Thai officials have revoked the visa of a Swiss man living in Phuket after reports emerged he allegedly kicked a local woman for sitting on the steps near his rented villa. On Wednesday (Mar 6) he was also charged with assault. Thai officials were forced to intervene amid growing backlash over the case.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the alleged incident</h2>

The Swiss man was identified as Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old managing director of an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, according to local media reports. Fehr and his Thai wife Khanuengnit said they thought that Dr Thandao Chandam, 26, was intruding on their property and later apologised.&nbsp;

The incident took place on February 24, when Dr Thandao was allegedly kicked by Fehr in her back when she and her friend were sitting on the steps outside their rented villa.&nbsp;

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The Swiss man later claimed that he did not intentionally kick the 26-year-old and slipped while approaching her, reported Bangkok Post. However, the incident sparked outrage among the locals with many calling on Thai officials to revoke Fehr’s visa.&nbsp;

The local media reported that the officials later found out that the steps which Dr Thandao and her friend were sitting on were built illegally on public land and have since ordered their removal.

<h2>Thailand revokes Fehr’s visa</h2>

Amid reports about the incident and the backlash that followed Thailand’s immigration bureau&nbsp;revoked Fehr’s visa, reported Bangkok Post, on Thursday (Mar 7). This was after the immigration officials deemed the Swiss man’s behaviour a ‘threat to social peace.’

Phuket police chief Sinlert Sukhum on Wednesday said that the 45-year-old has also been charged with physical and mental assault after the doctor’s complaint and that the police are still investigating the incident.&nbsp;

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The Swiss man, on Thursday, was also charged and fined&nbsp;for a road rage incident against an ambulance driver in December 2023.&nbsp;

The police and immigration officials said they would detain Fehr but he can remain in Thailand for now to defend himself in the assault case.&nbsp;

The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with&nbsp;one of the protesters saying “foreigners are occupying too many areas,” reported&nbsp;the Bangkok Post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thai officials have revoked the visa of a Swiss man living in Phuket after reports emerged he allegedly kicked a local woman for sitting on the steps near his rented villa.

Thai officials have revoked the visa of a Swiss man living in Phuket after reports emerged he allegedly kicked a local woman for sitting on the steps near his rented villa. On Wednesday (Mar 6) he was also charged with assault. Thai officials were forced to intervene amid growing backlash over the case. What we know about the alleged incident The Swiss man was identified as Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old managing director of an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, according to local media reports. Fehr and his Thai wife Khanuengnit said they thought that Dr Thandao Chandam, 26, was intruding on their property and later apologised. The incident took place on February 24, when Dr Thandao was allegedly kicked by Fehr in her back when she and her friend were sitting on the steps outside their rented villa. Also Read | Six Indians in Bangkok arrested for allegedly trafficking Red Panda, 86 other wild animals The Swiss man later claimed that he did not intentionally kick the 26-year-old and slipped while approaching her, reported Bangkok Post. However, the incident sparked outrage among the locals with many calling on Thai officials to revoke Fehr’s visa. The local media reported that the officials later found out that the steps which Dr Thandao and her friend were sitting on were built illegally on public land and have since ordered their removal. Thailand revokes Fehr’s visa Amid reports about the incident and the backlash that followed Thailand’s immigration bureau revoked Fehr’s visa, reported Bangkok Post, on Thursday (Mar 7). This was after the immigration officials deemed the Swiss man’s behaviour a ‘threat to social peace.’ Phuket police chief Sinlert Sukhum on Wednesday said that the 45-year-old has also been charged with physical and mental assault after the doctor’s complaint and that the police are still investigating the incident. Also Read | Two charged for helping fans illegally enter Taylor Swift concert in Singapore The Swiss man, on Thursday, was also charged and fined for a road rage incident against an ambulance driver in December 2023. The police and immigration officials said they would detain Fehr but he can remain in Thailand for now to defend himself in the assault case. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with one of the protesters saying “foreigners are occupying too many areas,” reported the Bangkok Post. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand revokes visa of Swiss man, charges him with assault for ‘kicking’ local woman

In a move to boost tourism, Thailand is set to waive off visa requirements for travellers coming from India as well as Taiwan from the coming month to May 2024, said a government official in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 31).

"Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days," spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said.

Thailand had scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists in September this year.&nbsp;

China ranked first in Bangkok's pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019.

As per the latest government data, nearly 22 million people visited Thailand from January to October 29, generating 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-announces-visa-free-entry-for-india-six-other-countries-to-boost-tourism-650739">Sri Lanka announces visa-free entry for India, six other countries to boost tourism</a>

<h2>India,&nbsp;Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism</h2>

So far this year, India has been Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism with nearly 1.2 million arrivals after countries like Malaysia, China and South Korea.

With more airlines and hospitality chains targeting the market, inbound tourism from India exhibited signs of growth.

Thailand is aiming at about 28 million arrivals in 2023, with the new government hoping the travel sector can compensate for continued weak exports that have restrained economic growth.

Last week, in a similar move, Sri Lanka had announced visa-free entry for India as well as six other countries, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, in a bid to boost tourism with immediate effect until March 21, 2024.

The country's foreign affairs minister Ali Sabry made the announcement on Tuesday (Oct 24) on social media platform X.

"Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia &amp; Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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In a move to boost tourism, Thailand is set to waive off visa requirements for travellers coming from India as well as Taiwan from the coming month to May 2024, said a government official in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 31).

In a move to boost tourism, Thailand is set to waive off visa requirements for travellers coming from India as well as Taiwan from the coming month to May 2024, said a government official in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 31). "Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days," spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said. Thailand had scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists in September this year. China ranked first in Bangkok's pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019. As per the latest government data, nearly 22 million people visited Thailand from January to October 29, generating 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion). Also read: Sri Lanka announces visa-free entry for India, six other countries to boost tourism India, Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism So far this year, India has been Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism with nearly 1.2 million arrivals after countries like Malaysia, China and South Korea. With more airlines and hospitality chains targeting the market, inbound tourism from India exhibited signs of growth. Thailand is aiming at about 28 million arrivals in 2023, with the new government hoping the travel sector can compensate for continued weak exports that have restrained economic growth. Last week, in a similar move, Sri Lanka had announced visa-free entry for India as well as six other countries, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, in a bid to boost tourism with immediate effect until March 21, 2024. The country's foreign affairs minister Ali Sabry made the announcement on Tuesday (Oct 24) on social media platform X. "Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand announces visa-free entry for Indian citizens in bid to boost tourism

On Saturday, Thailand marked the arrival of its 10 millionth international visitor in 2022, as per the tourism authority as the travel sector recovered from the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Around 40 million tourists were welcomed by Thailand in 2019, however, the travel industry badly suffered due to the restrictions imposed during the pandemic.&nbsp;With relaxation in those restrictions worldwide, the travel numbers in Thailand have started a slow recovery and the government is aiming to generate tourism revenue of $16 billion this year. 
 
The passengers de-boarding a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight were welcomed by traditional drummers and dancers on Saturday at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as they clocked the 10 million milestone.

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While speaking at the airport, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said, "The sky is open. We would like to build confidence that Thailand is still one of the (top) tourist destinations of people around the world."

This week, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said that they expect a growth in the number of visitors next year too.

As per the government figures, Thailand is likely to welcome around 23 million tourists in 2023. However, according to a few analysts, the tourist numbers can see a full recovery in 2024.

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The growth in the tourism business has also given relief to Thai hotel owners and restauranteurs. Thai Hotels Association's president Marisa Sukosol welcomed the achievement of the 10 million travellers' milestone "after two years and a half of pain".

"I think next year we will see continuous momentum of growth," she added, emphasising the arrival of tourists from Asia-Pacific and Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

On Saturday, Thailand marked the arrival of its 10 millionth international visitor in 2022, as per the tourism authority as the travel sector recovered from the pandemic.

On Saturday, Thailand marked the arrival of its 10 millionth international visitor in 2022, as per the tourism authority as the travel sector recovered from the pandemic. Around 40 million tourists were welcomed by Thailand in 2019, however, the travel industry badly suffered due to the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. With relaxation in those restrictions worldwide, the travel numbers in Thailand have started a slow recovery and the government is aiming to generate tourism revenue of $16 billion this year. The passengers de-boarding a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight were welcomed by traditional drummers and dancers on Saturday at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as they clocked the 10 million milestone. ALSO READ| Months after decriminalising marijuana, Thailand in dilemma over misuse While speaking at the airport, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said, "The sky is open. We would like to build confidence that Thailand is still one of the (top) tourist destinations of people around the world." This week, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said that they expect a growth in the number of visitors next year too. As per the government figures, Thailand is likely to welcome around 23 million tourists in 2023. However, according to a few analysts, the tourist numbers can see a full recovery in 2024. ALSO READ| Thailand temple left without monks after all its holy men failed drug tests The growth in the tourism business has also given relief to Thai hotel owners and restauranteurs. Thai Hotels Association's president Marisa Sukosol welcomed the achievement of the 10 million travellers' milestone "after two years and a half of pain". "I think next year we will see continuous momentum of growth," she added, emphasising the arrival of tourists from Asia-Pacific and Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand records 10 million tourist arrivals in 2022 as travel sector recovers

After a long period of pandemic shutdown, Thailand was one of the first countries in Asia to reopen for foreign, tourists. The country is now seeing a slow economic recovery as tourists are gradually returning.

Thailand: Vaccinated travellers from over 60 countries allowed

Thailand was among the first countries in Asia to reopen for foreign tourists, and it is now seeing a slow recovery. Tourism is an incredibly important sector for the countries economy.

A month after reopening, Thailand sees gradual tourism recovery

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing&nbsp;trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well.

The initaitive has been taken by the Khao Yai National Park&nbsp;near Bangkok after numerous tourists left behind vast amount of rubbish.

Last weekend,&nbsp;Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa had the trash promptly packed and mailed to the respective litterer.

He also shared a Facebook post saying “we collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere.”

<img alt="Thai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24db04b6-9175-4d4e-8c60-1fcc32edb281" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%20457_0.PNG" />

Narin Pinsakul, chief of the park said&nbsp;“It can be dangerous for animals like deer if they eat the rubbish, trying to digest plastic waste that people leave behind.”

Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand and stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well.

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well. The initaitive has been taken by the Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok after numerous tourists left behind vast amount of rubbish. Last weekend, Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa had the trash promptly packed and mailed to the respective litterer. He also shared a Facebook post saying “we collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere.” Narin Pinsakul, chief of the park said “It can be dangerous for animals like deer if they eat the rubbish, trying to digest plastic waste that people leave behind.” Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand and stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

'You forgot these': Thai national park mails trash back to tourists

As the global tourism industry is hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian tourism hub of Thailand has expected to see an 80% fall in tourism numbers this year. Watch report

Thai tourism arrivals to plunge: Ban on international flights lifted

In Thailand's western province of Kanchanaburi, Taweechai Elephant Camp is struggling to feed its elephants since the country declared a state of emergency last month, forcing it to close the gates.

Hungry and out of jobs: Thailand's elephants suffer as coronavirus outbreak hits tourism

Thailand could lose up to 200,000 foreign visitors and $293 million in tourism revenue this year, the head of its tourism authority said on Monday, after a series of deadly blasts in tourist towns last week. 
 
The wave of attacks in places including the seaside town of Hua Hin and the island of Phuket&nbsp;is the biggest challenge to an industry that has weathered more than a decade of instability and bounced back from violence over recent years. 
 
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the state Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the attacks could result in long-term losses in terms of tourist revenue and arrivals, mainly from other Asian countries. 
 
&quot;By the year end, there could be about 100,000 to 200,000 travel cancellations,&quot; he said in a statement. 
 
&quot;That would cost about 5.08 billion baht ($146 million) to 10.16 billion baht ($293 million).&quot; 
 
Tourism accounts for 10 per cent of Thai gross domestic product and is one of the few bright spots in an economy that has struggled under the stewardship of a military government that seized power in a bloodless coup two years ago. 
 
The Southeast Asian nation had been expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016, with expected revenue of 2.41 trillion baht ($70 billion). 
 
Narongchai Wongthanavimok, chief financial officer at national carrier Thai Airways, Thailand&#39;s national carrier, said on Friday the bombings would hurt business and consumer confidence. 
 
No group has claimed responsibility for the Thursday and Friday attacks that killed four people and wounded dozens, some of them tourists. 
 
Police said on Monday said they had arrested one man for arson. 
 
Embassies in Thailand have warned their citizens to stay vigilant and some have warned that there could be more attacks. 
 
A bomb attack on a Bangkok shrine on August 17 last year, killed 20 people, more than half of them Asian tourists, but it did not seriously undermine the industry. 
 
(Reuters)

The Southeast Asian nation had been expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016

Thailand could lose up to 200,000 foreign visitors and $293 million in tourism revenue this year, the head of its tourism authority said on Monday, after a series of deadly blasts in tourist towns last week. The wave of attacks in places including the seaside town of Hua Hin and the island of Phuket is the biggest challenge to an industry that has weathered more than a decade of instability and bounced back from violence over recent years. Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the state Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the attacks could result in long-term losses in terms of tourist revenue and arrivals, mainly from other Asian countries. "By the year end, there could be about 100,000 to 200,000 travel cancellations," he said in a statement. "That would cost about 5.08 billion baht ($146 million) to 10.16 billion baht ($293 million)." Tourism accounts for 10 per cent of Thai gross domestic product and is one of the few bright spots in an economy that has struggled under the stewardship of a military government that seized power in a bloodless coup two years ago. The Southeast Asian nation had been expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016, with expected revenue of 2.41 trillion baht ($70 billion). Narongchai Wongthanavimok, chief financial officer at national carrier Thai Airways, Thailand's national carrier, said on Friday the bombings would hurt business and consumer confidence. No group has claimed responsibility for the Thursday and Friday attacks that killed four people and wounded dozens, some of them tourists. Police said on Monday said they had arrested one man for arson. Embassies in Thailand have warned their citizens to stay vigilant and some have warned that there could be more attacks. A bomb attack on a Bangkok shrine on August 17 last year, killed 20 people, more than half of them Asian tourists, but it did not seriously undermine the industry. (Reuters)

Thailand could lose 200,000 foreign visitors, $293 mn after blasts: Tourism chief