Cambodia to re-open to international travellers

Foreign tourists will soon roam Cambodia's ancient Angkor Wat temples once again, after officials on Tuesday flagged a partial reopening to vaccinated travellers.

The coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions put the brakes on Cambodia's burgeoning tourism industry -- revenue plummeted to $1 billion last year, down from nearly $5 billion in 2019 when the country attracted 6.6 million visitors.

The Cambodian Tourism Ministry on Tuesday announced a Nov 30 reopening for popular beach spots Sihanoukville and the island of Koh Rong, as well as Dara Sakor -- a Chinese-developed resort zone.

The northern city of Siem Reap -- gateway to the world heritage-listed Angkor Wat complex -- will be added to the kingdom's hotel quarantine-free travel scheme in January.

More than 2 million visitors wandered the archaeological park in 2019, but the world-famous attraction has been mostly deserted since the pandemic took hold.

Foreign travellers will require certificates showing they have been double-vaccinated, health insurance covering treatment for Covid-19, and negative swab tests prior to departure and upon arrival in the country, the tourism ministry said.

Tourists must remain for a minimum of five days at the pilot locations and undergo a further swab test before being allowed to explore other parts of Cambodia.

The kingdom was spared the worst of the pandemic in 2020 but has registered the lion's share of its 118,000 infections since April.

The Southeast Asian country won praise for its swift vaccination programme -- 96% of the adult population is fully jabbed.

Cambodia's tourism reboot has taken some inspiration from neighbouring Thailand's "Phuket sandbox" hotel quarantine-free travel scheme which kicked off in July, attracting more than 56,000 international arrivals to the island.

Source - Bangkok Post

VISA AGENT  /  THAI PASS

Understanding Travel Restrictions in Thailand and Across Asia

Most tourist hotspots in Asia and Southeast Asia still remain out of bounds to international flights as travel restrictions remain due to the covid-19 pandemic. However some countries including Thailand are now making arrangements to lift the travel restrictions.

The Foreign Ministry has informed Thailand’s foreign chambers of commerce that foreigners who have work permits or permission from Thai government agencies will soon be allowed to enter Thailand.

Foreigners with work permits will be allowed to return once the aviation rules change. Unfortunately spouses and families are not included in the stipulation.

Travel Restrictions in place for Asian countries

THAILAND:

A ban on commercial international flights has been extended until end June. Nationals and foreigners with work permits can return on charter flights. But citizens need to provide certificates issued by Thai embassies, and foreigners are required to present a negative coronavirus test. There is a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival.

Thailand hopes to lift travel restrictions and reopen to limited international tourism later this year for “low-risk” countries including China and South Korea.

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND:

Borders are effectively closed except for returning citizens and residents, who are quarantined for 14 days. The two countries have talked about a possible “travel bubble” between them but New Zealand has said that is unlikely to happen while travel between Australian states remains restricted. A travel bubble may include Pacific Islands.

CHINA:

Citizens can return under their travel restrictions, but the entry of most foreigners is banned. Including those with valid visas and residence permits, remains suspended.

It has, however, signed a fast-track programme with South Korea and Singapore to allow essential business travel and is in talks with more countries to do so.

It has also allowed foreign executives and technical personnel from some other nations to enter on pre-approved charter flights, sometimes with reduced quarantine, to accelerate the resumption of business.

INDIA:

Borders are effectively closed as coronavirus cases have surged to over 267,000. India said this week it will take a call on resuming international flights as soon as countries ease restrictions on foreign nationals.

 INDONESIA:

Citizens and long-term pass holders may enter, but must bring documents showing they are free of the coronavirus or undergo tests at the airport. The country is opening up domestic travel from Wednesday with safety and quarantine measures.

JAPAN:

The country is considering an easing of travel curbs, although it is likely to require testing and the submission of a travel itinerary,Reuters reported. It is in talks with some countries to reopen borders, with business travellers and medical staff expected to be fast-tracked.

MALAYSIA:

Borders remain effectively closed, but interstate travel will be allowed starting June 10. Returning Malaysians who test negative can self-isolate at home for 14 days starting Wednesday, instead of at a quarantine centre.

SINGAPORE:

Singapore is allowing travellers to transit through its main airport, but borders remain effectively closed. It is in talks with some countries about reopening travel links, including Malaysia and New Zealand.

SOUTH KOREA:

A few international flights continue to operate. All citizens and foreigners who enter are quarantined for two weeks. Diplomats or foreigners with official business status are exempted from mandatory quarantine but are tested on arrival.

TAIWAN:

Borders remain closed other than for citizens, foreigners with residence permits and a few other exceptions. Everyone coming in has to undergo a 14-day quarantine. The government said it will be cautious when looking at whether to ease border restrictions given the serious situation still in many countries.

A limited number of international flights continue to operate.

VIETNAM:

Borders remain closed except for citizens as well as foreign experts with valid work permits and negative coronavirus test certificates who are returning on charter flights. A 14-day quarantine upon arrival is mandatory.

The government on Tuesday said it was seeking to end travel restrictions and reinstate international flights. Only to countries that had been free of the virus for 30 days. Flights would resume these with limited frequency and priority given to foreign experts and investors.

Source - The Chiang Rai Times

#Bangkok - A huge international Muay Thai and mixed martial arts event is coming to Bangkok

ONE Championship, the biggest martial arts show in Asia, is coming to the Impact Arena on Saturday, Feb 16 for its next event, ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS.

While previously known solely for their mixed martial arts competitions (a sport which allows athletes to use all forms of martial arts in a single bout), ONE has recently expanded to add boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai bouts to their shows. Those matches take place under the ONE Super Series banner, and have become a regular part of ONE shows.  

The last time ONE came to Bangkok was back in October, and it was a real bash, so if you are a fight fan it's highly recommended to go. 

For ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, there is an emphasis on Thai athletes, with some of the nation’s elite martial artists facing off against the world’s best.

In the main event, four-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao—a professional Thai boxer who has competed in more than a whopping 300 bouts—will face Chinese superstar Han Zi Hao. 

The winner will score the first-ever ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion.

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You can also catch Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai against England’s Charlie “Boy” Peters in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest.

Additionally, rising Thai star Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige returns against Kun Khmer World Champion Nou Srey Pov in a mixed martial arts bout.

Ishige began her martial arts training at nine years old, learning more traditional disciplines like aikido and taekwondo. Since turning pro in 2017, she has earned all of her wins via TKO or submission. The last time ONE came to Bangkok, she scored an impressive first-round TKO win.

Another highlight includes three-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongsak P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym facing Russia’s Alaverdi “Dagger” Ramazanov in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai bantamweight contest.

In addition to that, two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 will make his debut against Cambodian superstar Lao Chetra.

There are a total of 12 bouts on the card, and ONE is consistently one of the best shows in Asia — so if you are in to fights do check it out. 

READ CONTINUE - (with more pictures)

 

 Grab a ticket for ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS before they’re gone at www.onefc.com and www.thaiticketmajor.com

#Macao International Dragon Boat Races, 2017

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Macao is a Chinese special administrative area located about one hour's ferry ride from Hong Kong, where its 30-square-kilometer area is packed with East-meets-West cultural fusion. 

Portuguese-Cantonese heritage-imbued nuances colors every corner of the two islands and peninsula that make up the area. The old and the new mesh between the bright city lights and old-town squares of Macao. 

Home to a unique combination of Cantonese-Portuguese elements, Macao's vibrant cultural heritage often falls in the shadows of its blinding city lights and glittering chandeliers inside its grand hotel hallways.  

   FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS

 

The Chinese special administrative area, which is infused with European roots across its 30-square-kilometer land, is located a short hour-long ferry ride from Hong Kong. 

Its preserved history still evident in the nooks and crannies across the city, while clusters of lavish hotel complexes, most of which host extensive casino grounds and luxurious shopping malls, greet guests upon arrival. 

is admirable about Macao’s tourism strategy is that the administration tries hard to maintain not only gaming but also tourism as its economic backbones. From having well-maintained historical buildings, hosting movie events, entertainment and world-class live performances, Macao clearly wants to expand its image.

According to Macao’s official website, http://en.Macaotourism.gov.mo/index.php, there will be 2017 Macao International Dragon Boat Races in Macao. The event will be held from May 27 to 30.

The House of Dancing Water live aquatic show in the City of Dreams in Cotai is one example. Built in a permanent venue called the Dancing Water Theater, the most expensive show in Macao features a love story, spectacular stage, music, dances, acrobatics and martial arts. With a 2,000-seat capacity and a pool holding more than five times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool, it is dubbed the world’s biggest water-based show.

When the show was first launched in 2010, people wondered whether it could create a new image of Macao. But now seven years have passed in a blink and the show that was created and directed by Franco Dragone of Cirque du Soleil continues to be successful.  

Macao also uses the appeal of the film industry to attract movie buffs. It is not unusual to hear someone say that want to visit the shooting locations of their favorite films – from the hugely popular South Korean Drama Boys Before Flowers to Now You See Me 2. Last year, the region hosted the first International Film Festival and Awards Macao (IFFAM), celebrating cinema and featuring international and Asian movie debuts.

If you want to go around the city, just hop on the free shuttle bus widely available at hotels to reach the center of attractions downtown. Public buses also ply as many as 18 different routes. 

Macao comprises the Macao peninsula and the two islands of Taipa and Coloane. The peninsula and Taipa are connected by three bridges, while Taipa and Coloane are linked by the 2.2-kilometer Taipa-Coloane Causeway.

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READ CONTINUE

 

Staffing Request

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A big business development group offer me to set-up in Bangkok a (international) Staffing Network.
Yes, a great challenge and opportunity.
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But this is very difficult in Bangkok / Thailand
The most to employ people can not write their own name in a common language.
The education level in Thailand is very low, the most to prefer playing games and be lazy.

I ask before started, to search first in the surrounding countries, like Myanmar / Cambodia / Vietnam. These countries speak and write better in a common language. 

But the want started from Bangkok. 

I must good thinking before I take the challenge.