Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Visa Exemption for Russian Tourists Changed from 90 Days to 60, and More

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, April 22nd, to Sunday, April 28th, 2024.

They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

1. The Thai cabinet has announced an extension of the visa-free scheme for Russian visitors. Starting May 1st, Russians can enjoy a 60-day visa exemption, but this is shorter than before, replacing the previous 90-day programme set to conclude at April’s end.

TPN media notes that the reduction in timeframe for the visa exemption is not entirely surprising, however, after several viral incidents involving Russian tourists mostly in Phuket and complaints from local residents, also mostly in Phuket, of overtourism.

2. A 38-year-old Russian businessman was apprehended at a luxury villa on Samui Island this past Tuesday, April 23rd, facing serious allegations of assault and illegal weapons possession.

The arrest was precipitated by a complaint filed by Mr. Nikhita’s unidentified girlfriend, who accused him of sexual assault and threatening her with a firearm.

3. Bang Bua Thong investigative police and relevant officers captured a Thai suspect involved in the brutal murder and dismemberment case of an unidentified man in the Bang Bua Thong area, Nonthaburi.

Thai national media reported the progress in a case of a grisly murder and dismemberment of a suspected Yakuza gang member in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi.

Several suspects remain on the run as of press time.

4. A magazine website “CEOWORLD Magazine” created a ranking list of the world’s best countries to visit in your lifetime in 2024 placing Thailand in the first rank.

The ranking list surveyed 295,000 users, holding the record of the most engagement on the website, to create the world’s best countries to visit in your lifetime 2024 list.

5. The Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed statistics for the first quarter of 2024 in which foreigners invested more than 35 billion baht in Thailand according to the Thai Ministry of Commerce.

Foreign investment was an important factor in creating employment and generating income for Thai locals.

Let’s get started and see what the top stories were!

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The TPN National News, owned by our parent company TPN media.