Cracking down on illegal workers
Having just relaxed its visa rules for Thais, Japan is now set to toughen its immigration regulations, as a relatively high number of Thai visitors are abusing the recently granted visa exemption by entering the country to seek illegal work.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has revealed that its Japanese counterpart is planning to implement more strict measures to screen Thai nationals visiting the country. The measures will include stringent checks on proof of accommodation and return trip tickets. In July, Japan exempted short-stay tourists from Thailand from having to obtain a visa. The move prompted a sharp increase in tourist arrivals from Thailand with at least 200 of whom intending to illegally stay in Japan to find work.
Flying high to Krabi
AirAsia expands it wings aggressively with the low-cost airline adding two new flights from Krabi province in Thailand’s South. Krabi is now also connected with Chiang Mai with transit in Bangkok or by direct flight from Phuket, just an hour away by car. AirAsia now operates eight daily flights on the Bangkok-Krabi route, making access to Thailand’s best beach holiday destination a cinch. For booking and flight schedule, visit www.AirAsia.com.
Revving up for the Laguna
The 20th Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) will take place on November 24, marking the beginning of Laguna Phuket’s week long Tri-Fest. This year’s LPT will celebrate its 20th anniversary while welcoming the inaugural Challenge Laguna Phuket (CLP) on December a to its iconic multi-sports weeklong event Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest 2013. During the proceeding seven days, Laguna Phuket will be a hive of activity, with athletes and guests taking part in social activities, training sessions and competitions at the destination resort. Visit www.ChallengeLagunaPhuket.com.
Winning wines
PB Valley Khao Yai Winery came home with yet more prizes recently with PB Khao Yai Reserve Shiraz 2010 and Pirom Supremacy Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignan 2011 picking up Silver Medals at the 2013 edition of the Austrian Wine Challenge and Reserve Shiraz Rose 2011 getting the Seal of Approval. Tucked away in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima province, PB Valley vineyard is a noted agro-tourism site and a popular place for weekenders looking for wine tastings, fine food and a glimpse of wine making. Visit www.KhaoYaiWinery.com.
