Thailand ends 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries

12 Sept 17:37 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Cabinet has revoked the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries, reverting most to their previous 30-day visa-free stay.
The policy change aims to combat exploitation by foreigners using the longer visa for illegal nominee-owned businesses, unauthorized work, and transnational crimes.
Officials prioritize attracting "quality tourists" and believe the reduction will not significantly impact the core tourism market, as most visitors stay for an average of nine days.
The Visa Policy Committee will conduct a country-by-country review to determine appropriate visa types, potentially reducing some visa-free periods further to 15 days.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.