Emerging from the heart of Chiang Mai, the Ling App has captured global attention, recently earning a prestigious spotlight on the App Store for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This innovative language-learning tool from Thailand has distinguished itself as an essential companion for travelers, designed to enrich the Parisian adventures of athletes and spectators.

In a crowded market of educational applications, Ling sets itself apart by integrating cultural immersion into its language lessons. Raisha, the Head of Campaign Management, attributes their App Store success to their deep understanding of user needs and dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative content that enhances the user experience.

The design team at Ling, collaborating closely with The Thaiger, has meticulously crafted the app’s interface and mascot to align with the Paris Games theme, providing a visually captivating and culturally immersive experience.

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This year, the app introduces the Culture Notes feature, which guides users through Paris’s rich heritage, cuisine, and festivities, ensuring seamless and authentic social interactions.

Moreover, the app includes essential vocabulary and cultural tips for the Olympics, enabling users to communicate effortlessly from the stands to the streets of Paris. Ling’s emphasis on practical language skills and cultural insights enhances travel experiences and fosters meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds.

Featured prominently on the App Store, Ling’s recognition underscores its effectiveness in bridging language gaps, solidifying its role as an indispensable companion for those attending the Olympics in Paris.

British tourists planning their summer vacations should be cautious of a significant mistake that could jeopardize their holiday experience. E-cigarette users must be vigilant about stringent anti-vaping laws in popular Southeast Asian destinations.

Violating these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment.

Strict Vaping Bans in Southeast Asia

Countries like Thailand and Singapore are known for having some of the world’s strictest vaping bans. In Thailand, vaping has been illegal since 2014.

Tourists caught with an e-cigarette may face fines of up to 30,000 baht or, in extreme cases, a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Similarly, Singapore enforces rigorous regulations, with fines reaching up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 50,000 baht) for merely possessing a vaping device.

According to the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), five out of ten countries in the region prohibit e-cigarettes.

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This includes Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where even possessing a vape for commercial purposes is against the law.

Widespread Vaping Restrictions

Vaping restrictions are not limited to Southeast Asia. In Cyprus, vaping in public or in a private vehicle with a minor can result in fines of up to 850 euros (around 30,000 baht). In Hungary, vapers can be fined up to US$980 (around 35,000 baht) for using e-cigarettes in non-smoking areas.

Meanwhile, in Italy, vaping is permitted, except in Vatican City, where it is completely banned, according to The Mirror UK.

“Vaping laws are constantly changing. Travelers must check local regulations before their trip to avoid severe penalties. In some cases, illegal vaping products can pose additional risks. Always bring your devices and supplies when allowed and pack them in carry-on luggage to comply with airline rules.”

Crackdown on Illegal Vaping in Thailand

In related news, Thai authorities are taking decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from the health risks associated with vaping.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stressed that the issue has been neglected for too long, during an event marking World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

Travellers should stay informed and adhere to local vaping laws to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation.

Ang Thong National Marine Park is currently experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with expectations for improvement by August. Despite the crisis, the park projects revenue exceeding 40 million baht by the end of the fiscal year.

Unprecedented Coral Bleaching Crisis

Ang Thong National Marine Park is facing a significant coral bleaching crisis, the worst in the past ten years. Rising sea temperatures have caused extensive coral stress and bleaching across the park’s waters.

Sutin Prompalat, Head of Ang Thong National Marine Park, reported that surveys conducted at 13 stations within the park revealed coral bleaching levels between 40% and 75%.

The bleaching began in April, with sea temperatures fluctuating between 29.19 and 32.36 degrees Celsius from April to June. The elevated sea temperatures have placed immense stress on the coral, leading to widespread bleaching.

Hope for Recovery

Despite the severe bleaching, there is hope for recovery as sea temperatures are starting to decrease. Sutin expressed optimism that conditions will improve by August, allowing the coral to begin its recovery process.

Key Islands and Marine Life

The park encompasses several notable islands, including Phaluai Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Sam Sao Island, Tai Plao Island, Wua Kantang Island, Hin Dap Island, and Phai Luak Island. It is also home to the Bryde’s whale, a species protected under Thai law.

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Recognition and Management Excellence

Sutin highlighted the park’s exemplary management practices, which have garnered numerous accolades. Ang Thong National Marine Park is certified as an ASEAN Heritage Park, the sixth in Thailand to receive this honor. It has also been designated as a Ramsar Site, recognizing its significance as a wetland of international importance.

The Thailand Tourism Silver Awards for natural attractions and the Green National Park Award for environmental management in 2016 and 2020.

Enhancing Visitor Experience and Safety

The park management has implemented various initiatives to ensure visitor safety and enhance the tourist experience. In April, staff received training in emergency rescue operations, including CPR and responses to potential incidents such as kayak accidents, seafood allergies, and jellyfish stings. Special nets have been installed at Wua Talap Island to protect swimmers from Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish.

Regular upgrades and maintenance of tourist facilities are also a priority. This includes repairing guesthouses and installing additional fans. Daily beach clean-ups are conducted to maintain the pristine condition of the park.

Visitor Limits and Revenue Projections

To preserve the natural environment, the park limits the number of tourists to 1,000 per day, with approximately 80% to 90% being international visitors. As of the current fiscal year, the park has generated around 38 million baht in revenue. Sutin confidently projected that the park’s revenue will surpass 40 million baht by the end of the fiscal year. This would position Ang Thong National Marine Park as the ninth highest-earning park among Thailand’s 156 national parks.

Conclusion

Ang Thong National Marine Park is battling a significant coral bleaching event, the worst in a decade. However, with the sea temperatures beginning to drop, there is optimism for recovery. The park’s effective management and commitment to visitor safety and environmental preservation have earned it numerous accolades. Despite the coral bleaching crisis, the park is on track to generate substantial revenue, reflecting its popularity and importance as a natural attraction.