BANGKOK: The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Japan will give visa exemption to Thai tourists from July 1. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Manasvi Srisodapol said yesterday that his ministry has been informed by the Japanese embassy that Japan’s visa waiver for Thai tourists covers stay of up to 15 days. He said that despite the exemption, Thai tourists are to prepare for Japan’s immigration process by presenting round-trip tickets and financial evidence to show that they can afford their vacation.
Chief peace mediator quits
MANILA: The Philippines’ chief peace negotiator with communist insurgents said yesterday he was resigning, citing frustration over stalled talks. Alexander Padilla, head of the government panel negotiating with the National Democratic Front said he had tendered resignation, adding that someone else could revive the peace process. The former human rights activist had previously expressed frustration over talks with the rebels. In April, he said that talks had failed.
Russian fugitive held in Bangkok
BANGKOK: A fugitive Russian drug suspect has been arrested in Phuket after he used a stolen passport to enter Thailand, officials said yesterday. Anatoly Gural, 30, was taken from his rented house in Soi Khok Yang in tambon Rawai of Muang district for questioning after he failed to show his passport to police.
He is wanted by Russia in drug-related cases. Gural allegedly confessed to drug offences in Russia before fleeing to Thailand after Thai police showed him a copy of his arrest warrant issued by Russian authorities. Police charged him with counterfeiting and using a passport.
Filipino pilots suspended
MANILA: Philippine aviation authorities yesterday suspended two pilots from budget carrier Cebu Pacific after their plane overshot a runway, saying they should have aborted the landing and failed to evacuate the aircraft which could have exploded.
The plane skidded off the runway in bad weather on June 2, coming to a halt on muddy ground beside the tarmac at the airport in the southern city of Davao. All 165 people on board escaped unharmed, but angry passengers have criticised the pilots and crew, saying they were given no assistance despite the turmoil inside the plane after the terrifying landing.
Workers hold boss over wages
BEIJING: An American factory boss in China held hostage for five days by workers said yesterday he won’t be released until a labour dispute is resolved and that authorities have declined to intervene. Chip Starnes, who had come from the US-based Specialty Medical Supplies company to lay off 30 employees, said the remaining 100 barred him from leaving until they reached a resolution.
China space mission ends
BEIJING: China’s Shenzhou-10 spacecraft has completed a challenging mission to manually dock with a space module and its three astronauts are expected to return to earth soon, state media said yesterday.
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