichit, alongside two other lawyers, found themselves at the epicenter of accusations dripping in scandal. The trio was allegedly caught red-handed, quite literally, offering a plump paper bag stuffed with…
The heart-wrenching story of Worapratch Phadmasakul, an 18-year-old recruit, has captured the nation’s attention. On August 2, he tragically succumbed to injuries inflicted during brutal training sessions in June. Seen in a touching photograph with his grandmother, this young man’s life was cut devastatingly short. In response, the Royal Thai Army has detained over a dozen soldiers from the 21st Infantry Regiment and vowed to provide compensation to Worapratch’s grieving family. Deputy army spokesman, Col Ritcha Suksuwanon, soberly confirmed Worapratch’s death and stated that the army would ensure justice is served. A staggering thirteen drill instructors stand accused of fatally assaulting Worapratch. As the investigation unfolds, they are held at the 14th Military Circle Prison in Chon Buri. Adding to the gravity of the situation, three commanders face disciplinary action for failing to supervise their subordinates appropriately. The First Army Area, which oversees the implicated circle and regiment, has promised…
Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently stood before the press at the Shinawatra 3 Building, acknowledging the coalition parties’ unanimous decision to rally behind her nomination for the role of prime minister. The 37-year-old daughter of the influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is poised to make history as the nation’s youngest leader if her nomination passes when the House of Representatives convenes on Friday. Ms. Paetongtarn is set to follow in the familiar footsteps of her father, Thaksin, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, creating a fascinating family legacy in Thai politics. Her ascension marks a dramatic turn of events following the recent dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court over an ethics violation. Interestingly, the announcement of her candidacy caught many by surprise, considering that just a day before, significant figures from the coalition gathered at Thaksin’s residence had initially leaned towards Chaikasem Nitisiri, a seasoned 75-year-old with…