The body of Australian cricket icon Shane Warne remained in Thailand for another day on Tuesday, police said, as consular officials worked on logistics to bring home the man widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers of all time.

Warne, age 52, died last Friday while on holiday on the island of Koh Samui.

Local authorities said Warne died due to a suspected heart attack and congenital disease.

Thai police had indicated his body could be repatriated on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-brought-spin-as-attacking-commodity-to-cricketing-world-says-indian-offie-r-ashwin-460310">Shane Warne brought spin as attacking commodity to cricketing world, says Indian offie R Ashwin</a>

However, Kissana Phathanacharoen, a police spokesperson, said Warne's body was at a Bangkok police hospital late Tuesday where it would remain until a flight was arranged.

"It is now a matter of waiting for the Australians to organise a flight... there are no reasons for Thai side to conduct any further examination," he said.

Tributes from across the world have been pouring in for Warne, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling him "one of our nation's greatest characters".

Australia's embassy in Thailand on Tuesday said arrangements were still being made to fly the cricketer's body home and directed media enquiries to its foreign ministry in Canberra, which said it was assisting the family and would not comment further owing to its request for privacy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-what-is-extreme-liquid-diet-that-late-shane-warne-followed-and-how-it-affects-the-body-460308">Explained: What is extreme liquid diet that late Shane Warne followed and how it affects the body</a>

Australian media has said Warne`s family funeral would be followed by a memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) within two or three weeks.

The Nine Network reported the Great Southern Stand, where the spinner took his 700th wicket in 2006, would be renamed the S.K. Warne Stand in his honour.

The body of Australian cricket icon Shane Warne remained in Thailand for another day on Tuesday, police said, as consular officials worked on logistics to bring home the man widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers of all time.

The body of Australian cricket icon Shane Warne remained in Thailand for another day on Tuesday, police said, as consular officials worked on logistics to bring home the man widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers of all time. Warne, age 52, died last Friday while on holiday on the island of Koh Samui. Local authorities said Warne died due to a suspected heart attack and congenital disease. Thai police had indicated his body could be repatriated on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Shane Warne brought spin as attacking commodity to cricketing world, says Indian offie R Ashwin However, Kissana Phathanacharoen, a police spokesperson, said Warne's body was at a Bangkok police hospital late Tuesday where it would remain until a flight was arranged. "It is now a matter of waiting for the Australians to organise a flight... there are no reasons for Thai side to conduct any further examination," he said. Tributes from across the world have been pouring in for Warne, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling him "one of our nation's greatest characters". Australia's embassy in Thailand on Tuesday said arrangements were still being made to fly the cricketer's body home and directed media enquiries to its foreign ministry in Canberra, which said it was assisting the family and would not comment further owing to its request for privacy. ALSO READ: Explained: What is extreme liquid diet that late Shane Warne followed and how it affects the body Australian media has said Warne`s family funeral would be followed by a memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) within two or three weeks. The Nine Network reported the Great Southern Stand, where the spinner took his 700th wicket in 2006, would be renamed the S.K. Warne Stand in his honour.

Body of Shane Warne remains in Thailand as Australia arranges return home

Thailand&nbsp;is scrambling to encourage its people to have more babies to arrest a slumping birth rate, offering parents childcare and fertility centres, while also tapping social media influencers to showcase the joys of family life.

The campaign comes as the number of births has dropped by nearly a third since 2013, when they started declining. Last year saw 544,000 births, the lowest in at least six decades and below the 563,000 deaths, which were also swelled by coronavirus-related fatalities.

While&nbsp;Thailand's demographic path is similar to other Asian economies like Japan or Singapore, as an emerging market relying on cheap labour and a growing middle class the implications for Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy are far more profound.

"The data reflects a population crisis ... where the mindset towards having children has changed," said Teera Sindecharak, an expert on demography at Thammasat University.

Senior health official Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai told Reuters the government recognised a need to intervene.

"We are trying to slow down the decline in births and reverse the trend by getting families that are ready to have children faster," he said, describing plans to introduce policies so that newborns get the full support of the state.

The plans include opening fertility centres, currently limited to Bangkok and other major cities, in 76 provinces and also using social media influencers to back up the message, officials said.

Such policies may come too late for people like Chinthathip Nantavong, 44, who decided with her partner of 14 years not to have children.

"Raising one child costs a lot. A semester for kindergarten is already 50,000 to 60,000 baht ($1,520 to $1,850) and then it reaches millions later," she said, adding that other countries have better care facilities and welfare policies.

"SUPER-AGED SOCIETY"

Thailand&nbsp;is not alone in the region struggling with low fertility rates, but is less wealthy than some more developed countries that have been forced to rely on migrant workers to support their economies.

Experts said it is hard to reverse a situation where social conditions have changed and attitudes towards having children are now coloured by concerns over rising debt and elderly care.

Thailand&nbsp;is heading towards becoming a "super-aged society" where the number of people over 60 will account for more than a fifth of the population, academic Teera said. About 18% of&nbsp;Thailand's population is aged over 60.

The ratio of working-aged to elderly people last year was 3.4, but by 2040 officials forecast it could be 1.7.

"The manufacturing sector will face productivity slumps ... so we have to develop skilled labour and adopt the use of automated technologies," the head of the state-planning agency, Danucha Pichayanan, told a recent business forum.&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;is a major regional manufacturing sector for automotive and electronics.

Danucha also noted the demographic trend could also strain government finances and experts have said welfare for the elderly is not seen as sufficient even today, with monthly allowances of 600 to 1,000 baht.

"WE HAVE A CAT"

"It's become more difficult in deciding to have children," said Teera, noting in the last decade the economy had been sluggish, while living costs increased and income growth slowed.

Political division, rising debt and education costs were also major factors determining attitudes towards having children, and short-term remedies may not be enough, experts said.

Household debt has grown to nearly 90% of gross domestic product, from 59% in 2010, Bank of&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;data showed.

Thailand&nbsp;has also been rocked by political instability over most of the past two decades, with two military coups and large anti-government protests.

But for many like Chinthathip, who has chosen not to have children, the expense remains the main issue.

"The middle class, office workers or people that are trying make ends meet think the same way," said Chinthathip.

"Right now we have a cat and it's not as costly as a child."

Thailand is scrambling to encourage its people to have more babies to arrest a slumping birth rate, offering parents childcare and fertility centres, while also tapping social media influencers to showcase the joys of family life.

Thailand is scrambling to encourage its people to have more babies to arrest a slumping birth rate, offering parents childcare and fertility centres, while also tapping social media influencers to showcase the joys of family life. The campaign comes as the number of births has dropped by nearly a third since 2013, when they started declining. Last year saw 544,000 births, the lowest in at least six decades and below the 563,000 deaths, which were also swelled by coronavirus-related fatalities. While Thailand's demographic path is similar to other Asian economies like Japan or Singapore, as an emerging market relying on cheap labour and a growing middle class the implications for Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy are far more profound. "The data reflects a population crisis ... where the mindset towards having children has changed," said Teera Sindecharak, an expert on demography at Thammasat University. Senior health official Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai told Reuters the government recognised a need to intervene. "We are trying to slow down the decline in births and reverse the trend by getting families that are ready to have children faster," he said, describing plans to introduce policies so that newborns get the full support of the state. The plans include opening fertility centres, currently limited to Bangkok and other major cities, in 76 provinces and also using social media influencers to back up the message, officials said. Such policies may come too late for people like Chinthathip Nantavong, 44, who decided with her partner of 14 years not to have children. "Raising one child costs a lot. A semester for kindergarten is already 50,000 to 60,000 baht ($1,520 to $1,850) and then it reaches millions later," she said, adding that other countries have better care facilities and welfare policies. "SUPER-AGED SOCIETY" Thailand is not alone in the region struggling with low fertility rates, but is less wealthy than some more developed countries that have been forced to rely on migrant workers to support their economies. Experts said it is hard to reverse a situation where social conditions have changed and attitudes towards having children are now coloured by concerns over rising debt and elderly care. Thailand is heading towards becoming a "super-aged society" where the number of people over 60 will account for more than a fifth of the population, academic Teera said. About 18% of Thailand's population is aged over 60. The ratio of working-aged to elderly people last year was 3.4, but by 2040 officials forecast it could be 1.7. "The manufacturing sector will face productivity slumps ... so we have to develop skilled labour and adopt the use of automated technologies," the head of the state-planning agency, Danucha Pichayanan, told a recent business forum. Thailand is a major regional manufacturing sector for automotive and electronics. Danucha also noted the demographic trend could also strain government finances and experts have said welfare for the elderly is not seen as sufficient even today, with monthly allowances of 600 to 1,000 baht. "WE HAVE A CAT" "It's become more difficult in deciding to have children," said Teera, noting in the last decade the economy had been sluggish, while living costs increased and income growth slowed. Political division, rising debt and education costs were also major factors determining attitudes towards having children, and short-term remedies may not be enough, experts said. Household debt has grown to nearly 90% of gross domestic product, from 59% in 2010, Bank of Thailand data showed. Thailand has also been rocked by political instability over most of the past two decades, with two military coups and large anti-government protests. But for many like Chinthathip, who has chosen not to have children, the expense remains the main issue. "The middle class, office workers or people that are trying make ends meet think the same way," said Chinthathip. "Right now we have a cat and it's not as costly as a child."

Thailand bids to avert 'population crisis' as birth rate crashes

Thailand beach declared disaster area after massive oil spill, aerial images show extent of damage

A breach of an oil rig pipeline led to a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand due to which a beach in the eastern region was declared a disaster area. The navy is currently working with Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) to contain the leak as it said that the main oil mass was still offshore.

The pipeline which leaked is owned by SPRC.&nbsp;

It happened late on Tuesday and was brought under control when an estimated 50,000 litres of oil spilt into the ocean.

Rear Admiral Artorn Charapinyo, deputy commander of the first Naval Area command, while speaking to the reporters said, "We and the company are still working at sea to reduce the amount of oil by cornering the spill and sucking up the oil and spraying dispersant."

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According to a report by Reuters, about 150 SPRC workers and 200 navy personnel have been deployed to the region in order to clean up the beach.

Also, twelve navy ships and three civilian ships are working to contain the spill at sea.

Earlier, a similar incident took place on the southern California coast and it was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach.&nbsp;

The oil spill left dead fish and birds strewn on the sand and offshore wetlands were clogged with oil.&nbsp;

An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles off the Pacific ocean.

The beachside city, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill.

(With inputs from agencies)

A breach of an oil rig pipeline led to a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand due to which a beach in the eastern region was declared a disaster area. The navy is currently working with Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) to contain the leak as it said that the main oil mass was still offshore.

A breach of an oil rig pipeline led to a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand due to which a beach in the eastern region was declared a disaster area. The navy is currently working with Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) to contain the leak as it said that the main oil mass was still offshore. The pipeline which leaked is owned by SPRC. It happened late on Tuesday and was brought under control when an estimated 50,000 litres of oil spilt into the ocean. Rear Admiral Artorn Charapinyo, deputy commander of the first Naval Area command, while speaking to the reporters said, "We and the company are still working at sea to reduce the amount of oil by cornering the spill and sucking up the oil and spraying dispersant." Also read | 'Bombogenesis' snow storm hits US, emergency declared in five states According to a report by Reuters, about 150 SPRC workers and 200 navy personnel have been deployed to the region in order to clean up the beach. Also, twelve navy ships and three civilian ships are working to contain the spill at sea. Earlier, a similar incident took place on the southern California coast and it was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach. The oil spill left dead fish and birds strewn on the sand and offshore wetlands were clogged with oil. An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles off the Pacific ocean. The beachside city, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand beach declared disaster area after 50,000 litres of oil spilt

It's almost time for Thailand to welcome Lunar New Year. Though with a tummy twist this year. Mini Lunar New Year's dessert is on offer.

It's almost time for Thailand to welcome Lunar New Year

Thailand's prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Interestingly, this was the first high-level meeting between the two nations in almost about 30 years. Riyadh interestingly had downgraded its relations with Bangkok after a theft that had been dubbed as a blue diamond affair that had triggered a massive feud between the two countries.

Thailand's prime minister visits Saudi Arabia, calls it a 'new journey

Thailand has become the first country in Asia to adopt de facto marijuana decriminalisation, allowing residents to cultivate the plant at home.

The country first legalised marijuana for medical and scientific purposes in 2018, but the Narcotics Control Board has now removed it from its list of prohibited substances.&nbsp;

According to health minister Anutin Charnvirakul, people can grow cannabis plants at home, but they must first notify their local government.

He went on to say that cannabis could not be used for commercial purposes without further permits.&nbsp;

Marijuana use for recreational purposes is a grey area

Before home cannabis plants become legal, the rule must be published in the official Royal Gazette and 120 days must pass.

It comes after cannabis was removed from Thailand's Narcotics Law's list of prohibited drugs last month.&nbsp;

Due to the complexity of associated regulations, marijuana production and possession remain regulated for the time being, leaving the legal status of recreational marijuana usage in limbo.

It's unclear whether marijuana possession will no longer be a crime punishable by arrest, according to police and lawyers.

The country's health ministry, on the other hand, is due to introduce a second draught bill to parliament this week that will explain the legal use of cannabis, including its manufacturing and commercial use, as well as recreational guidelines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thailand has become the first country in Asia to adopt de facto marijuana decriminalisation, allowing residents to cultivate the plant at home. The country first legalised marijuana for medical and scientific purposes in 2018, but the Narcotics Control Board has now removed it from its list of prohibited substances.

Thailand has become the first country in Asia to adopt de facto marijuana decriminalisation, allowing residents to cultivate the plant at home. The country first legalised marijuana for medical and scientific purposes in 2018, but the Narcotics Control Board has now removed it from its list of prohibited substances. According to health minister Anutin Charnvirakul, people can grow cannabis plants at home, but they must first notify their local government. He went on to say that cannabis could not be used for commercial purposes without further permits. Marijuana use for recreational purposes is a grey area Before home cannabis plants become legal, the rule must be published in the official Royal Gazette and 120 days must pass. It comes after cannabis was removed from Thailand's Narcotics Law's list of prohibited drugs last month. Due to the complexity of associated regulations, marijuana production and possession remain regulated for the time being, leaving the legal status of recreational marijuana usage in limbo. It's unclear whether marijuana possession will no longer be a crime punishable by arrest, according to police and lawyers. The country's health ministry, on the other hand, is due to introduce a second draught bill to parliament this week that will explain the legal use of cannabis, including its manufacturing and commercial use, as well as recreational guidelines. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand becomes first Asian country to move to decriminalise marijuana

Thailand is planning to decriminalise marijuana. It was the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise the drug for medical use and for use in food & cosmetics.

Thailand decides to scrap jail terms and loosen rules around marijuana's usage

Thailand is moving towards decriminalising marijuana. The move could allow people full access to marijuana without the fear of lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Thailand plans to make marijuana legal, health ministry proposes easing rules

Bangkok Port Custom Office seized over 193 kg of amphetamine hidden in punching bags bound for Australia. The drugs were hidden in 15 punching bags.&nbsp;

In Australia, these drugs would have a value of nearly $30 million.&nbsp;

Officials, while speaking at a news conference said that the Thai customs authorities were suspicious since the Thai boxing training tool is not in such high demand in Australia. This is why the shipment was inspected.&nbsp;

However, the authorities did not provide details of when the drugs were seized.

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A Thai customs official ripped a long cardboard box and the red outer layer of the boxing punch bag. The drugs were found in the stuffing.

"Australia consumes around 11 tons of methamphetamine per year and spends over 11 billion dollars on illicit narcotics, so there's a market for it, and disrupting it offshore in countries such as Thailand is fantastic and we thank Thailand for the cooperation," Australian Border Force Acting Superintendent Joel Carruthers said.

Methamphetamine production in Southeast Asia's golden triangle, a border region between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has been drastically increasing in recent years, reports the UN office on drugs and crimes.

The investigation is still ongoing by both Thai and Australian authorities.

Bangkok Port Custom Office seized over 193 kg of amphetamine hidden in punching bags bound for Australia. The drugs were hidden in 15 punching bags. In Australia, these drugs would have a value of nearly $30 million.

Bangkok Port Custom Office seized over 193 kg of amphetamine hidden in punching bags bound for Australia. The drugs were hidden in 15 punching bags. In Australia, these drugs would have a value of nearly $30 million. Officials, while speaking at a news conference said that the Thai customs authorities were suspicious since the Thai boxing training tool is not in such high demand in Australia. This is why the shipment was inspected. However, the authorities did not provide details of when the drugs were seized. Also read | China issues 10-day ultimatum for online celebrities to settle unpaid taxes A Thai customs official ripped a long cardboard box and the red outer layer of the boxing punch bag. The drugs were found in the stuffing. "Australia consumes around 11 tons of methamphetamine per year and spends over 11 billion dollars on illicit narcotics, so there's a market for it, and disrupting it offshore in countries such as Thailand is fantastic and we thank Thailand for the cooperation," Australian Border Force Acting Superintendent Joel Carruthers said. Methamphetamine production in Southeast Asia's golden triangle, a border region between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has been drastically increasing in recent years, reports the UN office on drugs and crimes. The investigation is still ongoing by both Thai and Australian authorities.

Hidden in punching bags: Thailand seizes drugs worth over $30 million

Hundreds of prisoners set fire to a Thai jail during a two-day riot over the handling of a coronavirus cluster, with some inmates wounded as officers sought to restore order.

Riots over better medical facilities amid COVID-19 pandemic results in Prison fire in Thailand

Riots over COVID-19 medical facilities, Thailand prison set on fire

In order to seek better medical care for COVID-19 patients in jail, numerous inmates rioted and set fire at a prison in southern Thailand, the officials said on Friday. &nbsp;

As per Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, around 400 inmates at main provincial prison at Krabi went violent on Thursday night. It happened when a core group demanded that inmates infected with coronavirus be removed from the facility for better treatment. &nbsp;

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Police Maj Gen Chaiwat Ouikham said that they began destroying property in sleeping area and setting fire, as per the ‘Bangkok Post’ newspaper. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As the riot escalated, around 300 police and other security personnel were sent to the facility. &nbsp;

After overnight negotiations, provincial Governor Puthipong Sirimat finally agreed to send 14 inmates with severe Covid symptoms for treatment. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-warns-of-massive-fifth-wave-as-omicron-cases-surge-in-europe-437731" hreflang="en">Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe</a>

The three inmates, who had tried to climb over the prison wall, were injured after being hit with rubber bullets. No deaths were reported in the incident. &nbsp;

After calm was restored on Friday, provincial heath staff provided ATK tests for inmates and found that around 200 were infected, said Puthipong. &nbsp;

In an attempt to ease overcrowding, female inmates were being sent to other prisons. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In order to seek better medical care for COVID-19 patients in jail, numerous inmates rioted and set fire at a prison in southern Thailand, the officials said on Friday.

In order to seek better medical care for COVID-19 patients in jail, numerous inmates rioted and set fire at a prison in southern Thailand, the officials said on Friday. As per Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, around 400 inmates at main provincial prison at Krabi went violent on Thursday night. It happened when a core group demanded that inmates infected with coronavirus be removed from the facility for better treatment. Also Read: Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters Police Maj Gen Chaiwat Ouikham said that they began destroying property in sleeping area and setting fire, as per the ‘Bangkok Post’ newspaper. As the riot escalated, around 300 police and other security personnel were sent to the facility. After overnight negotiations, provincial Governor Puthipong Sirimat finally agreed to send 14 inmates with severe Covid symptoms for treatment. Also Read: Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe The three inmates, who had tried to climb over the prison wall, were injured after being hit with rubber bullets. No deaths were reported in the incident. After calm was restored on Friday, provincial heath staff provided ATK tests for inmates and found that around 200 were infected, said Puthipong. In an attempt to ease overcrowding, female inmates were being sent to other prisons. (With inputs from agencies)

To seek better care for COVID-19 patients in Thailand jail, inmates riot, set fire

Travel restrictions around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic breathes fresh life into the ecosystem of Thailand's Phi Phi Islands, which was earlier on the verge of collapse due to rapid tourism.

COVID-19 pandemic breathes fresh life into the ecosystem of Thailand's Phi Phi Islands

The famous Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, earlier on the verge of collapse and destruction due to mass tourism, witness an ecological revival due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions worldwide.

COVID-19 & travel restrictions breathes fresh life into the ecology of Phi Phi Islands in Thailand

Thailand&nbsp;has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in a U.S. citizen who had travelled to the country from Spain late last month, a health official said on Monday.

"We believe that we've detected the first confirmed case of Omicron variant in&nbsp;Thailand. The person travelled from Spain," Director-General of Medical Science Department at the Public Health Ministry, Supakit Sirilak, told a news conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-in-the-united-kingdom-new-cases-increase-by-50-in-a-single-day-434428">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50% in a single day</a>

The confirmed case in the man, who had arrived on November&nbsp;29, makes&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;the 47th country to have found the new variant, an official said, adding that the patient had mild symptom.

Thailand&nbsp;reported 4,000 new coronavirus cases and 22 new deaths on Monday, taking the tally to more than 2.1 million cases and 20,966 deaths since the pandemic started last year.

Thailand has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in a U.S. citizen who had travelled to the country from Spain late last month, a health official said on Monday.

Thailand has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in a U.S. citizen who had travelled to the country from Spain late last month, a health official said on Monday. "We believe that we've detected the first confirmed case of Omicron variant in Thailand. The person travelled from Spain," Director-General of Medical Science Department at the Public Health Ministry, Supakit Sirilak, told a news conference. Also read | Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50% in a single day The confirmed case in the man, who had arrived on November 29, makes Thailand the 47th country to have found the new variant, an official said, adding that the patient had mild symptom. Thailand reported 4,000 new coronavirus cases and 22 new deaths on Monday, taking the tally to more than 2.1 million cases and 20,966 deaths since the pandemic started last year.

Omicron scare: Thailand reports first case of new Covid variant

Thousands of monkeys in Lopburi in central Thailand feasted on two tonnes of fruits and vegetables after the town's Monkey Festival resumed following a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.

Thailand: Lopburi monkey festival returns as tourists come back

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

Thailand parliament has shot down a legislation proposal, which reportedly aimed to weaken the military's political rule. The draft bill was introduced to scrap or make changes to key institutions, and ensure clear separation of powers in the Thai administration.

Thailand parliament shoots down on legislation proposal aimed at weakening military rule

Dissent and demonstration continue to grow against the monarchy in Thailand. Thousands of protestors hit the streets of Bangkok calling for reforms to the monarchy and the military govt.

Thailand: Protestors demand reforms to monarchy

In Pics | Thailand allows vaccinated foreign tourists as thousands enter country

Thai Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced Thursday that vaccinated travellers from more than 40 countries will be allowed to enter the kingdom without undergoing quarantine come November 1, as it readies for a much-anticipated re-opening.

The 46 countries and territories is a significant jump from the 10 initially announced last week by Prayut, when he unveiled plans to reopen the country next month.

The ballooning list is due to Thailand's urgent need "to stimulate the tourism sector and other related business sectors," said Prayut.

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"We need to move faster than that and do it now," he wrote in a post on his official Facebook page.

"This is because waiting for everything to be perfect will be too late."

Beside the United States, Britain and China, vaccinated tourists from a slew of European countries including France and Germany will be allowed in, if they are able to provide a negative Covid RT-PCR test.

Neighbours Cambodia and Malaysia are also on the "low-risk" list, as well as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Upon landing in Thailand, travellers will have to take another Covid test and book a single night in a government-approved hotel while awaiting the results -- before being allowed to travel freely.

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"We know that this is a rapid acceleration and there is a risk that the number of infected people will increase, but it's a risk that we have to accept," Prayut said.&nbsp;

Before the pandemic, Thailand attracted nearly 40 million visitors, with tourism making up almost 20 per cent of its national income.

Last year, the country lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue as foreign arrivals plunged 83 percent to 6.7 million.&nbsp;

Prayut had initially said earlier this year that 70 percent of all Thais must be vaccinated before the kingdom fully reopened its borders. To date, nearly 40 per cent have received two vaccine doses.

Thailand is also still registering about 10,000 cases per day -- largely fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant.

The country has more than 1.8 million cases to date and has recorded 18,559 deaths.

Thai Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced Thursday that vaccinated travellers from more than 40 countries will be allowed to enter the kingdom without undergoing quarantine come November 1, as it readies for a much-anticipated re-opening.

Thai Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced Thursday that vaccinated travellers from more than 40 countries will be allowed to enter the kingdom without undergoing quarantine come November 1, as it readies for a much-anticipated re-opening. The 46 countries and territories is a significant jump from the 10 initially announced last week by Prayut, when he unveiled plans to reopen the country next month. The ballooning list is due to Thailand's urgent need "to stimulate the tourism sector and other related business sectors," said Prayut. Also read | 180,000 healthcare workers may have died due to COVID-19: WHO "We need to move faster than that and do it now," he wrote in a post on his official Facebook page. "This is because waiting for everything to be perfect will be too late." Beside the United States, Britain and China, vaccinated tourists from a slew of European countries including France and Germany will be allowed in, if they are able to provide a negative Covid RT-PCR test. Neighbours Cambodia and Malaysia are also on the "low-risk" list, as well as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Upon landing in Thailand, travellers will have to take another Covid test and book a single night in a government-approved hotel while awaiting the results -- before being allowed to travel freely. WATCH | "We know that this is a rapid acceleration and there is a risk that the number of infected people will increase, but it's a risk that we have to accept," Prayut said. Before the pandemic, Thailand attracted nearly 40 million visitors, with tourism making up almost 20 per cent of its national income. Last year, the country lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue as foreign arrivals plunged 83 percent to 6.7 million. Prayut had initially said earlier this year that 70 percent of all Thais must be vaccinated before the kingdom fully reopened its borders. To date, nearly 40 per cent have received two vaccine doses. Thailand is also still registering about 10,000 cases per day -- largely fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant. The country has more than 1.8 million cases to date and has recorded 18,559 deaths.

Thailand allows vaccinated tourists from 40-plus countries, PM says

Thailand is planning to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from countries deemed low risk from November 1, Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha said.

Before the pandemic, the kingdom attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year as tourism made up almost 20 per cent of its national income.

However, Covid-related travel restrictions have left the economy battered, contributing to its worst performance in more than 20 years.

In a televised address on Monday, Prayut announced that the country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from "low risk countries". The 10 nations considered low risk include Britain, the United States, China, Germany and Singapore.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-tourism-in-doldrums-thailand-seeks-to-slash-covid-quarantine-for-visitors-from-two-to-one-week-415307">Also read |&nbsp;With tourism in doldrums, Thailand seeks to slash Covid quarantine for visitors from two to one week</a>

"When they arrive, they should present a (negative) Covid test... and test once again upon arrival," the prime minister said. After getting a negative test, "they can travel freely like Thais," he said.

Visitors outside of Thailand's designated 10 low-risk countries are also welcome, however, they will have to be in quarantine.

He acknowledged the decision came with the risk of more coronavirus cases.

In 2020, Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue as foreign arrivals plunged 83 per cent to 6.7 million, from a record 39.9 million two years ago. Currently, the kingdom has more than 1.7 million cases.

Thailand is planning to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from countries deemed low risk from November 1, Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha said. Before the pandemic, the kingdom attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year as tourism made up almost 20 per cent of its national income.

Thailand is planning to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from countries deemed low risk from November 1, Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha said. Before the pandemic, the kingdom attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year as tourism made up almost 20 per cent of its national income. However, Covid-related travel restrictions have left the economy battered, contributing to its worst performance in more than 20 years. In a televised address on Monday, Prayut announced that the country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from "low risk countries". The 10 nations considered low risk include Britain, the United States, China, Germany and Singapore. Also read | With tourism in doldrums, Thailand seeks to slash Covid quarantine for visitors from two to one week "When they arrive, they should present a (negative) Covid test... and test once again upon arrival," the prime minister said. After getting a negative test, "they can travel freely like Thais," he said. Visitors outside of Thailand's designated 10 low-risk countries are also welcome, however, they will have to be in quarantine. He acknowledged the decision came with the risk of more coronavirus cases. In 2020, Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue as foreign arrivals plunged 83 per cent to 6.7 million, from a record 39.9 million two years ago. Currently, the kingdom has more than 1.7 million cases.

Thailand set to re-open for vaccinated tourists from 'low risk' countries

A cafe in Thailand has turned adversity into an opportunity. The riverside restaurant has been making waves as something known as flood dining goes viral.

Flood dining goes viral in Thailand, customers find the experience 'exciting'

Thai volunteers on paramotors are flying into flood-affected areas in central Thailand to drop off supplies to residents.

Thai paramotorists drop supplies to flood affected areas

Thailand has been struck by catastrophic floods, a third of the country's provinces are inundated. Officials have warned that the situation will worsen, as heavy rains are expected to continue.

A third of Thailand's provinces flooded, heavy rains expected to continue

A group of Thai monks and volunteers decked out in personal protective equipment carefully navigate a golf cart pulling a trailer loaded with bags of fresh vegetables through bumpy roads as they head to a village on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Thai monks craft traditional grocery truck to donate food during COVID-19 pandemic

In a continued weekend tradition, locals from Thailand once again took to the streets to protest against the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha.

As the controversial Prime Minister survived a no-confidence vote in the parliament, more than 300 demonstrators took to the streets and marched in central Bangkok’s main shopping mall district.

The demonstrators were seen marching with red flags as they wore traditional ponchos. Even a heavy downpour could not stop the demonstrators.

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"The government should be gone. If things were good why would we come out to protest?" a 28-year-old demonstrator told AFP.

When the demonstrators reached the starting point of their rally, the demonstrators were met with local police officers who had already blocked the major routes using shipping containers. All routes leading to and near the central Lumphini Park&nbsp;were blocked off by the authorities.

A water cannon truck was also stationed at the Ratchaprasong intersection along with a heavy police presence.

The protests came as this week Thai lawmakers mulled a censure motion regarding the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the economy.

Demonstrators also raised their voices against the slow rollout of coronavirus vaccines and alleged that the financial burden from these vaccine programmes have badly affected the economy.

In a continued weekend tradition, locals from Thailand once again took to the streets to protest against the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha. As the controversial Prime Minister survived a no-confidence vote in the parliament, more than 300 demonstrators took to the streets and marched in central Bangkok’s main shopping mall district.

In a continued weekend tradition, locals from Thailand once again took to the streets to protest against the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha. As the controversial Prime Minister survived a no-confidence vote in the parliament, more than 300 demonstrators took to the streets and marched in central Bangkok’s main shopping mall district. The demonstrators were seen marching with red flags as they wore traditional ponchos. Even a heavy downpour could not stop the demonstrators. "The government should be gone. If things were good why would we come out to protest?" a 28-year-old demonstrator told AFP. When the demonstrators reached the starting point of their rally, the demonstrators were met with local police officers who had already blocked the major routes using shipping containers. All routes leading to and near the central Lumphini Park were blocked off by the authorities. A water cannon truck was also stationed at the Ratchaprasong intersection along with a heavy police presence. The protests came as this week Thai lawmakers mulled a censure motion regarding the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the economy. Demonstrators also raised their voices against the slow rollout of coronavirus vaccines and alleged that the financial burden from these vaccine programmes have badly affected the economy.

Downpour of demonstrators: Hundreds of Thai locals march against PM Prayut Chan-O-cha

Thailand's gross domestic product grew 7.5% year on year during the three months to June. The growth largely reflects a rebound from last year's sharp decline in GDP.

Thailand witnesses expansion in Q2 GDP by 7.5%

Thailand downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2021&nbsp;on Monday as it battles its worst Covid-19 wave, which has brought record numbers of new infections and deaths.&nbsp;

The kingdom last year suffered its worst full-year performance since the Asian financial crisis of 1997 with a 6.1 percent economic contraction.

The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council&nbsp;had initially given a cool forecast for recovery during the first quarter, estimating growth of 1.5 to 2.5 percent for 2021.

But on Monday, NESDC secretary general Danucha Pichayanan announced it had to revise that figure down to between 0.7 and 1.2 per cent.&nbsp;

"This crisis caused by the pandemic is unlike the financial crises of 1997 and 2009 -- our estimation is based on domestic causes," he said during a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-5-dead-at-kabul-airport-as-us-officials-leave-afghanistan-report-405955">Also read |&nbsp;At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report</a>

He added that the new forecast was dependent on the hope that the pandemic's curve will flatten after the third quarter, thus enabling a relaxation of restrictions by October.

"But if the pandemic continues and relaxation cannot start in the fourth quarter... the growth could be lower than 0.7 percent," Danucha said.&nbsp;

Thailand's GDP for the second quarter was up 7.5 per cent on the same period last year, the first sign of recovery since the pandemic.

The growth was most visible in agricultural, industrial and exports sectors, while tourism, once Thailand's cash cow, remained sluggish.&nbsp;

Since the start of the pandemic Thailand has recorded 928,314 cases with 7,733 deaths, the bulk of them detected since April.

The country has seen more than 20,000 new cases reported daily for nearly a week, crowding its already-hampered healthcare system and filling up its state-run quarantine facilities.&nbsp;

Thailand downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2021 on Monday as it battles its worst Covid-19 wave, which has brought record numbers of new infections and deaths.

Thailand downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2021 on Monday as it battles its worst Covid-19 wave, which has brought record numbers of new infections and deaths. The kingdom last year suffered its worst full-year performance since the Asian financial crisis of 1997 with a 6.1 percent economic contraction. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council had initially given a cool forecast for recovery during the first quarter, estimating growth of 1.5 to 2.5 percent for 2021. But on Monday, NESDC secretary general Danucha Pichayanan announced it had to revise that figure down to between 0.7 and 1.2 per cent. "This crisis caused by the pandemic is unlike the financial crises of 1997 and 2009 -- our estimation is based on domestic causes," he said during a press conference. Also read | At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report He added that the new forecast was dependent on the hope that the pandemic's curve will flatten after the third quarter, thus enabling a relaxation of restrictions by October. "But if the pandemic continues and relaxation cannot start in the fourth quarter... the growth could be lower than 0.7 percent," Danucha said. Thailand's GDP for the second quarter was up 7.5 per cent on the same period last year, the first sign of recovery since the pandemic. The growth was most visible in agricultural, industrial and exports sectors, while tourism, once Thailand's cash cow, remained sluggish. Since the start of the pandemic Thailand has recorded 928,314 cases with 7,733 deaths, the bulk of them detected since April. The country has seen more than 20,000 new cases reported daily for nearly a week, crowding its already-hampered healthcare system and filling up its state-run quarantine facilities.

Thailand downgrades 2021 outlook as COVID-19 hampers recovery

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