China, Thailand sign mutual visa waiver agreements

13 Sept 16:31 Key points summarised by AI

China and Thailand formally signed a mutual visa waiver agreement on Sunday, set to take effect on March 1.
The initiative aims to significantly boost tourism and facilitate travel between the two nations, particularly encouraging the return of Chinese tourists to Thailand's economy, which was heavily impacted by COVID-19.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.