Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Visa-Free Deal with European Union Proposed, and More

Thailand is consistently devising techniques to enhanced its global relationships and tourism industry with the premier minister Srettha Thavisin saying that France may possibly implement a mutual visa free agreement with 26 Schengen region nations. The conclusion of this arrangement is expected to remedy the tourism and business sectors difficulties, paving the way for increased collaboration across various fields to take place between Thailand and the 27 Schengen nations.

In front of Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meeting during the World Songkran Festival, the public announcement about control of drinking alcoholism were broadcasted by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew. 

“The proposed National Alcohol Control initiative will span April 1st to 21st, encompassing Songkran from April 11th to 17th and the post-festival period from April 18th to 21st.”

A private jet belonging to the former Thai PM, Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter Pheu Thai party leader Ms. Prajakteertha Shinawatra, as well as other members in their family, flew to his ancestral homestead in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. On his return, Thaksin had a very warm welcome both from amongst the red shirts and presence of locals, while he was away from Thailand for being an exiled political figure.

Mrs. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, addressed at the press conference that the statistics successfully demonstrate that the visit of Chinese tourists to Thailand has gone up to the plateau. According to TAT projections, in 2024, there will be twice as many Thai visitors going to China compared to the numbers before COVID-19 epidemic, and Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand will be three times higher than in the time before the same epidemic.

The investigative team handling the gambling network case known as “Minnie” summoned Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief of Thailand, to address allegations related to money laundering offenses. According to Thai national media, Pol. Gen. Surachet is required to present himself at the Metropolitan Police Division 2 on March 21st, 2024. He maintains his innocence amidst the allegations.