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What a perfectly apt metaphor!

From The Nation High waves on Friday morning caused a night ferry heading to Koh Tao, a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand, to sink in the sea. All 70 passengers and crews were transported to the shore safely by speedboats. The 114.93-tonne ferry named ‘T. Sandee Maneethup 111’ had left the pier at Bandon Bay in Surat Thani province at 10pm on Thursday. It was scheduled to reach Koh Tao, located some 110 km offshore in Surat Thani’s Koh Pha Ngan district, at 6am on Friday. Local officials said the ferry was hit by waves of about 3 metres high, resulting in sea water entering its hull and damaging the water pumps. The vessel stalled in water at around 15 nautical miles (27.78 km) from Koh Tao and was slowly sinking. After the crew alerted officials, rescue speedboats were dispatched to transport the crew and the mainly foreign tourist passengers to the Koh Tao shore. No injuries or missing persons were reported as of press time on Friday.

From The Nation Bangkok-Singapore and Bangkok-Seoul ranked among the top 10 busiest international flight routes in 2023, according to travel data provider OAG. The two routes both offered over 3 million seats this year, landing them in ninth and 10th in the global popularity rankings. Flights from Bangkok to Singapore totalled 3,478,474 seats, up 47% from the previous year but still 9% lower than the pre-Covid level in 2019. The Bangkok-Seoul route was just behind with 3,362,968 seats, an increase of 111% from the previous year and 9% more than in 2019. Ranked No. 1 as the busiest flight route in the world was Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, with a whopping 4,891,952 seats available. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40034037

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon In an unexpected move, British home secretary James Cleverly has partially climbed down over his plan to raise the minimum annual salary level of UK-based sponsors from 18,600 pounds to 38,700 pounds. Most family visas are issued to the foreign wives of British nationals wishing to settle in Britain, but can also cover children or other close relatives. Mr Cleverly had earlier claimed that the huge increase was necessary both to cut immigration levels into the UK and because the income floor had not been raised for over a decade. In an unexpected move, British home secretary James Cleverly has partially climbed down over his plan to raise the minimum annual salary level of UK-based sponsors from 18,600 pounds to 38,700 pounds. Most family visas are issued to the foreign wives of British nationals wishing to settle in Britain, but can also cover children or other close relatives. Mr Cleverly had earlier claimed that the huge increase was necessary both to cut immigration levels into the UK and because the income floor had not been raised for over a decade. Thai nationals are not a major group in the applications for UK family visas and are thought to number only several dozen annually. The visa is expensive to process as there are application submission fees plus health and insurance charges as well as an English-language competency examination to pass. The majority of applications for the family visa are from the Indian sub-continent. In cases of refusal, there is an appeal process to the UK immigration tribunal which can take up to a year to process.

Not to worry, Rudy. Trump says there's a check in the mail. From CNBC Giuliani files for bankruptcy protection Rudy Giuliani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York on Thursday, citing debts that include a recent nearly $150 million civil judgment against him for defaming Georgia election workers while acting as a lawyer for former President Donald Trump. The filing by Giuliani came a day after a federal judge in Washington, D.C., ordered him to begin paying the two election workers the damages he owed for their lawsuit against him. Giuliani’s filing estimates he has assets worth between $1 million and $10,000, and estimated liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million.

I was initially rather shocked that your one visit, DOA, brought about such a marked reversal in form. But now that I think about, perhaps it's not so strange after all. In any case, quite gallant of you to own up to it.🙂

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya Brits join the campaign against new British visa regulations By Barry Kenyon A group of Brits, currently in Pattaya, have written to UK premier Rishi Sunak to complain about the latest family visa rule changes which require a sponsor to have 38,700 pounds in salary or pensions before a spouse, or family member, can be considered for entry to Britain. The current floor level is 18,600 pounds with the changes due to be introduced early next year. However, British government ministers have in recent days talked of “transitional arrangements” which likely mean the huge increase will apply only to new applications and not to those already in UK who need to apply for an extension on their initial time allowance of 30 months. David Cole said he and his Thai wife were currently on holiday in Thailand, but his spouse would need to apply in UK for an extension on her family visa next summer. He said he was a restaurant chef in Newcastle on Tyne where wages were much lower than in London. “Unless the government has a change of heart, it looks like we will become a Skype family with me in UK and Noy stuck in Thailand,” he said. He added he had persuaded four other Brits in a similar position to sign a joint letter to Sunak headed, “This is an unworthy tax on love”. Philip Ashby’s problem is rather different. He recently married his Thai wife Nada and they were intending to apply for the initial visa next year. Philip lives on savings and investments and was intending to put up 62,500 pounds in his British bank account, the alternative to 18,600 pounds in salary or earned income. “Now I suddenly find I may need to have more than double the amount in bank cash as the goal posts move to 38,700 pounds.” He doubted he and Nada could now live in UK unless the policy changed. Home secretary James Cleverly said the current limit had been in force for over a decade and it was a longstanding rule that sponsors must have sufficient funds to cover non-British family members living in UK. He did think though that the unpublished transitional arrangements might assist those already in the system. On this scenario, David (above) might escape the increase whereas Philip would not. The sum of 38,700 pounds is also the sum required as a confirmed salary if skilled workers apply for a job in UK. Why the same figure is being used to assess family members on a very different visa has not been explained.

From Pattaya Mail Automatic medical insurance likely not necessary after all By Barry Kenyon The tourism and sports minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol has diluted the prime minister’s promise that all foreign tourists would be covered for injuries and death from the new year. The minister said that universal insurance was not strictly needed as the foreign tourists’ compensation assistance fund is traditionally underspent. Instead the minister suggested a central government grant of 50 million baht to cover likely claims in 2024. The foreign tourists’ fund was set up several years ago to grant compensation on a discretionary basis where foreign visitors were injured or killed in accidents, such as a ferry sinking or a motorway pile up. It has also been used to calm nerves in sensational, well-publicized cases where overseas tourists were victims in shooting incidents or where Thai public services had been sub-standard. The scheme authorizes a maximum of 500,000 baht for medical treatment and 1 million baht for post-mortem compensation to relatives. There is no suggestion that the fund will be used for routine medical treatment, nor does it bypass the need for visitors to carry their own insurance which is legally compulsory only for some longstay visa holders. The fund can’t be overspent since it is handled by the government on a discretionary basis. Mr Sudawan’s suggestion also avoids disputes about hospital treatment created by a universal medical compensation which is bound to have ambiguous details if drawn up in haste in time for the new year. === From Pattaya News Government Reminds Hospitals They Cannot Refuse Emergency Patients, Including Foreign Tourists The National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEMS) has confirmed its readiness to handle an expected increase in accidents during the New Year festival. The organization has already conducted drills for emergency medical teams to ensure preparedness. The institute said significant focus in this matter is on the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) system. The system is designed to protect emergency patients in critical conditions. Under UCEP, patients are to be treated at the nearest hospital without any cost during the initial 72 hours until they are out of danger and can be safely transferred. Criteria for emergency critical conditions include unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, limb weakness, sudden abnormalities, severe physical and brain injuries threatening life, and conditions affecting breathing or circulation. For non-critical emergencies, patients are advised to coordinate with their entitled hospitals or use their insurance first. There have been instances where hospitals have refused patients, citing reasons like exceeding capacity. However, NIEMS emphasizes that, by law, hospitals must first admit patients without inquiring about their rights or financial status. In the case of foreign tourists, the institute separates this into two issues: foreigners can receive treatment at any hospital regardless of the emergency status. However, for critical emergencies, hospitals will claim expenses from the foreign patient’s existing funds, such as life, health, or travel insurance. Once a patient is delivered to a hospital, treatment cannot be denied.

I've posted about thus place a few trips back, I believe. It was very subdued at the time. When I first discovered it two decades ago, it was more like the scene you describe above, especially on weekends when university students and off-duty military types from nearby base converged on the cinema. On weekdays the crowd was dominated by working class guys on way home. I'm quite surprised that it has realized such a resurgence. It's located only a few minutes walk from the Saphan Kwai BTS . Nearby you'll find the 39 Underground Sauna and a handful of massage shops. The K-Man shop is located on the opposite side of road. The films used to be hard-core western and Asian straight porn. Later it transitioned to more mainstream action and drama videos.

From Thai PBS World Wage committee rejects PM’s call to readjust minimum wages The tri-partite wage committee has rejected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s request for them to reconsider their recent decision to increase the minimum wage by only Bt2-16 a day and the employers’ representative on the committee asked the government not to interfere, warning that such interference may impact the business sector. At the meeting on Wednesday, the wage committee agreed to reconfirm their December 8th decision to raise the minimum wage by Bt2-16 and announced that they will not review the decision. Atthayut Leeyavanich, an employers’ representative on the committee, said that the decision is fair adding, however, that the committee will use a new formula in calculating minimum wages next year. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, however, rejected Atthayut’s accusation of government interference, saying that the government simply made an observation that the wage rates proposed by the committee may not be reasonable. He said that the committee’s decision will be submitted to the cabinet for approval next week, so it will become effective as of January 1st, if approved. Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien, meanwhile, said that minimum wage will be reviewed again next year. The new minimum wages are: Bt370 in Phuket. Bt363 in Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon. Bt361 in Chon Buri and Rayong. Bt352 in Nakhon Ratchasima. Bt351 in Samut Songkhram. Bt350 in Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai. Bt349 in Lop Buri. Bt348 in Suphan Buri, Nakhon Nayok and Nong Khai. Bt347 in Krabi and Trat. Bt345 in Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Phang-nga, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Sakhon Nakhon, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Rai, Tak and Phitsanuloke. Bt344 in Phetchaburi, Chumphon and Surin. Bt343 in Yasothon, Lamphun and Nakhon Sawan. Bt342 in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bueng Kan, Kalasin, Roi-et and Phetchabun. Bt341 in Chainat, Sing Buri, Phatthalung, Chaiyaphum and Ang Thong. Bt340 in Ranong, Satun, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Maha Sarakham, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Uthai Thani and Ratchaburi. Bt338 in Trang, Nan, Phayao and Phrae. Bt330 in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.

From Thai PBS World Airports of Thailand (AOT) will continue to expand the capacity of its existing airports and build two new airports, with an estimated investment of Bt150 billion, to cope with the increasing number of domestic and international passengers. Speaking at a seminar called “Section II: Next Step” on Wednesday, AOT chief executive officer Kirati Kitmanawat said that the company plans to build the new Lanna and Andaman airports, which are estimated to cost Bt70 billion and Bt80 billion respectively. They will be capable of accommodating 40 million passengers annually. The two projects are undergoing feasibility studies and the land expropriation process is expected to begin in the middle of next year. Kirati said Suvarnabhumi airport will handle 60 million passengers this year, down from 65 million before the COVID-19 pandemic. He predicted, however, that the number of passengers will return to 65 million next year and up to 80 million in 2027, hence the need for additional capacity, with the planned expansion of aerobridge terminal space by about 50%, or 200,000 square metres, 28 additional aerobridges and the phasing out of the bus gate service for the convenience of passengers. Additionally, the third runway will be further developed, to ease the problem of a shortage of parking apron for planes, while the luggage transport system will also be improved. A third passenger terminal is planned at Don Mueang airport, while the existing first and second passenger terminals will be used for domestic flights only, to accommodate the rise in domestic passengers, with a capacity to accommodate up to 35 million passengers a year, up from 20 million. AOT also plans to build a new terminal at Chiang Mai airport, with the aim of turning the airport into an international gateway to accommodate more than the current 8 million passengers per year. Phuket airport will also be expanded, to cope with 20 million passengers annually, up from today’s 12 million, said Kirati, adding that AOT has plans to increase the use of clean energy and build a 50 megawatt solar power plant.

Mr. Unicorn, your selfies above are revealing. Just hope I don't find myself seated next to you on a future flight. 🙂 On the other hand, I have witnessed the popular "Vinapu tuck" several times, I can attest that the technique is completed with great finesse. First move: the note is deftly grasped between the index and ring fingers. Second move: the middle finger is placed against the abdomen at level of waistband while the index and ring fingers simultaneously push outward. Third move: with a smooth downward motion, the note is inserted until resistance is detected. Fourth move: the note is released in a secret action yet to be fully disclosed by inventor. Fifth move: fingers are withdrawn and placed immediately in pocket for later inspection. (Full disclosure: this is an unofficial version and not approved by the inventor) The tuck is customarily performed on males similar to those depicted below.

You have great cleavage for a bear 🙂

The following took place on a relatively short regional flight. It raises the question of how members secure any cash on long-haul flights. From CNN A man has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing more than $23,000 in cash from three fellow passengers while on a budget flight from Vietnam to Singapore. The man was named in court charge sheets as Zhang Xiuqiang, a 52-year-old Chinese national who had been on board a flight operated by Scoot, the budget wing of Singapore Airlines. An airline spokesperson told CNN that it “was aware of an incident” that occurred on board a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore on December 16. “Our cabin crew was alerted by a passenger to a suspected theft in the cabin and activated the Airport Police Division,” the spokesperson said. “The involved passengers were escorted off the aircraft by airport authorities for further investigation, and disembarkation proceeded as usual for the rest of our passengers.” According to charge sheets read out in court and carried by Singapore public broadcaster Channel NewsAsia, Zhang allegedly stole from three separate passengers. He reportedly took 3 million Vietnamese dong ($123) from a passenger’s backpack, and 510 million Vietnamese dong ($20,950) and a 50 Singapore dollar note ($38) from a black messenger bag belonging to another. He also allegedly took $1,000 and 930 Singapore dollars ($700) from an envelope found in a gray bag belonging to a third passenger.

Even in most disagreements, a humorous side can be found. 🙂

From Pattaya News Over 100 foreign tourists in Pattaya were allegedly scammed by a visa agent who promised to handle their passport extensions. However, the agent reportedly kept the passports far past agreed upon dates, without processing the extensions, leading to some of the tourists overstaying their stays in Thailand and keeping money paid by the tourists. The incident came to light on December 19th, 2023, when a group of 30 tourists, accompanied by their representative Ms. Chanidapa Thosakul (36), brought Ms. Supawadee, whose last name was withheld pending an ongoing investigation, (33) under custody to the Pattaya Police Station. Ms. Chanidapa revealed that the 30 tourists were allegedly lured by Ms. Supawadee’s promise to deal with their passport extensions with Royal Thai Immigration. The tourists paid around 32,000 baht each for Ms. Supawadee’s services. However, the tourists alleged that Ms. Supawadee took their passports and never returned the documents, nor processed their extensions, which were for a variety of reasons but mostly education visas. The situation worsened when it emerged that over 100 tourists from more than 10 countries were reportedly impacted, some allegedly having their passports confiscated by Ms. Supawadee far beyond their authorized stay of 30-90 days in Thailand. This forced several tourists to face legal action and potential deportation, Ms. Chanidapa said. Determined to reclaim their passports and hold the suspect accountable, the affected individuals led by Ms. Chanidapa confronted Ms. Supawadee to negotiate the return of their documents. They later alerted the Pattaya police to come and arrest the suspect, leading to the discovery that Ms. Supawadee allegedly held over 40 passports of the foreign tourists and had allegedly planned to discard them. Fortunately, through further negotiations, a number of passports were returned to the tourists. Despite the accusations, the suspect, Ms. Supawadee, has denied any wrongdoing and says she is entirely innocent and was working on resolving the tourist’s passport issues. However, Pattaya police remain skeptical and are actively gathering evidence to pursue legal action against the agent. Pattaya police and Chonburi Immigration are working with the tourists affected by the agent and now on overstay to reach a positive resolution for the tourists without them facing legal action or deportation.

From The Thaiger The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has issued a public warning about the potential rise in crime related to advanced deepfake AI technology. This technology, capable of swapping faces and mimicking voices, is feared to be the next tool for scammers in the coming year. The warning stemmed from the national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s concerns, which were communicated to the public by Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deephor, a deputy spokesman for the RTP, yesterday. The key concern is the misuse of increasingly advanced AI technology, particularly deepfake AI, by criminals looking to deceive unsuspecting victims. Deepfake technology can fabricate videos or voice clips of well-known public figures, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not. Pol Maj Gen Siriwat said “The same AI technology might sometimes be used to generate fake pornographic video clips to blackmail someone. Using AI to generate fake news intending to stir up public misunderstanding is also an increasingly worrying possibility in 2024.” To avoid becoming victims of such high-tech scams, the public is advised to exercise caution when encountering online content or information. Pol Gen Torsak urged people not to rush to believe everything they see or hear online and to refrain from executing any financial transactions until the authenticity of the other party can be confirmed. Looking back at this year, more than 150,000 police complaints were lodged regarding online crime, particularly concerning buying and selling goods or services. Online investments, however, caused the most substantial financial damage, leading to losses exceeding 16 billion baht. Other prevalent online crimes included fraudulent money transfers, loan application scams, and telephonic threats. In related news, The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have joined forces with public health agencies, signing a game-changing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the escalating issue of individuals with psychological disorders. The initiative aims not only to curb the growing number of attacks but also to ensure those affected receive the vital medical treatment they urgently require.

From Thai PBS World Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to arrange travel insurance to cover accidents and death for all foreign tourists arriving in Thailand during the New Year holiday period. The prime minister’s order, issued at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, follows two incidents involving foreign tourists who died recently in Thailand. One incident concerned a Taiwanese tourist who was denied emergency treatment at a private hospital in the Pattanakarn area and died on his way to a second hospital about 10km away. The second case involved an Irish tourist who had been treated in the intensive care unit of a private hospital for dengue fever, but the hospital bill reached about 100,000 baht a day, forcing the patient’s family in Ireland to raise funds to get him back home for treatment. It is reported that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will seek about 50 million baht from the Central Fund to buy insurance coverage for tourists visiting Thailand over the New Year period. The prime minister also instructed Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to coordinate with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to promote regional tourism. One of the regional tourism routes, which was proposed by Vietnam, is the world heritage route encompassing Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos and Thailand’s Udon Thani province. ================ From Pattaya Mail Yet another plan to cover tourists with medical insurance breaks the ice By Barry Kenyon Worried about negative international publicity, Thailand’s tourism and sports ministry is dusting off plans to insure overseas tourists with 500,000 baht (US$14,000) per person for injuries and double that amount in the event of death from an accident. Prime minister Srettha Thavisin said recent bad publicity arose from cases such as the mass shooting by a troubled youth at Siam Paragon mall and the death of a Taiwanese holidaymaker who was denied emergency care at a private hospital following a road accident. Policies to cover medically many millions of tourists every year have flummoxed military and civilian administrations over the years. In 2002 Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration toyed with turnstiles at airports and land frontiers to collect a 50 baht insurance fee from all non-Thai visitors, but was discarded for fears of chaos and winding queues at entry points. In 2018 the notion of a 150-300 baht entry fee for foreign tourists by land, sea or air (but not for Thais) was first publicized and promised as late as September 2023. But it has now been dropped amid opposition from airlines, border police and others fearing public confusion and yet more bad publicity. Few details are yet available, but the latest plan is far from comprehensive. Only short-term tourists will be covered and holders of non-immigrant visas or 5-20 year visa options will almost surely be excluded. Tourists, yet to be strictly defined, will be covered specifically for injuries and deaths from accidents and not for general health issues. An earlier version had suggested the inclusion of diarrhea as a legitimate claim, but is not currently mentioned. The Office of the Insurance Commission is suggesting the cost annually would be around 200 million baht, or more depending on the crucial detail. The debt could be paid by the central budget, or offset by yet another disguised tax such as a supplement on the tickets all international passengers arriving in Thailand. International insurers say it’s too early to judge the latest government initiative. Geoffrey Collard, spokesman for Worldwide Travel, said, “Who exactly is covered and why precisely they are seeking admission to hospital will lead to admission issues unless the detail is fully spelled out. 500,000 baht for treatment from accidents looks generous, but costs in private sector intensive care units can be 100,000 baht or around US$3,000 per day.” Meanwhile, the Thai Hotels Association president, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, said the idea was a good one, to increase the confidence of all tourists travelling to Thailand. ====================== From The Thaiger Explosive growth in Thai insurance industry predicted for 2024 The Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) has foreseen an unprecedented surge in the insurance industry, with premiums expected to skyrocket to 303 billion baht in 2024. The TGIA president, Somporn Suebthawilkul, revealed the industry’s trajectory, unveiling that premiums for the initial nine months of this year already hit a whopping 210 billion baht, marking a staggering 5.2% rise from the same period last year. The projections for the full year anticipate a robust 4 to 5% growth, amassing a colossal 285 billion baht in premiums. But what’s the secret sauce behind this financial boom? Somporn predicts a dual force: the soaring popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the flourishing health insurance sector. With EV sales predicted to hit a monumental 100,000 units this year, it’s clear that the future is electric – and so is the insurance industry. Somporn teased the anticipation of an even more lucrative 2024, riding on the back of sustained growth in the health and EV sectors. Travel insurance is also set to cash in on the continued rebound in tourism, making your next adventure not just thrilling but also well-insured. “The industry improved this year as expected because of the economic recovery and smooth government transition, increased EV sales, and a rebound in both domestic and international tourism. “All these factors have a positive impact on the industry, with good growth trends for various types of insurance.” For petrolheads and road warriors, the revelation that motor insurance premiums surged to 118 billion baht in the first nine months of this year, a 6% year-on-year increase, is music to the ears. Car insurance policies are on the rise, and so are the average premiums per policy. Fire insurance, with premiums rising by 2.1% to 7.76 billion baht, is blazing its own trail. Meanwhile, marine and shipping insurance faced a slight dip, down 0.6% to 5.33 billion baht due to slowing exports, reported Bangkok Post.

From Coconuts Bangkok What do Bangkokians want? Well, this survey might answer that question, and it’s certainly going to be food for thought for Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The survey, which was carried out by the Traffy Fondue complaints platform, featured 337,208 respondents. It showed that road-related problems were of the highest concern, chosen by more than half of respondents (52.8 percent) Following that were all the usual suspects, namely flooding (10.94 percent), zebra crossing safety (9.10 percent), PM2.5 and toxic pollutants in the air (8.59 percent), working CCTV cameras that cover wider visibility (5.60 percent), lack of green spaces (5.50 percent), high cost of living (4.28 percent), traffic jams (1.97 percent), polluted water (0.62 percent), and street vendors blocking footpaths and sidewalks (0.60 percent). These numbers may reflect the city’s unpreparedness to accommodate the daily lives of its residents. Chadchart, who assumed the gubernatorial role in May 2022, is quite popular in the city. In a May survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Bangkokians said they were largely happy with the 57-year-old’s performance, citing his hard work and dedication to the job.

Did you feel unsafe when you were in SE Asia this year?

I've been flying Cathay Pacific, ANA and Singapore airlines in recent years and have enjoyed gay-themed movies on all flights. Cathay Pacific seems to make it easiest to locate by listing LGBT+ selections on line by the month. https://entertainment.cathaypacific.com/catalog?template=movie&id=23014145

From VN Express 2023 witnessed a fierce tourism recovery race in Asia as countries rushed to waive visa requirements and simplify entry procedures for international tourists. Vietnam Amid a sharp drop in the number of foreign tourists post-pandemic, Vietnamese tourism insiders insistently called on the government to make a breakthrough in its visa policy to attract visitors. On June 24, the National Assembly, Vietnam's highest legislative body, approved a government proposal to triple the validity of tourist visas to 90 days and allow visitors multiple entries, with effect starting from Aug. 15. Under the current immigration policy, Vietnam grants three-month tourist visas for citizens from all countries and territories. The government also tripled the duration of stays in Vietnam to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries unilaterally exempted from visas: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus. With changes in visa policy, Vietnam has received 11.2 million foreign tourists so far this year, smashing this year's 8-million target. The government eyes 13 million foreign arrivals by the end of this month. China Starting from Dec. 1, China waived visas for citizens from five European countries - France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain - along with Malaysia. Citizens from these countries were allowed to stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa and the visa-free travel will last until November next year. The Chinese government claimed the policy has brought a positive effect. Daily average tourist numbers from those countries have risen by 39% in the first three days of December compared to on the last day of November, Reuters reported, citing China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Malaysians made up the largest group of foreigners to visit China following the visa exemption, according to China's National Immigration Administration. Chinese immigration authorities recorded a total of 1,113 Malaysian arrivals alone on the first day as the policy took effect. In a move to boost inbound tourism, China cut visa fees by 25% for travelers from some countries including Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, from Dec. 11-31. The visa fee for Vietnamese citizens entering China starts from US$45. Thailand Amid a heating tourism race in the region, Thailand has taken bold steps to attract foreign tourists, especially Chinese arrivals. Starting from Sept. 25, Thailand offered visa exemption from tourists from China and Kazakhstan under a policy that would last until next February. Before the pandemic, China was the largest source of tourists for Thailand, accounting for 11 million out of a record 39.9 million in 2019. From November, the Southeast Asia's second largest economy began waiving visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan. India has been Thailand's fourth-largest source market for tourism this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea, while arrivals from Taiwan have recently flocked to Thailand. Also from November, Thailand tripled the duration of visa-free stays for Russians to 90 days as it seeks to attract Russians on their winter escape. Thanks to swift visa exemption policies, Thailand welcomed over 25 million foreign arrivals so far this year and it is on course to meet its target of 28 million. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, credited the successful revival of the tourism industry to the government's economic and tourism stimulus campaigns. Malaysia Last July, the Malaysian government tripled the duration of the visa-free stay for Hong Kong passport holders to 90 days in a reciprocal move after Hong Kong offered the same privilege to Malaysians. Starting from Dec 1, Malaysia allowed 30-day visa-free entry for citizens from mainland China and India in a similar move to Thailand. Southeast Asia has recently emerged as a favored destination for Indian tourists, and Malaysia is the third Asian country after Sri Lanka and Thailand to allow them visa-free travel. China and India currently hold the positions of Malaysia’s fourth and fifth tourism contributors, underlining the growing importance of these two Asian countries in shaping Malaysia’s tourism landscape. Malaysia so far received 26 million foreign arrivals, becoming the most visited country in Southeast Asia. This was also the country's highest record since the pandemic outbreak in 2020. Malaysia's highest-ever record of yearly tourist arrivals was in 2014 with 27.44 million. Singapore Singapore and China will put in place a 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement early next year, the Singapore foreign ministry said. Chinese citizens are currently required to obtain a visa to enter Singapore. Singapore has surpassed Thailand to become the most favored outbound destination of Chinese tourists, according to quarterly survey by Singapore-based digital marketing firm China Trading Desk released last October. Deemed one of the world's safest places, Singapore, famous for its strict laws and low crime rate, has started benefiting from changes in Chinese travel sentiment. China is now Singapore's second-largest source of foreign arrivals with 1.23 million so far this year, after Indonesia. Indonesia Indonesia is considering granting visa-free entry to nationals of 20 countries, including the U.S., China, Australia, India, South Korea, Germany, Britain and France. The government will finalize the list of countries included in the provision within one month, its government said. There were more than 16 million foreign arrivals in Indonesia in 2019, according to official data. From January to October this year, Indonesia received 9.49 million foreign visitors, an increase of 124.3% from the same period in 2022.

From The Nation His Majesty the King’s second-oldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, headed back to New York on Monday after his two week trip in Thailand. Vacharaesorn posted photos of himself and his followers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province with the message, “See you again #ThailandI❤️you #ileaveonlytoreturn". A bit later, Bangkok Post reporter Wassana Nanuam posted a short video clip on her Facebook bidding farewell to Vacharaesorn with the message, “Till we meet again”. Wassana hopes the King’s son makes a third visit to the kingdom. Vacharaesorn, 42, who works as a lawyer in New York, travelled to Thailand earlier this month to attend Father’s Day celebrations on December 5, at which he commemorated his grandfather’s birthday by laying flowers at his statue in King Rama IX Memorial Park in Bangkok’s Dusit district. He had visited many places in Thailand during his second trip, including sampling dishes at a famous roadside eatery in Bangkok ‘Jay Fai’, applying for his first Thai ID card and a new Thai passport, and planting mangrove trees at the Klongkhlon Mangrove Reforestation Project in Samut Songkhram province. He also witnessed the traditional Thai way of life near the Bangkok Noi canal.