Search Results for: Saudi Arabia
- Tourism News
Thailand aims to be top Muslim tourism destination within 5 years
Thailand is projected to emerge as a principal destination for international Muslim tourists within the next half-decade. The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Rachada Dhnadirek, put forth this intent to lure more Muslim travellers, citing their rising numbers and increased spending capacity. She noted, during her Friday announcement, that Muslim tourists comprised a major segment of Thailand’s tourism industry. An impressive surge…
- Press Room
Thailand elevates health and wellness tourism to global excellence with exclusive trade meet
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to announce a significant step forward in advancing Thai health and wellness tourism through the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness New Chapters New Experience Exclusive Trade Meet 2023. This prestigious event, hosted at the Conrad Bangkok Hotel on 24th July, aims to connect health and wellness representatives from all over the world…
- Thailand News
Beach beating: Thai transwomen assault foreigners in Pattaya
In the early hours of this morning, a gang of twenty Thai transwomen unleashed a physical assault on three foreigners along Beach Road in Pattaya, raising concerns due to their previous involvement in violent acts in the area. The Pattaya Tourist Police swiftly responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene to aid the victims, comprising two Saudi…
- Thailand News
Bhumjaithai Party proposes bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims stranded abroad
A groundbreaking solution is on the horizon as the Bhumjaithai Party‘s Southern working committee strategises a preventative measure; proposing a bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims from potential misery abroad brought about by issues back home. Astoundingly, above 500 pilgrims hailing from Yala, Thailand found themselves in an unfortunate entanglement, trapped and unsupervised on arrival in Saudi Arabia during the…
- Business News
PTT Plc amplifies renewable energy drive with hydrogen fuel advancement
National energy titan PTT Plc is bolstering initiatives to harness additional renewable power sources and progress its hydrogen fuel enterprise, as part of a strategy for sustainable company growth. Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, Senior Executive Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures, specified that PTT’s existing blueprint is to create 12 gigawatts of renewable electricity and restrict power generated from non-renewable fuels…
- Business News
Thai industries adjust strategies amid export downturn, eyes new markets
A recent downturn in exports has provoked 25 industry sectors to rethink their production strategies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has revealed. Key industries affected and readjusting include steel, machinery, construction materials and furniture, all of which significantly cater to the markets in Asia, the European Union and the United States. The FTI recently unveiled the results of a…
- Thailand News
Lost in Translation: Thai Police reckon Japanese attempted rape claim a misunderstanding
Officers from Chana Songkham Police Station believe that the attempted rape accusation reported by a Japanese woman was a result of a misunderstanding. They explained that the action in question was a part of the massage technique, and the officer involved had already engaged in discussions with the foreign woman to reach a mutual understanding. On Monday, June 12, a…
- Business News
Industry blues: Thailand’s TISI takes a double dip, blaming government formation woes
The Thailand Industry Sentiment Index (TISI) suffered another setback after experiencing a decline for the second month in a row, partly due to uncertainties surrounding the formation of a new coalition government. In May, the TISI dropped to 92.5 points from 95 in April. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), cited issues in setting up a…
- World News
Malaysia ranks second worst globally for transgender rights, study reveals
A recent Global Trans Rights Index revealed that Malaysia is ranked as the second worst country in the world for transgender rights. The study, conducted by researchers Asher and Lyric Fergusson, gave Malaysia a score of -105 and a danger rating of F, highlighting that transgender individuals face significant obstacles and are often targeted by the police. The report stated,…
- World News
Malaysian Haj pilgrim dies in Makkah, country introduces ATMs in Holy Land
A Malaysian Haj pilgrim, aged 57, passed away due to heart failure on June 4 in Makkah. The woman from Raub, Pahang, died at the Tabung Haji (TH) Treatment Centre, according to Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation. Her funeral prayers were held at Masjidil Haram (the Grand Mosque) after the Zohor (midday)…
- World News
China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability
China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…
- World News
Three Brits missing after Red Sea scuba boat catches fire in Egypt
Three British tourists have gone missing after a scuba diving boat they were on caught fire near Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The boat, named “Hurricane,” was carrying 12 crew members and 12 British passengers when it was engulfed in flames off the southern Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam. Egyptian authorities have attributed the fire to an electrical short…
- Property News
Foreign investors target luxury Bangkok condos, India eyes Pattaya properties
Foreign buyers are showing renewed interest in luxury condominiums in Bangkok, with potential investors primarily coming from China, Myanmar and India. Yesterday, Capital One Real Estate and its representatives have reaffirmed that Thailand’s real estate market is showing positive signs as their portfolio value is on track to reach 50,000 million baht (US$1.42 billion). As a result, foreign market sales…
- World News
US-GCC joint statement backs two-state solution, omits Israel normalisation
The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have issued a joint statement, highlighting shared priorities and finding common ground on various issues. This follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s attendance at a GCC meeting during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. The statement emphasises the US’s “enduring commitment” to the Gulf region, despite concerns about its diminishing…
- World News
297 orphans evacuated amid deadly conflict in Sudan’s capital
In Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, nearly 300 orphans have been rescued from the heart of the conflict in a dangerous evacuation carried out by humanitarian workers. This follows the tragic deaths of 67 children at the Mygoma orphanage due to starvation, dehydration, and infections, as the fighting prevented staff from reaching the facility. Since April 15, the city has experienced daily…
- World News
Malaysia identifies Haj pilgrims using Rahmah Cash Aid list
The Malaysian government is using the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) recipient list to identify prospective Haj pilgrims from the B40 and M40 income groups, while those in the T20 income group are identified based on an individual income of above RM15,000 per month. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, explained that the Pilgrims Fund Board…
- Business News
Asia-Pacific stocks rise on China stimulus hopes and Wall Street gains
Asian-Pacific stock markets experienced gains on Wednesday, as expectations for economic stimulus from China and Wall Street’s overnight gains boosted investor sentiment. The MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose by 0.7% in the morning, with China’s benchmark equity index increasing by 0.3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng adding 1.2%. This comes after China reportedly requested major banks…
- World News
Blinken faces uphill battle amid Middle East’s shift towards China and Russia
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces challenges during his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia this week, as the United States seeks to maintain its influence in the Middle East. Despite President Joe Biden’s commitment to staying engaged in the region, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been forging stronger ties with China, Russia, and…
- World News
Opec+ agrees extended production cuts to boost flagging oil prices
Oil-producing nations have agreed to extend production cuts in an effort to support struggling prices. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to reduce output by one million barrels per day (bpd) in July, while Opec+ stated that targets would decrease by an additional 1.4 million bpd from 2024. Opec+ represents approximately 40% of global crude oil production, and its decisions significantly…
- World News
Kremlin bars unfriendly countries journalists from St Petersburg Economic Forum
The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), an event often considered Russia’s response to the World Economic Forum in Davos, will not be open to journalists from “unfriendly countries,” according to the Kremlin. The annual forum, held since 1997, has never before imposed such a blanket ban on Western journalists. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision to TASS news…
- World News
Prince William and Kate attend Jordan’s royal wedding unannounced
In a surprise visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the wedding of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, 28 years old, and Saudi Arabian architect Rajwa Alseif, 29 years old, in Amman, Jordan. Prince William and Kate joined other foreign royalty at the ceremony held at Zahran Palace, a venue with historical significance for the Jordanian royal family. The unannounced…
- World News
Over half of world’s largest lakes dwindle, threatening water security
A recent study has revealed that over half of the world’s largest lakes and reservoirs are shrinking, jeopardising global water security’s future. Climate change and unsustainable consumption have been identified as the primary causes of this alarming trend. “Lakes are in trouble globally, and it has implications far and wide,” said Balaji Rajagopalan, a professor at the University of Colorado…
- World News
Over 25 million in Sudan need aid amid ongoing war, says UN
In Sudan, a war that has raged on for over a month continues to escalate, with the UN reporting that more than half the country’s population now is in need of aid. Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the UN humanitarian agency’s Geneva bureau, stated that 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian assistance and protection. This is the highest number ever…
- World News
Sudan’s warring parties commit to humanitarian principles amid ongoing conflict
Sudan’s warring factions signed a commitment to adhere to humanitarian principles in their intensifying conflict but did not agree to a ceasefire during challenging talks mediated by US diplomats in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the military and paramilitary forces, responsible for a conflict that has claimed over 750 lives and displaced numerous citizens, signed the agreement while continuing negotiations.…
- World News
Fighting intensifies in Khartoum as Sudanese struggle with shortages
The Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and the city of El Obeid, located 350 kilometres southwest, are witnessing ongoing violent clashes, forcing many locals to flee their homes and face dangerous journeys across the country’s borders. For those unable to leave, food and essential supply shortages have become a pressing problem, with people relying on local charity networks and neighbours for survival.…
- World News
Sudan army and Rapid Support Forces set to hold talks in Jeddah
The governments of the US and Saudi Arabia have announced that direct talks between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are set to commence in Jeddah. However, the ongoing conflict in Sudan’s capital shows no sign of subsiding. In a joint statement, both nations encouraged continued international support to end the fighting, urging both parties to prioritise…
- Visa Information
What is the current Thai visa rule for Thailand?
Planning to explore the vibrant markets of Bangkok, bask on the sandy beaches of Phuket, or wander through the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya? Thailand has long been a favourite destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. But before you can indulge in delicious Thai cuisine and experience the warmth of its people, there’s a crucial step to…
- Tourism News
Thailand welcomes 8.5 million foreign tourists so far this year
Thailand welcomed over 8.5 million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2023, generating revenue of 353 billion baht, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri revealed today that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted to hear about the strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector from January to April. In total, 8,596,452…
- Thailand News
First group of Thai evacuees from Sudan arrive in Bangkok
A flight carrying 78 Thai nationals departed from Sudan and was scheduled to land in Bangkok at 10pm, according to the air force, marking the arrival of the first group of evacuees returning home since the conflict in the North African country erupted. Air force spokesman Prapas Sonjaidee stated that an Airbus A340-500 aircraft and two air force C-130s had…
- World News
China and Russia sign maritime law enforcement agreement
China and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together in the field of maritime law enforcement. This collaboration follows a two-day meeting held in the Russian city of Murmansk, within the Arctic Circle and close to Finland’s border, a new NATO member. The agreement between China’s coastguard and Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) was signed on…
