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About 900,000 Russian tourists visited Thailand — Thai tourism office

The tourist traffic to Thailand increased dramatically following the country's cancelling all entry restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

BANGKOK, August 21. /TASS/. About 900,000 Russian nationals visited Thailand year to date and this evidences the return of tourist sector indicators to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told TASS.

"From January 1 [to August 20, 2023 Thailand has welcomed around 898,170 Russian tourists," TAT said.

Malaysia ranks first with 2,462,083 arrivals. China comes in second with 2,111,638 arrivals, followed by South Korea (1,010,696), and India (961,543).Russia ranks fifth.

Thailand canceled, effective October 1, 2022, all visitor entry restrictions and the state of emergency imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tourist traffic increased dramatically. The country also expects to have record high two million arrivals of Russian tourists in 2024.

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Tourism Thailand

Russia reduces oil exports by 450,000 bpd in April, revenues - by 6.5% to $17.2 bln — IEA

Oil production in Russia in April amounted to 9.3 mln bpd compared to 9.45 mln bpd, decreasing by 1.6% or 150,000 bpd, the report said

NATO unable to prevent GPS jamming in Baltic region — retired Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak said he believes Russia is involved in the suppression of the GPS signal over the Baltic Sea to "test the alliance's reaction"

Kremlin clarifies Patrushev’s new appointment

Since 2008, Patrushev has been the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, serving the longest in this capacity

Russia-China relations reach highest-ever level, getting increasingly stronger — Putin

Trade relations between Moscow and Beijing are developing at a fast pace, the Russian President noted

Picking China for Putin’s first visit reflects 'personal chemistry' with Xi Jinping — aide

"This tradition is a clear evidence of the high level of bilateral relations and priority attention, paid to the Russian-Chinese partnership by both sides," Yury Ushakov noted

Putin appoints acting governors of five regions

All of the appointed acting governors, except Dmitry Milyayev, are participants in the School of Governors - a program created on presidential instructions to train administrators for possible promotion at the regional and federal levels

Some Russian border guards to stay in Armenia — Bortnikov

Alexander Bortnikov also noted that Russian border guards will protect Armenia's border with Turkey and Iran

Russian diplomat puts blame for Kiev’s crimes on West

"The Zelensky regime’s sponsors are openly and publicly allowing it to hit civilian targets with the weapons they supply," Vasily Nebenzya said

Conflict between Russia, Ukraine may last about 10 years — Polish foreign minister

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that the conflict in Ukraine may last for a few more years, and no one, in his opinion, can say whether it is to last for five years

Countries of 'global billion' don’t view Earth as common home of humanity — Putin

"Earth is the cradle of humanity, our common home, and we are all equal as its inhabitants," he noted

Putin calls on new cabinet to do their job earnestly

"We have a lot to do," Russian President added

Ukrainian crisis may be resolved by yearend, says former Virginia senator

"The shortage of artillery and other weapons causes problems, but the critical issue is their shortage of fighting men," Richard Black emphasized

Blinken says current special military operation stage critical for Kiev

According to the US secretary of state, Russia is "ramping up another offensive against Ukraine, at Kharkov and across the east"

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Switzerland conference on Ukraine aims to issue ultimatum to Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the conference has long been the talk of all those who are trying to defeat Russia on the battlefield"

Putin announces plans to promote Intervision song contest

"China is the key partner in this project, which aims to spread and popularize national song schools," he noted

Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region

This direction has been strengthened, Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky said

Some Westerns consider large-scale military conflict possible — intelligence service

According to Sergey Naryshkin, "this could happen if the so-called Western bloc considers it, firstly, profitable for itself and, secondly, sufficiently safe"

US to reassess ties with Georgia if foreign agents bill becomes law — White House

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to preview any actions that the US could take

Law banning import of Russian uranium to US wreaks havoc on system — expert

Speaking about numerous statements on allocation of financing for the creation of additional capacities on uranium enrichment, it is unclear what is behind those statements, editor-in-chief of the Geoenergetika.ru online magazine Boris Martsinkevich noted

Putin’s informal meeting with Xi Jinping seen as most important part of his trip to China

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, this communication will revolve around the subject of Ukraine

Shoigu to oversee Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, not head it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the service is headed by Dmitry Shugayev

Israel hits Hamas headquarters in UNRWA school in Gaza — IDF

According to the Israel Defense Forces, fifteen militants were eliminated as a result of the strike, with more than ten being Hamas members

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Egypt threatens to end its mediation between Israel, Hamas — WSJ

The officials said Egypt is also blocking any humanitarian aid trucks from entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing

Georgian government members could face sanctions over ‘erosion of democracy’ — US official

The Georgian parliament passed a bill on foreign agents in the final reading on May, 14

Blinken’s visit to Kiev shows US concerned over Ukrainian failures on frontline — diplomat

"He sang a song, ate some pizza and left," Maria Zakharova noted

Israeli losses surpass 620 troops since Gaza conflict escalated

It is reported that since the onset of the ground operation in Gaza the Israeli army has lost 273 troops

Nominee for Russian defense chief urges need to outpace Ukrainian army in technology

"It is necessary to generalize the experience of applying new technologies and, correspondingly, test new forms and methods of warfare," Andrey Belousov added

50 Russians killed, nearly 190 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik, Ukrainian troops used foreign-made drones, Czech-, Turkish-, and US-made projectiles, including ATACMS missiles

Serbian president thanks Russian authorities for supporting Belgrade’s sovereignty

Aleksandar Vucic met with Moscow’s Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko

Ukrainian politician calls for international tribunal for NATO crimes

According to Andrey Derkach, a base is being created for "a far international legal probe" into terrorism, war crimes, corruption, crimes against the freedom of speech and human rights committed by NATO member countries

Russia, China want to be at forefront of establishing democratic world order — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, the West speaks about democracy "only when it wants to interfere into domestic affairs of any country"

Russian troops liberate Bugrovatka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on ten Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area where the enemy lost more than 520 troops over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Supply of munitions for special military operation currently sufficient — Zolotov

Viktor Zolotov also said the National Guard had started to take delivery of heavy equipment

Blinken arrives in Ukraine amid nervousness over special military op — Kremlin

According to a statement released earlier by the US State Department press service, Antony Blinken intends to discuss the situation on the battlefield and issues of military support to Kiev

Putin to visit China May 16-17 — Kremlin

The visit to China will be Putin’s first foreign visit after his re-election as the Russian president, and, as Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier, will be a "reciprocal step to the first official visit of President Xi Jinping which took place last year also following his re-election"

Belarus says Ukraine keeping up to 120,000 troops near border between countries

Konstantin Molostov said Belarus is taking "appropriate measures" in response to the actions of Ukraine

Dyumin, Patrushev, Yampolskaya et al. — who joined Russia’s renewed presidential staff

Alexey Dyumin, who quit the post of the Tula Region’s governor, and Nikolay Patrushev, who left the post of secretary of the Security Council, have become new aides to the Russian leader

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

According to Andrey Derkach, they trained on the South Stream, rented a large yacht, and then they were taken to Poland

Capital flow from Russia to Central Asia to intensify 'anti-sanctions immunity' — expert

Central Asian countries expect an increase in Russia’s economic presence in the region, Rustam Khaydarov said

Russian air defenses down several projectiles near Sevastopol, Belbek airfield

The city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev noted that there had been no reports of damage to civilian infrastructure

If West wants to solve Ukraine conflict on battlefield, 'so be it' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

PM Mishustin to chair first meeting of Russia’s new cabinet

The meeting’s agenda includes a lot of financial issues

Air defenses shoot down several air targets over Belgorod region — governor

Vyacheslav Gladkov said that in the village of Krasny Oktyabr in the Belgorodsky district windows were smashed and roofs and facades damaged in three private households

US Congress has evidence of Biden family’s involvement in terrorism — Ukrainian politician

Andrey Derkach pointed out that "the criminal case that was initiated against Burisma was being actively investigated under [Ukrainian] Prosecutor General [Viktor] Shokin [in 2014-2016]"

West must accept responsibility for Ukraine crisis, engage in peace talks — Maduro

Nicolas Maduro stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is enjoying his greatest political power over the last 20 years" while Russia "beat sanctions in the economic war" and bolstered its economy

Russian, Egyptian diplomats stress inadmissibility of Israel’s operation in Gaza

Mikhail Bogdanov and Nazih el-Nagari pointed to the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and stable humanitarian aide to the enclave’s population

Russia knows how to achieve large-scale goals, Putin says

Moscow prioritizes increasing people’s well-being in terms of economic development, the Russian President said in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua

Air defenses destroy ten ATACMS missiles over Crimean Peninsula — Russian Defense Ministry

"The attacks involved US-made ATACMS missiles, French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, US-made HARM, large-caliber projectiles and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the statement says

Russia seeking comprehensive, just settlement of Ukraine conflict — Putin

"Such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including Russia's," the Russian President pointed out

US not ready for conflict with Russia, Americans don't want it — former Virginia senator

Richard Black stressed that in the event of a shift to the Democrats following the results of the November elections in the lower house of Congress, Jeffries could take the post of Speaker, the third most important position in the US government hierarchy

Air defenses down two HARM missiles, two Hammer air bombs over Belgorod Region

Five UAVs were wiped out over the Kursk Region and three drones were intercepted over the Bryansk Region

Putin-Xi meeting to be held in '1+4' format on each side — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the meeting will take place after a gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries and the opening of the Years of Culture of Russia and China

Russia rejects Western attempts to impose order based on lies, hypocrisy — Putin

The Russian President pointed out that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS group "have well established themselves as key pillars of the emerging multipolar world order"

Russian tech firm develops portable EW system to shield assault teams from drones

One system suppresses munition-dropping drones, creating a dome of 250-300 meters and shielding an assault group while the other suppresses FPV drones

Russia, OIC to combat Islamophobia, Russophobia worldwide — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov asserted that Russia is a consistent supporter of shaping a more fair and democratic multipolar world order based on the principles of the UN Charter

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft wipe out Ukrainian equipment, personnel over past day

After employing air-launched munitions, the pilots performed a missile evasion maneuver, fired flares and returned to their airfield, it said

Putin highlights successful trade between Russia, China

"Over the past five years, we have doubled the Russia-China turnover: it reached $227.8 billion last year, against $111 billion in 2019," the Russian leader said

Press review: New Russian government taking shape and Georgia's path to EU gets cloudy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 14th

China, Turkey could mediate Russia-Ukraine peace talks — former Czech president

According to Milos Zeman, a ceasefire must be reached first

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

All Ukrainians who covered up Nord Stream sabotage identified, politician says

According to Andrey Derkach, members of the group led by Roman Chervinsky acted under instructions from Christopher Smith, "the No.2 at the US Embassy in Ukraine at that time and a well-known" CIA agent

All agencies in Tatarstan on high alert, press service of regional head says

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that air defenses had shot down a Ukrainian drone over Tatarstan at about 7:30 a.m. Moscow time (4:30 a.m. GMT)

Press review: Putin keeps government core intact and Blinken gives Kiev NATO assurances

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 15th

Georgian parliament approves foreign agents bill in third reading

According to the procedure, the bill will be submitted to President Salome Zourabichvili, who has already vowed to veto it

Russia’s onslaught on Kharkov may compel Ukraine to truce — NYT

On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

Russian official lauds defense industry as world’s most powerful in basic arms output

Denis Manturov noted that the geopolitical situation was prompting the need constantly to improve operational characteristics of armaments and military hardware

Putin gives interview to Xinhua news agency ahead of China visit

Putin will make the highest-level state visit to China on May 16-17

Russia’s Federal Guard Service gets latest weapons, including aircraft — director

Dmitry Kochnev stressed that the Federal Guard Service "is building up its combat capabilities and increasing its efficiency by equipping its units in charge of protecting the government with advanced weapons, accouterment, special military equipment"

Western strikes on Yemen have no excuse — Russia’s ambassador to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also noted the failure of attempts "to justify this aggression by Security Council Resolution 2722 or by references to the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter"

Specialized anti-drone units set up within Russian Federal Guard Service

According to Russia’s Federal Guard Service Director Dmitry Kochnev, the service has been working in the area of drone suppression since 2012

Nearly 8,000 people evacuated from borderline districts in the Kharkov Region

Oleg Sinegubov specified that 2,202 people had been evacuated from the Chuguevsky District, 3,533 - from the Kharkovsky District, 79 - from the Bogodukhovsky District and 2,177 people had been evacuated by volunteers

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Putin, Xi to sign document on closer bilateral partnership — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the 30-page document will "note the special nature of our bilateral relations, outline ways for the further development of the entire spectrum of bilateral ties"

Cost of BREST fast reactor construction estimated at $1.3 bln, says Rosatom

The high cost of the project is particularly due to the growth of prices for materials

UNSC meeting on Western weapons supplies to Kiev to be held on May 20 — Russian mission

"We will respond to the Westerners," Dmitry Polyansky said

US, EU divided on how to use frozen Russian assets — newspaper

According to The New York Times, European countries "would like to transfer them to Ukraine yearly or biannually," while the US wants "to find a way to get more money to Ukraine more quickly"

Share of Russia’s oil supplies to China and India up by 1 p.p. in March — OPEC

China's oil imports in March increased by 4% compared to February and amounted to 11.6 million barrels per day, according to OPEC estimates

Lavrov characterizes Europe's economic problems due to US pressure as ‘monstrous’

Using Germany as an example, the minister recalled that the prosperity of the European industrial complex is largely based on Russian energy resources

Russia to invite numerous global South leaders to BRICS summit — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the participants in last year's BRICS summit in Johannesburg (South Africa) decided to form a new category of partner countries, which "will largely replace the BRICS+ format that has existed so far"

Valery Pikalev appointed head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service

He is St. Petersburg’s former deputy governor

Ukrainian commanders trading blame with each other over defeats near Kharkov — NYT

Many in Ukraine reportedly believe that their country’s situation in the conflict with Russia has significantly worsened

Russian, Ukrainian people to restore relations sooner or later, senior diplomat says

"The Anglo-Saxons have always feared our unity and they have long been trying to pit us against each other and drown us in a bloody fratricide," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

West would try to exhaust Russia’s resources in potential conflict — Naryshkin

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the West is also seeking to force Russia to stop its anti-NATO efforts

Sea-launched Bulava ICBM accepted for service in Russian Armed Forces

Currently, Russia’s Northern and Pacific Fleets operate seven strategic subs of this type built by the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia’s northwest

Palestine Red Crescent Society warns of looming famine in Gaza Strip

The PRCS called on the international community to urgently intervene and pressure the Israeli authorities

Russian troops destroy over 16,000 armored vehicles in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian troops improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian army in the Kharkov area over the past day, the ministry reported

Federal Protective Service begins testing newest anti-drone systems

FSO Director Dmitry Kochnev pointed out that the agency seeks to study the newest technical solutions, "which the enemy attempts to use," taking the seriousness and credibility of threats into consideration

Putin appoints Russian new government

This is the first Russian government formed under the new procedure envisaged by the 2020 constitutional amendment

Diplomat says US words on possible reconsideration of relations with Georgia 'open threat'

Commenting on the situation surrounding the law on foreign agents in Georgia, Maria Zakharova pointed out that "internal processes in a sovereign state are a purely personal matter of that country, of the people"

Upgraded tank anti-FPV drone systems arrive for Russian troops in Ukraine operation

New Triton drone suppression systems can be mounted on both armor and quad bikes, sea boats and any objects that require protection against FPV drones, Denis Oslomenko elaborated

Heads of economic agencies, Roscosmos to join Russia’s delegation in China

Yury Ushakov noted that he would also join the delegation, and apart from him the presidential administration will be represented by deputy heads of the presidential administration Maksim Oreshkin and Dmitry Peskov

Putin sees training of fresh talent for government service as priority

"We have a whole range of relevant programs, competitions and projects in place," the Russian leader stressed

Kremlin says no mechanisms in place to exchange info on Nord Stream sabotage with Kiev

Dmitry Peskov added that Kiev's information about the Nord Stream explosions, if it is of any value at all, "is something that the Dutch, the Swedes and others should scrutinize"

Ukrainian commanders flee Kupyansk, leaving covering force — Russian lawmaker

The Kharkov direction is the most important and challenging frontline area for Russian troops, Viktor Vodolatsky pointed out

Head of Main Personnel Directorate of Russia’s Defense Ministry Yuri Kuznetsov detained

A search was conducted at both Kuznetsov's job and his home, other specifics about the criminal case have not been revealed, law enforcement agencies told TASS

Russia’s UN mission expects Georgia to be wise enough not to sell out to US like Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier the US demand that Tbilisi change its policy course raised the question of Washington’s true values

Top Russian diplomat to visit Astana on May 20-21 for SCO Foreign Ministers Council

Maria Zakharova noted that the top diplomats "will discuss the current state and prospects of the organization’s further development as well as the pressing issues of the international and regional agenda"

Taiwan registers approach of 45 Chinese aircraft

Earlier, the military agency reported spotting 23 Chinese aircraft near the island on Tuesday night, including Su-30 fighter jets and drones