Famed American artist and entertainer, John Legend, along with his spouse, the 38-year-old model and author Chrissy Teigen, and their four children, were seen yesterday enjoying their time in Phuket, Thailand.

The family journeyed to Thailand for a spring break retreat, reconnecting with Teigen’s mother, Vilailuck Teigen, who recently resettled in her hometown of Korat from the United States.

Their holiday schedule was filled with exploration of Phuket’s attractions. Initially, they explored the historic On On Hotel, Phuket’s oldest lodging establishment. Later, they savored the renowned honey toast delicacy at Phuketique restaurant in the Old Town area.

Their adventure continued with a boat excursion to marvel at the natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay, culminating in serene moments at a secluded resort on Nai Thon Beach, located on the island’s northwest coast.

In other news, John Legend, known for his chart-topping track “All Of Me,” is a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor. With an impressive collection of 12 Grammy Awards, Legend also achieved success as the winning coach on the reality singing competition series “The Voice” in 2019. Additionally, he was crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in November of the same year.

Chrissy Teigen, who made her modeling debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010, hails from Utah, USA, with a Norwegian father and Thai mother.

A notable figure in the modeling industry and television, Teigen crossed paths with Legend in 2007, leading to their marriage in September 2013.

Furthermore, Phuket authorities disclosed their plans for the upcoming Songkran festival celebrations, with two major events scheduled in Cherng Talay and Rawai. The Alive Beach On Cloud Songkran Music Festival will be hosted at the Blue Tree complex in Cherng Talay from April 13 to 15, while a merit-making ceremony and water festival will take place in Rawai on April 13.

After a hiatus spanning four years, the specialized Tourist Case division of the Phuket Provincial Court has resumed its operations, as announced by Kriangsak Rodphanchu. Rodphanchu, currently serving as the Chief Judge at the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani and acting as Chief Judge of the Phuket Provincial Court, made the declaration.

Established initially on September 24, 2017, the division was designated for adjudicating cases involving tourists. However, its activities were halted due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The decision to revive the division stems from the escalating influx of both Thai and international tourists to Phuket, resulting in a corresponding rise in disputes and criminal cases where tourists are either victims, accused, or defendants.

Expressing apprehension over the escalating number of cases grabbing headlines, Kriangsak voiced concerns about the dwindling confidence in the safety of life and property within the area. He fears this could potentially tarnish the province’s tourism sector and Thailand’s overall image.

Kriangsak emphasized the importance of court intervention in resolving disputes, both criminal and civil, concerning tourists. He stressed the necessity of agencies ensuring tourists’ legal rights are upheld and perpetrators face strict punishment.

Moreover, Kriangsak positioned this initiative as integral to a broader strategy aimed at reinstating confidence among tourists and projecting a positive image of Phuket Province and Thai tourism as a whole.

Beyond adjudication, the Tourist Case Division is tasked with offering guidance and aid to tourists in drafting complaints in consumer cases. Kriangsak disclosed that the court can organize mediation sessions within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, a process that can persist until the case reaches resolution.

In collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Attorney-General’s Office, the court expedites cases involving businesses facing litigation. Furthermore, it coordinates with local law enforcement and embassy officials to gather testimonies from tourists who may need to return home before the case concludes. Legal proxies can represent tourists who must depart before case completion.

Kriangsak also underscored the significance of interpreters or mediators, mandated to be available outside regular business hours to assist with cases, as reported by Phuket News.

In the competition for international tourists, Thailand and Cambodia employ contrasting strategies. While Thai PM Srettha Thavisin opts for traditional methods, Cambodia takes a darker approach, promoting visits to sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, synonymous with the Khmer Rouge era horrors.

Cambodia also plans a Khmer New Year festival, promoting the consumption of protein-rich fried insects.

Hotels and businesses in Cambodia are directed to display national flags and royal family images and ensure clear parking signage. Meanwhile, Thailand unveils a five-point marketing strategy focusing on positive experiences, Thai culture immersion, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and world-class events.

Thailand also aims for seamless travel within ASEAN with a proposed mini Schengen visa arrangement

Brian Williams, a UK-based travel expert, observes the differing approaches, noting Cambodia’s expansion beyond Angkor Wat and Thailand’s focus on user-friendly strategies. Thailand also considers extending government insurance coverage for foreign tourists involved in accidents.

In a diplomatic move, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang declares war on PM2.5 pollution, sparking tension with Cambodia. Negotiations are underway between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping border regions in the Gulf of Thailand. Sutin addresses public concerns about a meeting between Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra, asserting no conflict of interest.