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Thailand Introduces Visa-Free Entry for 93 Countries, Including UAE and UK, to Boost Tourism and Economy
(CTN News) – Thailand allows visa-free entry for 93 nations, including the UAE and the United Kingdom, to increase tourism and the economy. Indian passport holders can now visit for up to two months without a visa.
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely harmed the global tourism industry, and Thailand’s new visa-free policy, which includes a comprehensive list of 93 nations, is part of a larger effort to revive it. Visa requirements are being eased in countries worldwide, including Thailand, to revitalise tourism sectors.
In a landmark development, Thailand has dropped the disputed idea of levying a THB 300 ($8.20) tourism fee on international visitors arriving by air. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin indicated this week that his administration will forsake the previous government’s proposal.
This proposal also benefits remote workers, business travelers, event organizers, destination management organizations, MICE planners, postgraduate students, and retirees by allowing longer stays.
It indicates Thailand’s commitment to revitalizing tourism and boosting its economy. Beginning next month, visitors from these nations can immerse themselves in Thai culture and landscapes for up to 60 days.
Remote workers can also expect a visa extension for up to five years, with each visit lasting up to 180 days. Thailand, recognized for its affordability and appeal, has long been a popular destination for international tourists.
In 2023, Thailand saw around 24.5 million international visitors. With these new laws, the Thai government hopes to increase tourist numbers to 25 and 30 million annually.
Indian passport holders can now visit Thailand for up to two months without a visa. The Thai government has launched a new campaign to increase tourism by enticing people from all backgrounds—professionals, students, and retirees—to remain for extended periods.
Thailand’s tourism spiked in 2023, with arrivals reaching roughly 28.15 million, up from 11 million in prior years. The COVID-19 pandemic severely damaged the tourism industry, but it has significantly recovered.
The industry played a crucial role in Thailand’s economic recovery because of the significant revenue increase it brought—more than 58.919 billion USD from both domestic and foreign visitors.
“I believe Thailand’s decision to establish a visa-free policy for 93 countries and remove the proposed tourism levy indicates a smart step to revitalise its tourism business sustainably.
This effort makes travel easier for millions and demonstrates Thailand’s dedication to welcoming visitors with open arms. Thailand is well-positioned to generate economic growth while supporting sustainable tourist practices.
As the world recovers from the pandemic, such policies are critical for strengthening global ties and guaranteeing long-term economic resilience,” remarked Anup Kumar Keshan, editor-in-chief of TTW.
All 93 countries have visa-free entry to Thailand.
Thailand’s new visa-free entrance policy welcomes visitors from 93 countries. This innovative initiative aims to attract visitors from other places, thereby enhancing tourism and economic growth.
Thailand now allows travelers from Sweden, Lithuania, Austria, Greece, France, Hungary, Slovenia, Latvia, Switzerland, Mexico, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Colombia, and Portugal to remain for extended periods.
The regulation also applies to Georgia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, Malta, Germany, Slovakia, Romania, Norway, Argentina, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Cyprus, Estonia, Bulgaria, Poland, Belgium, and Albania.
In addition to these European and American countries, visa-free access is available to several Asian and Oceanic nations. This policy applies to the following countries: Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Oman, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Maldives, Hong Kong, Nepal, Taiwan, India, Kazakhstan, Fiji, China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, South Korea, Laos, the United Arab Emirates, Dominica, Israel, Japan, Cambodia, the Philippines, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, and Morocco.
This programme also includes African and Middle Eastern countries, such as Jordan and South Africa. This visa-free entry policy also applies to Guatemala, Macau, Singapore, Ukraine, Brazil, Finland, South Africa, Jordan, Ireland, Belarus, Jamaica, Brunei, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Panama, Ecuador, Liechtenstein, Chile, Tonga, Peru, Russia, and Canada. This vast list demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to welcoming international travellers and growing its tourism industry.
Thailand’s progressive visa-free policy for 93 countries, the abolition of the proposed tourism tax and growing demand from travelers, particularly from India, point to a bright future for the country’s tourism business.
Thailand is prepared to recover from the pandemic’s effects and enhance its economy through a solid tourist intake. Thailand continues solidifying its position as a top worldwide destination, ready to welcome millions of visitors eager to experience its rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
Thailand’s progressive visa-free policy, elimination of the proposed tourism tax and increased demand from travelers, particularly from India, point to a bright future for its tourism business.
Thailand is prepared to recover from the pandemic’s effects and enhance its economy through a solid tourist intake. Thailand continues solidifying its position as a top worldwide destination, ready to welcome millions of visitors eager to experience its rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
The Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the principal international airport servicing Thailand’s capital, is mostly located in the Racha Thewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province. It is one of Southeast Asia’s largest international airports and a major regional aviation center.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has an impressive, modern architectural design and is a significant hub for local and international aircraft. The airport is well-known for its efficiency and vast amenities, including various food and retail options, luxury lounges, and cutting-edge services.
It also houses the world’s tallest control towers and the fourth-largest single-building airport terminal. In 2023, the airport handled over 51.67 million passengers, delivering a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for millions yearly.
Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Thailand
Bangkok: Known for its vibrant street life, ornate temples like Wat Arun, and opulent Grand Palace, Thailand’s vibrant capital is a big draw.
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Phang Nga Bay.
Chiang Mai: A cultural and natural paradise in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of elaborate temples and the world-famous Night Bazaar.
Krabi: Known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and impressive limestone cliffs, Krabi is known for its breathtaking scenery.
Pattaya: A coastal city in Thailand known for its beaches, lush tropical gardens, and vibrant nightlife.
Ayutthaya: This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historic ruins and temples that represent Thailand’s rich past.
Koh Samui: is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, luxury resorts, and the statue of the Big Buddha.
Hua Hin: Boasting a royal palace, beautiful beaches, and a night market, Hua Hin is a popular seaside resort city.
Pai: A small town in the mountains of northern Thailand, Pai is known for its natural hot springs, waterfalls, and laid-back atmosphere.
Kanchanaburi: In addition to the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi has a number of beautiful national parks and waterfalls.
News
Trudeau’s Gun Grab Could Cost Taxpayers a Whopping $7 Billion
A recent report indicates that since Trudeau’s announcement of his gun buyback program four years ago, almost none of the banned firearms have been surrendered.
The federal government plans to purchase 2,063 firearm models from retailers following the enactment of Bill C-21, which amends various Acts and introduces certain consequential changes related to firearms. It was granted royal assent on December 15 of last year.
This ban immediately criminalized the actions of federally-licensed firearms owners regarding the purchase, sale, transportation, importation, exportation, or use of hundreds of thousands of rifles and shotguns that were previously legal.
The gun ban focused on what it termed ‘assault-style weapons,’ which are, in reality, traditional semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that have enjoyed popularity among hunters and sport shooters for over a century.
In May 2020, the federal government enacted an Order-in-Council that prohibited 1,500 types of “assault-style” firearms and outlined specific components of the newly banned firearms. Property owners must adhere to the law by October 2023.
Trudeau’s Buyback Hasn’t Happened
“In the announcement regarding the ban, the prime minister stated that the government would seize the prohibited firearms, assuring that their lawful owners would be ‘grandfathered’ or compensated fairly.” “That hasn’t happened,” criminologist Gary Mauser told Rebel News.
Mauser projected expenses ranging from $2.6 billion to $6.7 billion. The figure reflects the compensation costs amounting to $756 million, as outlined by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO).
“The projected expenses for gathering the illegal firearms are estimated to range from $1.6 billion to $7 billion.” “This range estimate increases to between $2.647 billion and $7 billion when compensation costs to owners are factored in,” Mauser stated.
Figures requested by Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs concerning firearms prohibited due to the May 1, 2020 Order In Council reveal that $72 million has been allocated to the firearm “buyback” program, yet not a single firearm has been confiscated to date.
In a recent revelation, Public Safety Canada disclosed that the federal government allocated a staggering $41,094,556, as prompted by an order paper question from Conservative Senator Don Plett last September, yet yielded no tangible outcomes.
An internal memo from late 2019 revealed that the Liberals projected their politically motivated harassment would incur a cost of $1.8 billion.
Enforcement efforts Questioned
By December 2023, estimates from TheGunBlog.ca indicate that the Liberals and RCMP had incurred or were responsible for approximately $30 million in personnel expenses related to the enforcement efforts. The union representing the police service previously stated that the effort to confiscate firearms is a “misdirected effort” aimed at ensuring public safety.
“This action diverts crucial personnel, resources, and funding from tackling the more pressing and escalating issue of criminal use of illegal firearms,” stated the National Police Federation (NPF).
The Canadian Sporting Arms & Ammunition Association (CSAAA), representing firearms retailers, has stated it will have “zero involvement” in the confiscation of these firearms. Even Canada Post held back from providing assistance due to safety concerns.
The consultant previously assessed that retailers are sitting on almost $1 billion worth of inventory that cannot be sold or returned to suppliers because of the Order-In-Council.
“Despite the ongoing confusion surrounding the ban, after four years, we ought to be able to address one crucial question.” Has the prohibition enhanced safety for Canadians? Mauser asks.
Illegally Obtained Firearms are the Problem
Statistics Canada reports a 10% increase in firearm-related violent crime between 2020 and 2022, rising from 12,614 incidents to 13,937 incidents. In that timeframe, the incidence of firearm-related violent crime increased from 33.7 incidents per 100,000 population in 2021 to 36.7 incidents the subsequent year.
“This marks the highest rate documented since the collection of comparable data began in 2009,” the criminologist explains.
Supplementary DataData indicates that firearm homicides have risen since 2020. “The issue lies not with lawfully-held firearms,” Mauser stated.
Firearms that have been banned under the Order-in-Council continue to be securely stored in the safes of their lawful owners. The individuals underwent a thorough vetting process by the RCMP and are subject to nightly monitoring to ensure there are no infractions that could pose a risk to public safety.
“The firearms involved in homicides were seldom legally owned weapons wielded by their rightful owners,” Mauser continues. The number of offenses linked to organized crime has surged from 4,810 in 2016 to a staggering 13,056 in 2020.
“If those in power … aim to diminish crime and enhance public safety, they ought to implement strategies that effectively focus on offenders and utilize our limited tax resources judiciously to reach these objectives,” he stated.
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Google’s Search Dominance Is Unwinding, But Still Accounting 48% Search Revenue
Google is so closely associated with its key product that its name is a verb that signifies “search.” However, Google’s dominance in that sector is dwindling.
According to eMarketer, Google will lose control of the US search industry for the first time in decades next year.
Google will remain the dominant search player, accounting for 48% of American search advertising revenue. And, remarkably, Google is still increasing its sales in the field, despite being the dominating player in search since the early days of the George W. Bush administration. However, Amazon is growing at a quicker rate.
Google’s Search Dominance Is Unwinding
Amazon will hold over a quarter of US search ad dollars next year, rising to 27% by 2026, while Google will fall even more, according to eMarketer.
The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the forecast.
Lest you think you’ll have to switch to Bing or Yahoo, this isn’t the end of Google or anything really near.
Google is the fourth-most valued public firm in the world. Its market worth is $2.1 trillion, trailing just Apple, Microsoft, and the AI chip darling Nvidia. It also maintains its dominance in other industries, such as display advertisements, where it dominates alongside Facebook’s parent firm Meta, and video ads on YouTube.
To put those “other” firms in context, each is worth more than Delta Air Lines’ total market value. So, yeah, Google is not going anywhere.
Nonetheless, Google faces numerous dangers to its operations, particularly from antitrust regulators.
On Monday, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that Google must open up its Google Play Store to competitors, dealing a significant blow to the firm in its long-running battle with Fortnite creator Epic Games. Google announced that it would appeal the verdict.
In August, a federal judge ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly on search. That verdict could lead to the dissolution of the company’s search operation. Another antitrust lawsuit filed last month accuses Google of abusing its dominance in the online advertising business.
Meanwhile, European regulators have compelled Google to follow tough new standards, which have resulted in multiple $1 billion-plus fines.
Google’s Search Dominance Is Unwinding
On top of that, the marketplace is becoming more difficult on its own.
TikTok, the fastest-growing social network, is expanding into the search market. And Amazon has accomplished something few other digital titans have done to date: it has established a habit.
When you want to buy anything, you usually go to Amazon, not Google. Amazon then buys adverts to push companies’ products to the top of your search results, increasing sales and earning Amazon a greater portion of the revenue. According to eMarketer, it is expected to generate $27.8 billion in search revenue in the United States next year, trailing only Google’s $62.9 billion total.
And then there’s AI, the technology that (supposedly) will change everything.
Why search in stilted language for “kendall jenner why bad bunny breakup” or “police moving violation driver rights no stop sign” when you can just ask OpenAI’s ChatGPT, “What’s going on with Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny?” in “I need help fighting a moving violation involving a stop sign that wasn’t visible.” Google is working on exactly this technology with its Gemini product, but its success is far from guaranteed, especially with Apple collaborating with OpenAI and other businesses rapidly joining the market.
A Google spokeswoman referred to a blog post from last week in which the company unveiled ads in its AI overviews (the AI-generated text that appears at the top of search results). It’s Google’s way of expressing its ability to profit on a changing marketplace while retaining its business, even as its consumers steadily transition to ask-and-answer AI and away from search.
Google has long used a single catchphrase to defend itself against opponents who claim it is a monopoly abusing its power: competition is only a click away. Until recently, that seemed comically obtuse. Really? We are going to switch to Bing? Or Duck Duck Go? Give me a break.
But today, it feels more like reality.
Google is in no danger of disappearing. However, every highly dominating company faces some type of reckoning over time. GE, a Dow mainstay for more than a century, was broken up last year and is now a shell of its previous dominance. Sears declared bankruptcy in 2022 and is virtually out of business. US Steel, long the foundation of American manufacturing, is attempting to sell itself to a Japanese corporation.
SOURCE | CNN
News
The Supreme Court Turns Down Biden’s Government Appeal in a Texas Emergency Abortion Matter.
(VOR News) – A ruling that prohibits emergency abortions that contravene the Supreme Court law in the state of Texas, which has one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in the country, has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States. The United States Supreme Court upheld this decision.
The justices did not provide any specifics regarding the underlying reasons for their decision to uphold an order from a lower court that declared hospitals cannot be legally obligated to administer abortions if doing so would violate the law in the state of Texas.
Institutions are not required to perform abortions, as stipulated in the decree. The common populace did not investigate any opposing viewpoints. The decision was made just weeks before a presidential election that brought abortion to the forefront of the political agenda.
This decision follows the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that ended abortion nationwide.
In response to a request from the administration of Vice President Joe Biden to overturn the lower court’s decision, the justices expressed their disapproval.
The government contends that hospitals are obligated to perform abortions in compliance with federal legislation when the health or life of an expectant patient is in an exceedingly precarious condition.
This is the case in regions where the procedure is prohibited. The difficulty hospitals in Texas and other states are experiencing in determining whether or not routine care could be in violation of stringent state laws that prohibit abortion has resulted in an increase in the number of complaints concerning pregnant women who are experiencing medical distress being turned away from emergency rooms.
The administration cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in a case that bore a striking resemblance to the one that was presented to it in Idaho at the beginning of the year. The justices took a limited decision in that case to allow the continuation of emergency abortions without interruption while a lawsuit was still being heard.
In contrast, Texas has been a vocal proponent of the injunction’s continued enforcement. Texas has argued that its circumstances are distinct from those of Idaho, as the state does have an exemption for situations that pose a significant hazard to the health of an expectant patient.
According to the state, the discrepancy is the result of this exemption. The state of Idaho had a provision that safeguarded a woman’s life when the issue was first broached; however, it did not include protection for her health.
Certified medical practitioners are not obligated to wait until a woman’s life is in imminent peril before they are legally permitted to perform an abortion, as determined by the state supreme court.
The state of Texas highlighted this to the Supreme Court.
Nevertheless, medical professionals have criticized the Texas statute as being perilously ambiguous, and a medical board has declined to provide a list of all the disorders that are eligible for an exception. Furthermore, the statute has been criticized for its hazardous ambiguity.
For an extended period, termination of pregnancies has been a standard procedure in medical treatment for individuals who have been experiencing significant issues. It is implemented in this manner to prevent catastrophic outcomes, such as sepsis, organ failure, and other severe scenarios.
Nevertheless, medical professionals and hospitals in Texas and other states with strict abortion laws have noted that it is uncertain whether or not these terminations could be in violation of abortion prohibitions that include the possibility of a prison sentence. This is the case in regions where abortion prohibitions are exceedingly restrictive.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which resulted in restrictions on the rights of women to have abortions in several Republican-ruled states, the Texas case was revisited in 2022.
As per the orders that were disclosed by the administration of Vice President Joe Biden, hospitals are still required to provide abortions in cases that are classified as dire emergency.
As stipulated in a piece of health care legislation, the majority of hospitals are obligated to provide medical assistance to patients who are experiencing medical distress. This is in accordance with the law.
The state of Texas maintained that hospitals should not be obligated to provide abortions throughout the litigation, as doing so would violate the state’s constitutional prohibition on abortions. In its January judgment, the 5th United States Circuit Court of Appeals concurred with the state and acknowledged that the administration had exceeded its authority.
SOURCE: AP
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