Travellers to Thailand for vacations or brief business trips from 93 countries, including Austria, China, South Korea, Canada and Germany, are no longer required to get a visa and can stay in the country for 60 days. Aiming to boost tourism, this exemption can be renewed at an immigration office for an extra 30 days. To provide more convenience, travellers from 31 countries and territories, including Armenia, Belarus, El Salvador, Ethiopia and Venezuela, can apply for 15-day visas for 2,000 baht at immigration upon arrival.
In addition, Thailand has launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) designed for remote workers, digital nomads and freelancers as well as those participating in activities such as muay Thai courses, cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders are also eligible. Meanwhile, foreign students engaged in higher education can benefit from the new student visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus) which allows them to remain in the country for an additional year following graduation to find work.
Once they have local employment, they are able to change to a Non-Immigration B visa without having to leave Thailand. Visit thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.
org . Arriving in the North of the country, Vijitr @ Chaing Mai returns to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs for its second edition and runs until this Sunday. Designed under the "Iridescence Land" concept, the festival is divided into 10 zones to showcase the hot spring community through striking lighting displays.
From 5pm to 10pm, visitors can walk through the Iridescence Gate to reach the Dazzling Lantern Tunnel and Iridescent Bubble area. On the way, the Shining Hot Spring Light, Stream of Light Flowing and Glittering Sparkling Light zones inspire visitors to discover more about the beauty of nature. The Rainbow Market and Glowing Camping are peaceful spots to pull over and take in the views of the Egg Colors Field and the Light of Banyan.
There is also a wide range of cultural performances, handicrafts and a parade of food trucks. Visit facebook.com/GoNorthThailand .
Until Aug 18, visitors to Hong Kong's Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District, can greet the largest Doraemon sculpture in the world. The much-loved cartoon characters come to life in the "100% Doraemon & Friends Tour" exhibition, while a variety of interactive displays and immersive installations will take visitors on an amazing journey. Located in K11 MUSEA's Kunsthalle and Sculpture Park, the "100% Doraemon Manga Art Exhibition Hall" and "100% Doraemon Sculpture Park" feature a collection of 36 Doraemon sculptures and an animated short film produced specifically for Hong Kong.
Along with more than 30 other life-sized Doraemon sculptures, the "100% Doraemon Outdoor Exhibited Area" is home to the towering Doraemon inflatable sculpture. Visit facebook.com/K11MUSEA .
To celebrate its grand opening, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is offering the Me & Centara promotion for booking until Dec 15, for stays between Nov 1 and Oct 31 next year. Guests can enjoy up to 25% off available room rates, complimentary stays and meals for up to two children aged 15 and under, while CentaraThe1 members will also receive an additional 15% discount. The brand-new resort accommodates 145 spacious beach and overwater villas, each with modern amenities, a dining table, plush beds and a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi or pool for ultimate relaxation.
Families can spend the day at the outdoor water complex, which is home to a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, kids' pool, a meandering lazy river and a water playground. Visit www.centarahotelsresorts.
com/meandcentara ..
