News

Thailand Rolls Out New Tax on Online Imports to Support Local Economy and Tourism

Thailand’s introduction of a new tax policy on online imports, starting from the first baht, is designed to bridge the gap between local and foreign products, creating a fairer market environment. This move will not only ensure that local businesses have a more level playing field but also help strengthen the local economy and tourism sector. By encouraging consumers to choose domestically produced goods, the policy is expected to drive economic growth while supporting sustainable development in the country. Starting on January 1, Thailand has introduced a landmark tax policy that requires all imported goods purchased online to be taxed from the very first baht. This significant move marks the end of the long-standing exemption for low-value imports, which previously entered the market tax-free. The decision to enforce this policy aligns with the Thai government’s aim to modernize the taxation system, ensuring fairness, transparency, and alignment with the rapidly growing digital economy. Under the newly established regulations, all online imported goods, regardless of their price, will now be subject to value-added tax (VAT) and import duties. Prior to this, low-cost imports from overseas were often exempt from these taxes, which led to a competitive imbalance between local businesses and international sellers. The government’s decision to remove this exemption aims to ensure a more equitable business environment, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand, which have been at a disadvantage due to the influx of foreign goods entering the country without being taxed.

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Kempegowda International Airport Launches Premium Corporate Cab Service for Business Travelers

Kempegowda International Airport has introduced a paid premium pick-up service for corporate cabs at Terminal 1 to address ongoing congestion and streamline the flow of traffic. This move is part of the airport’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve the experience for business travelers. By offering a faster and more convenient pick-up option, the service aims to cater to the needs of corporate travelers who prioritize time-saving solutions while reducing crowding at terminal curbsides, especially during peak travel hours. Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has launched a trial paid premium pick-up service for corporate cab services at Terminal 1, aiming to reduce congestion and enhance the overall travel experience. The initiative, priced at ₹275 for the first 10 minutes, is designed to offer corporate travelers a quicker, more efficient pick-up option and help streamline traffic at the airport’s curbside. The new service, which is available on a trial basis, creates a dedicated premium pick-up facility at Terminal 1, located in the fifth lane of the departures level. This prime location allows corporate taxis to pick up passengers closer to the terminal entrance, as opposed to the conventional pick-up zones further from the entrance.

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Indian Railways Unveils Vande Bharat Sleeper Train for Faster, More Comfortable Overnight Travel

Indian Railways has officially launched the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform overnight travel across the country. Featuring state-of-the-art technology, the new train offers enhanced comfort and speed, ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable journey for passengers traveling between Guwahati and Howrah. With its cutting-edge design and modern amenities, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train aims to redefine long-distance travel, providing a faster, safer, and more comfortable experience for those journeying overnight. The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to revolutionize long-distance rail travel, offering passengers a combination of speed, comfort, and advanced technology. As part of its vision for 2026, Indian Railways aims to introduce more such initiatives, ensuring a passenger-focused approach to the future of rail travel. This sleeper train will serve several important districts in both Assam and West Bengal. In Assam, the districts of Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon will benefit from this new service, while in West Bengal, districts including Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah will be directly connected. This improved connectivity will significantly enhance travel between these regions, providing a more efficient mode of transport.

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Fremont Street Experience Set to Host Las Vegas’ Biggest New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebration

Fremont Street Experience has officially solidified its position as the heart of Las Vegas, drawing thousands to its iconic Countdown Under The Canopy™ event for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. In 2026, the event raised the bar for festive extravaganzas, combining music, lights, and unmatched energy beneath the dazzling 1,375-foot-long LED canopy. As the pulse of downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street set a new standard for New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering an immersive experience where revelers could enjoy stellar performances, spectacular light shows, and a thrilling atmosphere. This high-energy event not only captivated the local crowd but also positioned Fremont Street as a premier global destination for ringing in the new year. Las Vegas, renowned for its larger-than-life celebrations, took its New Year’s Eve festivities to a whole new level with the Fremont Street Experience’s Countdown Under The Canopy™. Thousands of revelers gathered in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, where they were treated to an electrifying night of music, lights, and the vibrant energy that only the Strip can offer. Under the iconic LED canopy, this event became the ultimate party destination for both locals and tourists, offering a sensational way to ring in 2026. As the gates opened at 7 p.m., Fremont Street—comprising a five-block stretch of entertainment—transformed into a buzzing hub of excitement. This annual event, held beneath the stunning 1,375-foot-long LED canopy, was a visual feast with vibrant, mesmerizing light shows projected onto the giant screen above. The canopy, which is one of the largest video screens in the world, created a breathtaking backdrop for the night’s performances. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation as the revelers gathered in the city’s most iconic open-air venue.

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Dubai Duty Free Posts Record Dhs8.68 Billion Sales in 2025, Fueled by Strong Global Growth

Dubai Duty Free has marked an unprecedented milestone in its history, achieving a record-breaking annual sales total of Dhs8.680 billion (US$2.378 billion) in 2025. This represents a 9.85% increase over the previous year, solidifying its position as a key player in the global travel retail sector. The record-breaking performance was driven by ten outstanding months, capped off by an exceptional December, when sales reached an all-time high of Dhs922.77 million (US$252.81 million). Dubai Duty Free’s success in 2025 underscores the growing appeal of Dubai as a global travel hub for tourists and shoppers alike, particularly during peak travel seasons. The sales figures reflect a strong demand for luxury goods and exclusive products, bolstered by key regional growth, strategic marketing, and innovative retail concepts introduced throughout the year. Dubai Duty Free marked its best-ever sales year in 2025, with December alone setting a new monthly sales record at Dhs922.77 million (US$252.81 million). This surge in sales was partly driven by the 42nd anniversary celebrations, where the retailer offered 25% discounts on December 20, resulting in a shopping spree that brought in Dhs69.097 million (US$19 million) in just 24 hours.

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UAE Travelers Get New Health Insurance

Tbilisi has introduced a new health insurance requirement for UAE tourists starting in 2026, ensuring that travelers are fully covered during their stay in Georgia. This measure aims to enhance safety and provide peace of mind, ensuring that visitors are financially protected against any unexpected medical expenses. By implementing this rule, Georgia seeks to maintain a secure environment for all tourists while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. Planning a trip to Georgia this year? If you’re traveling from the UAE, there’s an important new requirement to keep in mind. Starting January 1, 2026, travelers must present valid health insurance and accident coverage for the entirety of their stay in Georgia. The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 Georgian Lari (approximately Dh40,898). This new regulation aims to ensure that visitors are financially prepared for any unexpected medical expenses during their travels. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, may not boast the polished sheen of other global cities, but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The city is effortlessly charming, with a lived-in vibe that feels authentic and grounded. The streets of Tbilisi invite you to explore, whether you’re wandering through the narrow alleys of the Old Town or resting on a bench in one of the many intimate courtyards. Here, life unfolds at its own pace—simple, serene, and often a bit unpredictable. What strikes you about Tbilisi is the blend of old and new. Its cobbled streets and ancient architecture coexist harmoniously with modern art galleries, quirky cafés, and vibrant street art. The city is filled with character, where remnants of Soviet history sit next to contemporary expressions of creativity. As you walk around, you’ll notice that the city’s very rhythm seems to have a life of its own. The proud, stoic buildings tell their stories, and the people carry the warmth of centuries of culture.

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