National —
The Thai Cabinet has officially approved a visa waiver to Chinese tourists along with Kazakhstanis today, September 13th, as well as a reduction in electricity and oil prices, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The visa waiver program will become effective from September 25th to February 29th, 2024, according to Srettha.
He said that the inclusion of Kazakhstani tourists in the program was a response to the increasing interest among Kazakhstanis who wished to travel to Thailand to escape the severe winter conditions in Kazakhstan. Despite proposals, however, Indian and Russian tourists were not included.
The Cabinet has also approved price cuts in electricity and oil for Thai people, with the power price down to 4.1 baht per unit from 4.45 baht, and diesel prices to less than 30 baht per liter. The power price cut will be in effect at a billing period in September, and the oil cut will start from September 20th.
The Cabinet has also approved the following plans:
- Establishment of a committee to organize a royal ceremony to honor the late and great King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
- Implementation of a three-year debt moratorium for farmers and small businesses.
- Proposal to change the payment schedule for government officials from monthly to fortnightly.
- Formation of a study committee for a charter revision and a referendum.
