Local tourists took 20 million trips last month, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to spur 80 million domestic trips in the first half this year as the downward trend in new Covid infections helps rebuild local travel sentiment. "The TAT aims to tally 40-50 million domestic trips in the second quarter, which will help secure 80 million trips in the first six months and keep the goal for the whole year of 160 million trips in sight," said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing. Even though the country was overwhelmed by the spread of the Omicron variant, local tourists still took 20 million trips in April. She said the "workation" segment remains vital to support domestic tourism as the agency has promoted the "Workation Thailand" project last year, targeting corporates and agencies.

Former PM Chavalit turns 90, unveils new partyFormer prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh celebrates his 90th birthday at his house on Sunday. (Photo: Wassana Nanuam)Former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday, has confirmed he is setting up a political party. However, Gen Chavalit said he has no ambition to run for prime minister and will not be the party leader. After the 2006 coup, Gen Chavalit offered to mediate between anti- and pro-Thaksin camps, calling his role the "middle ring of a chain". Gen Chavalit served as a deputy prime minister in the Somchai administration but quit after a police crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators outside parliament.

Indian badminton heroics knock even cricket off front pagesIndia's Kidambi Srikanth hits a return against Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in the Thomas Cup finalNEW DELHI - India's historic first Thomas Cup crown was splashed across front pages Monday with some people saying it can be a turning point for badminton much like the country's maiden cricket World Cup title in 1983. "So I think expect that to happen for Indian badminton as well. "Unforgettable red-letter day for Indian badminton. What a day for Indian Badminton," Sachin Tendulkar tweeted. "A historic achievement and a massive moment for Indian badminton," Virat Kohli wrote on Twitter.

Worried parents told kids' jabs are safeThe Department of Health is urging parents to take their children for Covid-19 shots ahead of the new school term this month after figures showed that almost 29% of kids aged between five and 11 have yet to receive a single dose. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoen, the department's director-general, said yesterday concerns among parents about serious side effects were expressed in a department survey on April 22-May 11. According to the ministry, Thailand has 5.8 million eligible children, including 900,000 who are considered as vulnerable to infections. Dr Suwannachai said many parents are hesitant to get their kids vaccinated, with 77.2% of those polled worried about their kids experiencing adverse reactions and 55.3% saying they had safety concerns. "Parents should consider having their children vaccinated and seek doctors' advice if their kids have underlying health concerns," he said.

Similan stands for “nine” in the Yawi language, as it covered nine islands in the archipelago. Initially, Mu Koh Similan National Park comprised nine islands, namely Koh Huyong, Koh Payang, Koh Payan, Koh Miang, Koh Ha, Koh Payu, Koh Hin Pousar, Koh Similan and Koh Ba-ngu. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai were later added to the national park, bringing the number of islands under Mu Koh Similan National Park up to 11. The Similan Islands in the South of Thailand are popular among divers and can be accessed via Phang Nga province. The islands are closed during the monsoon season every year, though Koh Tachai has been closed to tourists indefinitely since October 2016.

BELOW Mr Pitsnu says the launch of smart vending machines like Tao Bin is considered positive for the country's vending machine industry. She said the group used to import vending machines to sell canned drinks and other items, but decided to adjust its business model to robotic vending machines and provide the service around the clock in response to changing lifestyles. He said Sun Vending plans to install 2,000 new Sun 108 vending machines and 400-500 cup vending machines this year. "We have almost 15,000 vending machines in the market now, 3,000 of which are smart vending machines," said Mr Pitsnu. "The number of Sun 108 vending machines is projected to reach 20,000 units next year, of which 15,000 will be smart machines."

Key players step up switch to cleaner sources of fuelThree large energy firms are accelerating efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and replace fossil fuels with clean energy, following a pledge made by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government to fight climate change. RE100 is a global renewable energy initiative among companies that commits its members to the use of 100% renewable energy. This volume of renewable fuel is estimated to help cut carbon dioxide emissions by 12.4 million tonnes, said Mr Pakkapol. The businesses of the Bangchak Group release around 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to a carbon footprint assessment made by 21 Bangchak executives. The group is committed to implementing serious carbon dioxide reduction programmes, with one method carbon credit trade.

Saudi Aramco says Q1 profits jump 82% as oil prices surgeA sign in front of Aramco's offices in the Saudi capital RiyadhRIYADH: Saudi Aramco on Sunday posted an 82% jump in first quarter profits, buoyed by a global surge in oil prices that has made it the world's most valuable company. The announcement continued a string of recent positive economic news for Saudi Arabia, where a booming oil sector is fuelling the fastest growth rate in a decade. Also on Sunday, Aramco announced it was issuing 20 billion bonus shares to shareholders -- one share for every 10 shares already owned. Saudi Arabia has sought both to open up and diversify its oil-reliant economy, especially since Mohammed bin Salman's appointment as crown prince in 2017. Aramco floated 1.7% of its shares on the Saudi bourse in December 2019, generating $29.4 billion in the world's biggest initial public offering.

When the monks passed by, they were offered food and necessities in small round baskets. The monks will spend the upcoming Buddhist Lenten period in the monastery. After giving out alms, the villagers shifted to the temple to hear a sermon from abbot Phra Khru Wicharn Dhammasophit.

Tourists pose for photos at Mu Ko Surin National Park in Phangnga province. (Photo: Surin National Park)Mu Ko Similan, Mu Ko Surin and Mu Ko Lanta national parks will close on Monday in an annual tradition to let nature rehabilitate itself during the monsoon season. An announcement on the Facebook account dedicated to the three marine parks said visitors will not be admitted from Monday until Oct 14. The temporary closure follows the policy of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department to give all the flora and fauna in all parks time to regenerate during the off-peak season for tourists. Similan and Surin are popular destinations in Phangnga, while Lata in Krabi is also famous for its clear water and white sand.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana quoted Prayut as telling the PIF chief that relaxed travel restrictions in Thailand will help boost cooperation between the two kingdoms. He also told the fund chief that Thailand was ready to further develop bilateral ties, which are already improving. Thanakorn quoted the PIF chief as saying that he was meeting Prayut under the instructions of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also deputy PM and defence minister of Saudi Arabia. Yasir said he had been instructed to discuss cooperation between the two countries, especially on trade and investment in energy businesses such as petroleum and gas surveys.

On May 11, the Bangkok South Civil Court dismissed Kasem's request, ruling that he did not own the shares. As a result, WEH will pay 2.7 billion baht in dividends to shareholders, including Golden Music and WEH chairman Pradej Kitti-Itsaranon. "The company is allocating cash and expects to pay the dividends this week," a source from WEH said. WEH has made six dividend payments in the past two years, worth 41.9 baht per share.

Na Muang waterfall is a popular attraction near the centre of Koh Samui. (Photo supplied)SURAT THANI: A 23-year-old Romanian tourist fell to her death from Na Muang waterfall on Koh Samui after she slipped while taking a photo on Saturday. Rescuers were sent to the scene and checked the woman’s pulse but she was unresponsive, said Chayapon Intarasupa, the mayor of Koh Samui district. Her body was sent to Koh Samui Hospital for a post-mortem examination. There are signs warning people of the dangers of Na Muang waterfall.

Homegrown weed gets OK despite glitchThe Public Health Ministry has assured people they can grow cannabis plants at home from June 9, even though the Cannabis and Hemp Act may not be finalised in time. Mr Anutin stressed the ministry's policy is purely aimed at promoting cannabis for medical purposes to boost people's health care. Wrongly used cannabis will violate public health regulations," said Mr Anutin. Dr Paisarn said the FDA views cannabis as a cash crop that might help to stimulate the economy alongside its medicinal uses. Dr Paisarn said the advertising of cannabis-based products will be vetted by the FDA, with cosmetics being the sole exception.

Saturday's win means Liverpool have won 50% of their target for the season. They are three points behind Manchester City in the Premier League race with two games to go and meet Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 28. "Like in the last final, the League Cup, no regrets. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was handed the Cup by Prince William to roars from the Liverpool fans while the Chelsea end had largely emptied. The win was Liverpool's eighth in the 150-year history of the FA Cup, drawing them level with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.