Thailand week in review: The top five national stories in Thailand for the last week

PHOTO: Thai News Agency

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, September 28th to October 4th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in order of date of publication.

PHOTO: Thansettakij

1. First group of tourists to visit Thailand under Special Tourist Visa to arrive from China on October 8th

After the announcement of the Special Tourist Visa (STV), China, which is also known as one of Thailand’s best alliances of all time, will be the first group of tourists under the agenda to welcome in the country. The first group of 120 visitors from Guangzhou is scheduled to fly to visit Thalang District in Phuket this Thursday, October 8. It is considered the first step of re-opening the country for international tourists since lockdown in March, more of them will possibly be welcomed if the STV agenda is functioning well. There have been some questions if the group is delayed, however, and they may end up coming later in the month.

First group of tourists to visit Thailand under Special Tourist Visa to arrive from China on October 8th

2. Emergency Decree extended nationwide for the sixth time through end of October, Thai cabinet confirmed

The sixth emergency decree extension is now implemented through October 31. It is, according to the Government, to maintain its low cases of local transmission and so its citizens would remain secured and safe against the Covid-19 coronavirus. It is not related to political tensions and ongoing movements of the pro-democracy demonstrations in the country, according to the Thai Cabinet.

Emergency Decree extended nationwide for the sixth time through end of October, Thai cabinet confirms today

3. Visa “amnesty” period officially approved to be extended in Thailand by Thai Cabinet, further details released

Apart from the emergency decree, the visa amnesty period for foreign nationals had also officially been approved and extended until the end of October after several weeks of warnings from Thai Immigration about strict amnesty extension by the end of September. Foreigners are required to update their immigration stamp at immigration and those who had already paid 1,900 baht for an extension to the end of October would be allowed to stay until the end of November, the government spokeswoman reported.

Visa “amnesty” period officially approved to be extended in Thailand by Thai Cabinet, further details released

4. Thai government welcomes first six groups of foreign travelers to enter Thailand, starting this October

The CCSA had approved the country re-opening to welcome six certain groups of foreigners for both short and long term visits this month. Holders of the Special Tourist Visa (STV) as well as the non-immigrant types of visa are two of the six groups of tourists who are expected to visit the country for both short term and long term. However, the 14-days state quarantine and strict health measures prior to traveling within the country are still mandatory.

Thai government welcomes first six groups of foreign travelers to enter Thailand, starting this October

5. Eleven kindergarten teachers at Nonthaburi private school to face child abuse charges after allegedly beating their students up to sixty times

The shocking investigation of eleven teachers and school mentors at a Nonthabuti private school who were discovered brutally beating students was conducted after public outrage of alleged child abuser “Kru Jum” reported last week. At least 60 abusive cases were found in kindergarten-1 and nursery classrooms. All of them are facing child abuse charges while the school and its directors are also charged for allegedly operating the school without a license.

Eleven kindergarten teachers at Nonthaburi private school to face child abuse charges after allegedly beating their students up to sixty times

That is all for this week, thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News!

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.