Thailand Tightens Visa Rules

EUR Radio News — 2026-05-20 13:55

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1. Thailand Tightens Visa Rules
Thailand is set to tighten its visa exemption rules for tourists, reducing the length of stays and limiting the number of eligible countries. This decision follows a cabinet review aimed at managing the influx of visitors, as tourism remains a crucial sector for the nation’s economy.

2. Drone Incidents Prompt Security Measures in Lithuania
Lithuania has closed Vilnius International Airport following the detection of a drone, prompting local authorities to instruct schoolchildren to seek shelter. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė is scheduled to convene the National Security Commission to address the recent surge in drone incursions.

3. Earthquake Strikes Eastern Turkey
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake has hit the eastern Turkish province of Malatya, occurring at 9 a.m. local time. The tremors were felt in surrounding areas, with the Turkish civil protection agency reporting the quake’s depth at approximately seven kilometers.

4. US Plans Troop Reductions in Europe
The United States is preparing to announce significant cuts to the number of troops stationed in Europe, including those available during wartime. This move is part of a broader strategy to adjust the US military presence on the continent, first indicated earlier this year.

5. Potential General Strike at Samsung
Around 48,000 unionized employees at Samsung Electronics are threatening an 18-day general strike, which would mark the largest in the company’s history. The strike, set to begin Thursday, is driven by demands for a historic bonus from the world’s leading semiconductor producer.

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6. France’s former president François Hollande has expressed intentions to re-enter the political arena ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In a recent interview, he emphasized the significance of the upcoming vote, not just for France, but for the broader European context.

7. The European Union is advancing towards a controversial deal on migrant returns, which includes the establishment of processing hubs. However, NGOs have raised concerns that these hubs could devolve into lawless detention centers, potentially leading to human rights violations and increased disorder at Europe’s borders.

8. In Pakistan, the man convicted of murdering teen TikTok star Sana Yousaf has been sentenced to death. Her tragic case has sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues of violence against women in the country, prompting calls for greater protections and reforms.

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Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has expressed optimism regarding Europe’s jet fuel supply, stating that suppliers have confirmed no disruptions expected until mid-July. He highlighted that increased fuel imports from West Africa, the U.S., and Norway are contributing to the improving situation, allowing for a more stable outlook for the summer travel season.

In other news, leaked internal documents from Russia’s presidential administration reveal potential scenarios for ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The documents suggest how the Kremlin may frame a resolution as a victory, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin maintaining his maximum demands. The situation continues to evolve as the war’s front lines remain largely unchanged.

Turning to the weather. In Riga, 9 to 12 degrees with patchy rain possible a slightly cool ambiance awaits riga on today. In London, 10 to 18 degrees with patchy rain possible mild temperatures are expected in london. In Paris, 9 to 15 degrees with patchy rain possible a slightly cool ambiance awaits paris on today. In Brussels, 7 to 13 degrees with patchy rain possible a slightly cool ambiance awaits brussels on today. In Berlin, 9 to 19 degrees with patchy rain possible mild temperatures are expected in berlin. In Stockholm, 7 to 18 degrees with partly cloudy mild temperatures are expected in stockholm. In Madrid, 13 to 26 degrees with sunny madrid will experience a pleasantly warm today.

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