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From The Nation The Cabinet approved a draft extradition treaty with Russia on Tuesday amid reports that Russians are flocking to Thailand to avoid fallout from the war with Ukraine. The treaty would boost collaboration to suppress crime, said government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, adding that the details match extradition agreements Thailand has with other countries. The extradition deal does not need Parliament’s approval since it does not affect Thailand's territory, economy, society or trade and investment, she said. Tens of thousands of Russians hoping to avoid conscription and the economic fallout of war with Ukraine have visited Thailand since the invasion in February last year, according to Al Jazeera. It reports that many are looking to move to the Kingdom permanently, citing data showing Russians bought nearly 40% of condos sold to foreigners in Phuket last year.

This shop is located on Sutthisan Winitchai Rd., about a 20-minute walk from Saphan Kwai BTS. I discovered it too late in my last trip to give it a try but have been following it on social media. It posted some new staff photos yesterday and I'm inclined to move it to near the top of my next trip's itinerary. https://www.facebook.com/bthousebkk/

From The Insider This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Ian Paynton, the founder of content agency We Create Content in Hanoi, Vietnam shares what he's learned about Hanoi after living in Vietnam since 2010. After living in Vietnam for around a decade now, I've noticed tourists making the same few mistakes while traveling the country. Here are seven of the most common mistakes I've seen tourists make. 1. Avoid wearing skimpy swimwear around the city after a trip to the beach. 2. Don't take it personally when a local cuts the line or butts into traffic lanes. 3. Be respectful around shrines — locals believe it's where they can worship their ancestors. 4. Tourists who use Tinder should be careful of nightclub scams. 5. Don't be afraid to bargain with street vendors. 6. Make it a priority to venture out of the three big cities of Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh. 7. Tourists should avoid getting upset if locals are late or if schedules get off track. Continues with photos https://www.insider.com/vietnam-hanoi-tourist-mistake-travel-guide-local-tips-2023-3

From CNN Travel Air New Zealand's "Skynest" economy sleeping concept is among the shortlisted entries for this year's Crystal Cabin Awards. From a cabin concept that completely eradicates the middle seat to a swanky design that takes single-aisle aircraft business class to a new level, this year’s Crystal Cabin Awards shortlist offers an exciting glimpse at aviation’s potential future. Every year the Crystal Cabin Awards showcase innovative ideas that reconceptualize the airplane cabin experience. There are eight categories, with awards spotlighting everything from eco-friendly innovations – such as an AI-based food waste app idea from German airline Lufthansa – to next generation concepts straight from the university classroom. Julia Grosser, a spokesperson for the Crystal Cabin Award Association, says this year’s shortlist suggests aviation is turning a corner after the uncertainty of the peak pandemic years. “Airlines, manufacturers, and suppliers are heavily investing in their onboard products again,” Grosser tells CNN Travel, pointing to the “significant innovation visible even in economy class – from bunk beds to better connectivity.” Among the shortlisted cabin innovations is Air New Zealand’s “Skynest” concept, which envisages bookable sleeping pods made up of six lie-flat bunk beds, designed to give economy long-haul passengers the opportunity to get some proper shuteye. “Being a small country at the bottom of the world, long-haul travel is vital to keeping us connected and allowing tourists to visit our beautiful country,” Kerry Reeves, Air New Zealand’s head of aircraft programs, tells CNN Travel. The motivation behind SkyNest is Air New Zealand’s belief that passengers should be able to “get a good rest, no matter the cabin,” as Reeves puts it. Continues with photos https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/crystal-cabin-awards-aviation-shortlist-2023/index.html

Saudi Arabia Airlines, and a new spinoff, may be positioning itself to challenge major carriers in the region with the acquisition of 87 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a mega deal announced today. The carrier, which already flies into many European and three US destinations, is ideally situated to offer good connections to Bangkok and other southeast Asian destinations it already serves. From CNBC Boeing said Tuesday it has reached a deal to sell 78 of its 787 Dreamliner planes to two Saudi airlines, the latest large order for the wide-body jets in the past few months. Boeing did not disclose a timeline for deliveries of the planes. The White House said the order is worth almost $37 billion, although that figure does not take discounts that airlines usually receive, especially for large orders, into account. “This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visits by 2030,” Riyadh Air said in a news release. The sale shows a pickup in demand for wide-body aircraft, planes that are used for long-distance flights and fetch a higher price than the more-common narrow-body jets. Riyadh Air is owned by the country’s sovereign wealth fund and will be helmed by Tony Douglas as CEO, a longtime industry veteran and former CEO of Etihad Airways. “The ambition here in the kingdom is huge,” Douglas said in an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street.” “There will be more [aircraft] orders, for the avoidance of any doubt.” He said the order will help Saudi Arabia connect to 100 destinations.

From The Star VIENTIANE, March 14 (Laotian Times): TUI Care Foundation announced a new EUR10 million (US$10.5 million) project to assist nine least-developed countries, including Laos, in growing their tourism industries at the fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) conference on Tuesday. Program Director of the TUI Care Foundation, Jost Neumann was at the conference to discuss a global partnership to implement the 10-year Doha Program of Action to accelerate the graduation of least developed countries from their categorization as the most vulnerable places in the world. At the event, he spoke to Vientiane Times about the Tourist Development Fund initiated to assist nine least-developed countries, including Laos. “We are launching today the Tourism Development Fund, which targets nine least developed countries, one of which is Laos. We look to implement the project in these nine countries until 2030,” said Neumann. Neumann added that the Foundation had learned that Laos has huge tourism development potential thanks to the country’s striking landscapes and central location in the Mekong region, adding that tourism development can make a significant contribution to economic growth and poverty alleviation in Laos. He pointed out that Laos’s main challenges are the lack of a skilled workforce and the innovation and entrepreneurship needed to unlock the potential for tourism growth, which also applies to other developing countries. The support program’s main focus will be capacity building, specifically strengthening tourism-related education, conserving cultural assets and natural beauty, and enhancing tourism entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized businesses. In preparation for hosting the Asean Summit in 2024, the government of Laos will also declare 2023–2024 as a Tourism Year and will implement extensive measures to promote the country and draw in tourists. - Laotian Times

From the BBC Indonesian island Bali is planning to ban foreign tourists from using motorbikes after a spate of cases involving people breaking traffic laws. "You [should] not roam about the island using motorbikes, without wearing shirts or clothes, no helmet, and even without a licence," Governor I Wayan Koster said. Tourists will instead get around on vehicles provided by travel agents. The plan has been divisive as tourism continues to recover from Covid losses. More than 171 foreign nationals have violated traffic orders from late February to early March, according to local police records. Some tourists also use fake licence plates. "If you are a tourist, then act like a tourist," said the governor. Foreign tourists in Bali often prefer renting motorbikes to get around the island, which does not have a well-developed public transport system. The two-wheelers make for a good option for weaving in and out of traffic, as well as travelling through scenic back alleys. The proposed ban will be implemented via a regional law sometime this year, but how it will be enforced is unclear.

From The Nation Bangkok opened its newest park on Monday, aiming to serve as an exercise space for over 800,000 people in the city’s central business district. The catchily named National Sports Development Fund-Sports Authority of Thailand (NSDF-SAT) Park links three city parks – Benchakitti, Benchakitti Forest and Lumphini – to provide a green jogging and exercise route through the city centre. The park/route uses 5 rai (0.8 hectares) of the three parks, plus the so-called “green mile” elevated walkway that links Benchakitti and Lumphini parks. It’s located on the road next to the Tobacco Authority of Thailand in Khlong Toei district, accessible by both Rama IV and Sukhumvit roads. BTS Skytrain users can get there via either Phloen Chit or Asok stations, while the closest MRT stations are Khlong Toei, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre or Lumphini. NSDF manager Supranee Guptasa said the new facility aims to be a “running park” that promotes exercise among people in Phloen Chit, Sukhumvit, Khlong Toei, Rama IV, and Silom areas. “There are over 600,000 office workers in these areas, plus 240,000 local residents that will benefit from the park, which offers a convenient location for exercise after people finish their daily activities,” she said. The NSDF-SAT Park features a running route that connects Lumphini, Benchakitti, and Benchakitti Forest parks, allowing up to 4,000 runners to enjoy a long, challenging track amid a variety of landscapes. Facilities along the way include a fitness centre, locker cabinets, drinking fountains, toilets, CCTV surveillance, and wheelchair ramps. NSDF-SAT Park is open daily from 5am to 10pm. See how to get there on Google Maps at https://bit.ly/3J2OLUa

From Coconuts Bangkok Employees of the BTS Skytrain threatened to paralyze the capital’s rail service by going on strike if the national government does not intervene and pay its debts. The Bangkok Mass Transit system staff gathered this morning at the Government House to call on the prime minister to pay THB50 billion (US$1.5 billion) in debt owed to the system’s operator by City Hall. The employees said that if the government doesn’t pay up in seven days, they would consider shutting down the system by stopping work. They said that they were not acting on behalf of company management but were motivated by fear for its future should the government not pay. At issue in the dispute is money owed not by the national government but by City Hall, which owns the system and contracts the company to operate it. The debt stems from the three-year-old owes to the company over operation of the second Green Line extension. Fares have not been collected on either extension due to legal disputes. Interest has added another THB10 billion or so to the original debt of roughly THB40 billion. Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has promised the city will pay the debt, but said it must be done in accordance with legal procedures.

Late last week Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn made this observation on the possible extension of the 45-day VOA: "If the government continues their scheme of extending tourist visas and visas on arrival, from 30 to 45 days and 15 to 30 days, the TAT believes people will take advantage and stay in Thailand for longer. But the scheme’s extension from March 31 to the end of the year still requires cabinet approval. And, if the plight of foreigners sticking it out in Thailand during the pandemic showed us anything, approval often comes a day or two before visa programs expire or even later."

From Thai PBS World The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will resume free electric boat services on the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal this Wednesday, after the suspension of the service last September. The service is from Hua Lamphong railway station, through Bo Be market and Pan Fah Bridge to the Phra Sumen Fort in the Ratchadamnoen area, covering a distance of about five kilometres. Krungthep Thanakom, an investment arm of the BMA, has been assigned to select a private company to operate the service. It is reported that the BMA has decided to cut the cost of operating the service from 2.4 million baht to 1.8 million baht/month. The BMA also plans to launch the second phase of the free boat service from Hua Lamphong railway station to Thewarat market. The service will operate from Monday to Friday from 6am to 9am and from 4pm to 7pm and on weekends and public holidays from 8am to 7pm.

From The Thaiger Budget airline Tigerair is launching direct flights between Taiwan and Phuket, southern Thailand, in May. Tigerair, a subsidiary of China Airlines, will be the only airline currently servicing the Taipei – Phuket route directly, twice per week. Phuket will become the airline’s second destination in Thailand. Tigerair currently serves direct flights between Taoyuan and Don Mueang Airport (DMX) in Bangkok. Flights will depart from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12.20pm. Departing from Phuket International Airport (HKT), flights will run on Wednesdays and Fridays at 4.45pm. Tickets on the route are not yet available to buy on the Tigerair Taiwan website but the airline plans to launch the route as soon as May. In January, China Airlines launched a direct service between Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, and Taiwan. A 180-seat Airbus A321neo services the four-hour route four days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. AirAsia and Taiwanese airline EVA Air also service the Chiang Mai – Taiwan route. In December, Thai Lion Air resumed its Bangkok – Taiwan service. The route departs from Don Mueang Airport at 8.35pm five times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and arrives in Taipei at 1.25am the next day.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon In spite of many predictions and promises, there is still no final Cabinet approval for the long-anticipated high-speed train network linking the two Bangkok airports with the now-expanded U-tapao airport near Rayong. According to the Eastern Economic Corridor, which sponsors Thai and foreign mega-projects, a final sign-off will be left to the government incoming after the general election expected in May. There still needs to be negotiation about construction and expropriation of property details. The 220-billion baht project will allow super-fast, express trains to travel at speeds up to 250 km per hour. Supporters of the project envision a Chinese model in which sleek trains will pinball around the country, reducing road traffic logjams and enabling tourists, business people and freight to reach their destinations fast. Critics say that China is a much bigger country and that the high cost over relatively-short distances in Thailand poses quite different issues, including anticipated fare costs to the general public. Although some property gurus say that the rising price of property in the eastern provinces (which include Pattaya and Rayong) is dependent on a fast-train future, others deny the claim. Colliers International, for instance, points out that the property market is being driven by real demand and good roads between cities to transport goods and people. The consensus view is that the rail project will go ahead but that the first trains are unlikely to run before 2028 at the earliest.

Some photos from the Thai Enquirer of this event. Looks like it would have been a good take in, particularly with a few friends.

From Cathay Pacific In light of the latest announcement by the Hong Kong Government on 28 February 2023 to remove the mask-wearing mandate effective 1 March 2023, our passengers and employees will no longer be required to wear any face coverings when flying with us or visiting our lounges. Whether any individuals would like to continue wearing a face covering, this is optional, and we will respect their decision.

From The Thaiger The Bank of Thailand announced new measures to protect consumers from cyber risks in mobile banking transactions. Biometric scans, such as facial scans, will be required for high-value transactions, including digital money transfers of over 50,000 baht per transaction, transfers over 200,000 baht per day, and credit transfer amounts of over 50,000 baht per transaction. Banks must adopt these measures by June, the central bank said on Thursday. Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said the amount of 50,000 baht was chosen because it is a frequent target of fraudsters. While the measures may inconvenience consumers, they will increase security for digital banking transactions, he added. The central bank also aims to close loopholes and curb fraudsters’ access to consumers by banning financial institutions from sending links via SMS and email, as well as prohibiting banks from sending customers’ personal data through social media. In addition, mobile banking users will only be allowed to use one username per device, Bangkok Post reported. The central bank has collaborated with related organisations in the government and private sector to detect suspicious transactions and deposit accounts. The aim is to detect fraudulent cases more quickly, reducing losses, and preventing nominee deposit account fraud. According to central bank data, there were approximately 50,000 cases of online shopping fraud, 20,000 cases of money transfer fraud, 18,000 cases of lending fraud, and 13,000 cases of call centre fraud between March and December 2022. There were also 58,000 cases of nominee deposit account fraud, with a total reported loss of 5.5 billion baht.

Yes, or the A350 which offers the same pressurization advantage.

From CNN Travel CNN — If crowded airports are a sign, travelers are keen to get back into the skies. And if you’re flying long haul, in a few years you could have an even longer option. Qantas has announced from late 2025, it will fly passengers on nonstop flights from Australia’s east coast to London that would see you in the air for more than 19 hours in one stretch. That’s compared with current flights that take the best part of 24 hours but are broken up into shorter legs. So what will happen to your body during one of these longer flights? Is it any different to what happens when you fly long-haul now? 1. You can become dehydrated Dehydration is common on long-haul flights. It can explain why your throat, nose and skin can feel dry on an airplane. The longer the flight, the greater the risk of dehydration. That’s because of low levels of humidity in the cabin compared with what you’d expect on the ground. This is mostly because a lot of the air circulating through the cabin is drawn from the outside, and there’s not a lot of moisture in the air at high altitudes. You also risk dehydration by not drinking enough water, or drinking too much alcohol (alcohol is a diuretic, resulting in an increase in fluid lost). So drink water before you jump on the plane. During the flight, you’ll also need to drink more water than you usually would. 2. The cabin can play havoc with your ears, sinuses, gut and sleep As the cabin pressure changes, the gas in our bodies reacts accordingly. It expands as the aircraft climbs and pressure decreases, and the opposite occurs as we descend. This can lead to common problems such as: • earaches – when the air pressure either side of your eardrum is different, placing pressure on the eardrum • headaches – can be caused by expanding air trapped in your sinuses • gut problems – just accept that you’re going to fart more. You can also feel more sleepy than usual. That’s due to the body not being able to absorb as much oxygen from the cabin air at altitude than it would on the ground. Slowing down is the body’s way of protecting itself, and this can make you feel sleepy. The good news is that most of these problems won’t necessarily be more pronounced on longer flights. They’re mainly an issue as the plane climbs and descends. 3. You could develop blood clots Blood clots, associated with being immobile for long periods, are usually a big concern for passengers. These include clots that form in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) that can travel to the lung (where it’s known as a pulmonary embolism). If you don’t move around on the plane, and the more of the following risk factors you have, the greater the chance of blood clots developing: • older age • obesity • previous history or a family history of clots • certain types of clotting disorders • cancer • recent immobilization or surgery • pregnancy or recently given birth • hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptive pill. According to a review in 2022, combining data from 18 studies, the longer you travel, the greater the risk of blood clots. The authors calculated there was a 26% higher risk for every two hours of air travel, starting after four hours. Continues at https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/what-happens-to-your-body-on-long-haul-flight-wellness/index.html

From The Economist Gay watching for straight women A Thai take on manga storylines is big in Japan Are Thailand’s gay TV dramas the next K-pop? The “2gether cafe”, a pop-up restaurant on the second floor of the Tower Records Shibuya building in Tokyo, is a hub for a new Asian craze. Visitors, all women, swoon over wall-to-wall pictures of Bright Vachirawit and Win Metawin, stars of “2gether: The Series”, a Thai TV drama about two students who fall in love. The actors, both men, are depicted exchanging flirtatious glances and hugging. Airy Thai pop music plays in the background. “I didn’t know Thailand had such handsome men,” says Kobayashi Maki. An ardent fan of the TV series, she is studying Thai because of it. Thai soap operas about gay romance, generically known as “Boys’ Love” (BL) or sometimes “Y series”, are stealing hearts across Asia. Though the first shows appeared in 2014, the genre, including over a hundred series to date, took off outside Thailand during covid-19 lockdowns, thanks in part to many being available on YouTube. ============================ Unfortunately, the remainder of article is behind a paywall. But you can get a free month subscription at: https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/03/09/are-thailands-gay-tv-dramas-the-next-k-pop

An alternative to Airbnb for long stays (30 or more days) is to contact hotels directly and inquire if they offer non-advertised discounts. Some are quite willing to quote a rate, particularly during shoulder and low season periods. Before I began using Airbnb, Tarntawan and Amara were among those locations that did offer monthly rates. Doesn't cost anything to ask.

From Pattaya News The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup is set to take place on Jomtien Beach from March 16th to 29th, with 16 teams from various countries vying for three World Cup slots. A planning meeting was recently held on March 6th to ensure the success of an upcoming beach soccer tournament in Pattaya. The event will feature 16 competing teams, including Thailand, with the top three finishers earning a spot in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai later this year. The participating countries in the tournament come from diverse backgrounds, including landlocked and beachless nations such as Afghanistan, Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. This global representation highlights the growing popularity and inclusivity of beach soccer as a sport. Timetable of matches to be played in Jomtien Beach. March 16, 2023 Time 15.30 Iran vs Malaysia Time 17.00 Bahrain vs Afghanistan Time 18.30 UAE vs Uzbekistan Time 20.00 Thailand vs Saudi Arabia (live broadcast on Channel 9 MCOT HD) March 17, 2023 Time 3:30 p.m. Lebanon vs China Time 17.00 Palestine vs Kuwait Time 18.30 Japan vs Indonesia Time 20.00 Oman vs Kyrgyzstan March 18, 2023 Time 3:30 p.m. Uzbekistan vs Iran Time 17.00 Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain Time 18.30 Malaysia vs UAE Time 20.00 Afghanistan vs Thailand (live broadcast on Channel 9 MCOT HD) March 19, 2023 Time 15.30 Indonesia vs Lebanon Time 17.00 Kyrgyzstan vs Palestine Time 6:30 p.m. China vs Japan Time 20.00 Kuwait vs Oman March 20, 2023 Time 15.30 Malaysia vs Uzbekistan Time 17.00 Afghanistan vs Saudi Arabia Time 18.30 UAE vs Iran Time 20.00 Thailand vs Bahrain (live broadcast on Channel 9 MCOT HD) March 21, 2023 Time 15.30 China vs Indonesia Time 17.00 Kuwait vs Kyrgyzstan Time 18.30 Japan vs Lebanon Time 20.00 Oman vs Palestine

From TPN / Pattaya News The Consul of France in Thailand visited the Phuket Provincial Police Commander to discuss about French tourists who had been breaking laws and causing legal problems, bringing some to propose a controversial red and yellow card system. On Thursday (March 9th) afternoon the Phuket Provincial Police Commander Major General Sermpan Sirikong welcomed Mr. Christophe Hemmings, the Consul of France in Thailand. The Consul of France in Thailand Mr. Hemmings said, “We have admired the Phuket Police who are doing great jobs. We emphasize to take serious legal action against French nationals who are breaking laws especially for roads and being public nuisances.” “We are also ‘encouraging’ police to list the names of offenders for a proposed ‘Yellow – Red Status’ to the Thai Immigration Office. When they come back to France, their names will also be provided to French Police for further possible action.” Mr. Hemmings stated. “The French embassy is concerned with France’s image in Phuket and Thailand. We want French tourists and other national tourists to follow the laws of Thailand to prevent problems. Most French who live in Phuket as ex-pats are following the laws while those who are not following laws are French tourists on a short holiday.” Mr. Hemmings added. Major General Sermpan added, “We are still considering proposals for listing names under a so-called red and yellow card proposal.”

From Pattaya Mail / NNT The 668-kilometer rail line, which features 12 stations, will be divided into two phases, with the first phase covering over 380 km from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, and the second phase covering a further 288 km from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai. Thailand and Japan are set to embark on the first phase of a high-speed rail project linking Bangkok and Chiang Mai province. Officials from the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, the Public Health Management Office, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the State Railway of Thailand attended a recent technical meeting to review a feasibility study focusing on the economy and finance of the project. Japanese agencies, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japanese embassy, were also in attendance. The 668-kilometer rail line, which features 12 stations, will be divided into two phases, with the first phase covering over 380 km from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, and the second phase covering a further 288 km from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai.

From The Thaiger Thailand is expecting to welcome six million tourists from Europe this year, generating over 420 billion baht in revenue. The figure represents approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn expressed confidence in Thailand’s ability to maintain its popularity as a tourist destination for European markets. He noted that pent-up demand for travel among Europeans should hopefully continue for one to two years. The TAT estimates a total tourism revenue for Thailand of 1.5 trillion baht for 2023. To capitalise on the European demand, at the ITB Berlin 2023 trade show, Princess Ubolratana promoted sustainable tourism and soft power. The TAT pavilion featured over 70 tourism operators from Thailand. While Europe is a key market for Thailand, several factors are hurting a more powerful tourism boom. The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to drag on. Political and economic instability threatens the possibility of a global recession. Flight prices have been significantly higher than the bargain deals and specials before Covid-19. And the tourism infrastructure is still trying to recover from massive downsizing and loss during the pandemic. More flights are needed from more routes, and many airlines and airports are struggling with labour shortages after necessary layoffs when Covid grounded most flights. Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to approve a third ground handler to alleviate congestion and delays.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Visitors to the headquarters of Chonburi Immigration say immigration officers now assisting the queuing public in the carpark is a welcome development. “Before, there was a lot of confusion about where to queue and what to do. But the presence of immigration staff outside in the carpark has made a lot of difference,” said Mark Freesome who was renewing his annual extension of stay. The move is part of a package of user-friendly measures introduced by police colonel Parina Klinkesorn, the new head of Chonburi Immigration. They also include signposting of “outside” services which do not require joining the regular queue as well as the provision of extra seating. A further tentative plan is to cover the whole of the carpark area with a permanent roof. Jomtien Immigration has become busier since U-tapao airport, near Rayong, began receiving multiple daily flights from the Middle East and Russia with many new arrivals wanting immigration services to help open a bank account or apply for a driving licence. Charter flights from China to U-tapao commenced last week, but seem currently restricted to passengers from Xian, a sub-provincial city. Chonburi Immigration has three offices at Jomtien, Siracha and Koh Sichang. The first two offer comprehensive services for foreigners, but Koh Sichang is a small island which has an immigration presence to check freight-carrying vessels and port arrivals.