Free visa on arrival for tourists from 21 nations, including China

23 Sept 06:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT) proposes a temporary waiver for visa-on-arrival fees for visitors from 21 countries, including China, from November 15 to January 15.
This measure, alongside offering a double-entry visa at a single-entry rate, aims to significantly boost tourist numbers, particularly from China, which is Thailand's largest tourism market.
The initiative seeks to counteract a sharp decline in Chinese tourist arrivals following a fatal boat accident in Phuket in July.
Despite an estimated 3 billion baht cost in waived fees, the TAT projects an additional 75 billion baht in tourism income from an expected 1.5 million more Chinese tourists.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.