India
- Thailand News
India offers free 30-day visa for Thai tourists until end of the year
To boost Thai tourist arrivals and balance the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand, India is offering Thai travellers a 30-day visa-free entry until the end of 2025. The Indian government announced that Thai visitors could now apply for an e-tourist visa online without paying any entry fee, encouraging more Thais to explore India. The Indian embassy in Thailand…
- Bangkok News
Indian customs seize haul of weed smuggled from Bangkok
Five travellers arriving from Bangkok were busted in a brazen smuggling attempt at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Christmas Day. Indian customs officials seized a staggering 26 kilogrammes of hydroponic marijuana—worth 26 Indian crores (approximately 104 million baht)—ingeniously concealed in everyday household items. Acting on a tip-off, the Indian Customs Department intercepted the suspects shortly after they…
- Bangkok News
Alcohol sale breaks record on Air India Express’s inaugural flight to Bangkok
Air India Express marked the launch of its new direct route from Surat in India to Bangkok with an unforgettable incident as passengers reportedly consumed the entire alcohol supply, valued at around 70,000 baht, before landing. The Indian low-cost airline announced in November that it would begin direct flights in December from Surat and Pune to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport,…
- Thailand News
Thai AirAsia X expands Bangkok-Delhi route with 4 weekly flights
Budget travellers, rejoice! Thai AirAsia X is ramping up its services, connecting Bangkok and Delhi with four weekly flights starting January 15, 2025. The move comes as the airline capitalises on surging demand from Indian flyers, driven by visa-free travel perks and enhanced connectivity. The carrier, which operates A330 planes, marked its return to the Indian capital on Sunday, December…
- Thailand News
India launches new flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur this winter
International travel from India’s Kolkata is in for a major lift this winter, as two major airlines ramp up connections to Southeast Asia. With Thai Lion Air launching four weekly flights to Bangkok and Malaysia Airlines resuming its pre-pandemic route to Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata travellers are set for a world of new options. Starting December 16, Thai Lion Air, a…
- Thailand News
Flight chaos: Air India passengers twice-stranded in Phuket
Over 100 passengers on an Air India flight to New Delhi found themselves stranded in Phuket for over 80 hours, enduring a string of delays due to persistent technical issues with their aircraft. The saga began when the flight, initially scheduled for departure on the night of November 16, was postponed by six hours, with the airline citing technical faults…
- Thailand News
3 victims attacked by group of Indian men on Pattaya Beach
President of the Chon Buri Indian Association and two Thai women are seeking justice after a group of Indian men attacked them on Pattaya Beach on Sunday, at the end of the Diwali Festival. The 46 year old Indian association president, Dio, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Tuesday, November 13, alongside the two other Thai victims,…
- Crime News
Bangkok to bang-bang: Thai tourist shot in escort row in India
A Thai tourist found herself in the crosshairs of danger after a heated dispute over escort services spiralled out of control, leading to her being shot in the historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The altercation erupted at a local hotel, ultimately escalating into violence, on Saturday, November 9. The scene unfolded when four men left the woman, identified as…
- Thailand News
Bangkok to transform Phahurat into vibrant Little India
Bangkok Metropolitan Council is set to transform the Phahurat area into a vibrant Little India, fostering comprehensive collaboration among the government, private sector, and community to attract tourists and boost investments, thereby increasing the nation’s revenue. John Surajit Pongsingwitaya, President of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, announced the capital’s commitment to support the development of Phahurat into a Little India, a…
- Thailand News
Thai-panic: AirAsia flight defies disaster over denied landing in India
A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Passengers were left fearing for their lives as the aircraft was forced to circle for a staggering 45 minutes with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining in the tank. The drama unfolded…
- Thailand News
Thai-ed and tested: Thai women rescued from sex racket in India
In a gripping undercover operation in India, Thane police dramatically dismantled a notorious underground sex racket, rescuing nine women, including two Thai nationals. This high-stakes raid just outside of Mumbai unfolded in two separate swoops, throwing a glaring spotlight on the murky world of human trafficking plaguing the region. The Thane police force, tipped off by reliable sources, acted decisively…
- Business News
Rice to the occasion: Thai prices drop as India returns to the market
Thai white rice prices have started to fall after India decided to resume non-basmati white rice exports. Despite this development, this year’s rice export volume remains unaffected, according to Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association. Chookiat stated that on September 28, the Indian government lifted a ban on non-basmati white rice exports that had been in…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways to take off from India’s Gaya Airport in October
India’s Gaya International Airport is gearing up for a major transformation as international flight operations kick off on October 10, with Thai Airways (THAI) taking the lead. The boom is expected right after the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a key period in Hindu traditions. The Gaya Airport Authority has officially unveiled the flight schedule, THAI’s take-off on October 10 will…
- Thailand News
Rakesh Saxena to be deported to India after Thai prison release
Rakesh Saxena, the central figure in the collapse of Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC), has been detained by police following his release from prison and will be deported to India. The collapse of the bank in 1995, due to the mismanagement of large undercollateralized loans, marked the beginning of the Asian financial crisis known as the Tom Yam Kung crisis.…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s BRICS ambition: Gateway to economic power?
As Thailand contemplates joining the BRICS economic bloc, the nation’s public and private sectors are buzzing with anticipation over the potential opportunities and benefits. The growing excitement was evident at the International Media Club of Thailand (IMCT)’s inaugural seminar in Bangkok last Thursday, August 22, where two panels dissected the pros and cons of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and…
- Thailand News
Thai AirAsia launches new route from Tiruchi to Bangkok
Thai AirAsia will be launching direct flights from southern India’s Tiruchirappalli (also known as Tiruchi) to Bangkok, starting September 21. This move not only expands the airline’s network but also strengthens its foothold in the Indian market. The new service will operate thrice a week, offering flights in the Bangkok-Tiruchi-Bangkok sector on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight will depart…
- Thailand News
AirAsia launches direct flights from Phuket to India
AirAsia Thailand unveiled new direct flight routes from Phuket to Chennai and Kolkata, promising seamless travel to paradise from two of India’s major cities. Starting from October 27, these flights will offer travellers a convenient gateway to Phuket’s pristine beaches, vibrant cultural scenes, and delectable seafood. The Chennai-Phuket route will operate thrice weekly, while the Kolkata-Phuket connection will take off…
- Tourism News
Thailand expects record tourists from Taiwan, India with visa policy
Thailand anticipates a record influx of tourists from Taiwan and India this year, largely due to the recent visa-free policy. The visa exemption for Taiwanese and Indian tourists, initiated in late 2023, has been extended until November 11, with the allowed stay period increased to 60 days. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that Thailand has already agreed on…
- Thailand News
Thai AirAsia expands routes to India amid slow China recovery
Thai AirAsia is set to expand its network by launching new routes to India and Southeast Asia in the second half of the year, aiming to compensate for the slow recovery of flights to China. The sluggish Chinese economy and increased competition from domestic travel have significantly impacted this recovery. Tansita Akrarittipirom, head of commercial at Thai AirAsia, revealed that…
- Tourism News
Agoda prepares for tourist boom in India as report shows growing interest from Thais
Multinational travel agency Agoda is preparing for increased tourism in India, as Thais have shown a growing interest in travelling to the country. Agoda, according to data from their digital platform, has observed a 16% increase in searches from Thailand looking for accommodation in India. This growth in search volume comes days after the Indian government announced they would waive…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s GPSC secures 1,050MW solar project in India
The power generation division of Thailand’s PTT Plc, Global Power Synergy Plc (GPSC), is making significant strides in expanding its renewable energy footprint in India. Its subsidiary, Avaada Energy, has secured a contract to construct a massive 1,050-megawatt solar farm aimed at boosting clean energy production, reducing carbon emissions, and serving millions in India. Avaada Energy emerged victorious in a…
- Business News
Thailand and India to launch QR cross-border payments
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to introduce QR code cross-border payments between Thailand and India by the third quarter of this year, with a broader vision to expand this system into a pan-Asian multinational payment network. The Assistant Governor for Payment Systems Policy and Financial Consumer Protection Group at the central bank, Daranee Saeju, revealed that the payment…
- Thailand News
Thai Lion Air flies into Cochin with Çelebi India as ground partner
In a move set to revolutionise Cochin’s aviation scene, Thai Lion Air has soared into the region, with Çelebi India at the helm as their chosen ground handling service provider. Kicking off their passenger flights from Bangkok to Cochin on April 4, Thai Lion Air’s selection of Çelebi India underscores a commitment to excellence and reliability in the skies. Tauseef…
- Thailand News
Thailand soft-power: ASEAN + India shoppers to boost tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled the ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand campaign, enticing tourists to choose their top Thai soft-power element while scoring shopping vouchers. Running from April 29 to June 15, this initiative spearheaded by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool aims to transform Thailand into a regional tourism hotspot while showcasing its cultural prowess. “This initiative…
- Thailand News
Women soar past barriers in Indian airline industry
In a groundbreaking triumph, Indian women have defied the odds and scaled the heights of the airline industry, emerging as leaders in key airports across Karnataka, India. Their stories of perseverance and determination showcase the limitless possibilities for career growth. From humble beginnings to commanding pivotal roles, these Indian women exemplify resilience and ambition. Risona Maria, the IndiGo Airport Manager…
- Thailand News
Leopard in the room: Indian boy’s purr-fect phone escape
A young boy in India encountered a leopard in his room while playing on his phone, managing to quietly exit and lock the animal inside. The 12 year old boy, Mohit Ahir, displayed remarkable composure and bravery during the incident. Ahir, the son of a security official at a wedding event, was waiting for his father in the office room…
- Thailand News
Thailand apologises to India for comments on rice export policy
A formal apology to India has been issued by Thailand, following inappropriate comments made by Thailand’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) ambassador regarding India’s rice export policy. The comments were made during the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in the United Arab Emirates. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Commerce Minister of Thailand, confirmed the apology. The Indian government received a written apology…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tourism bosses lobby for fixed visa-free policy with India
Pattaya tourism chiefs are lobbying for a permanent visa-free travel agreement with India in a move driven by the Asian giant’s projected ascension to the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The conviction behind this push lies in the promising impacts of a temporary visa exemption for Indian tourists, which is due to conclude on May 10 but is proposed for…
- Thailand News
Stop the pigeon! Chinese bird evades dastardly espionage suspicions, flies to freedom
In a plotline more fitting to the 1969 children’s cartoon series Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines attempting to “Catch the Pigeon,” a pigeon suspected of espionage for China was finally freed after eight months in captivity, thanks to the intervention of animal rights crusaders, PETA. The bird’s release from the clutches of Indian officials this week marks the climax…
- Thailand News
Monkey mayhem: Tails of mischief make headlines worldwide
Recent incidents of monkey attacks have been in the headlines recently in several countries, featuring long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques in Thailand, Japanese macaques in Japan, and Hanuman langurs in India. While these incidents might paint monkeys as villains, the root cause is a phenomenon called over-habituation. Devil monkeys are born when animals lose their fear of humans due to over-habituation,…
