Page 29 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

SNIPPETS

Recent updates from within
the Thai-Indian community.
B Y VENE S A DA S WANI AND NIR ANJ ANA MIT TAL

VISA-FREE ENTRY
TO INDIA FOR THAI
NATIONALS
Starting 1 July, it’s become
much easier for citizens of
Thailand who want to visit NOK AIR OPENS ROUTE FROM
India. Thai nationals will BANGKOK TO MUMBAI
now be allowed to visit India
for up to 30 days visa-free, The low-cost airline Nok Air recently announced its plan to launch
following Thailand’s own daily, non-stop flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International
visa-free access for Indian Airport to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International
nationals until November Airport. Beginning on 28 October 2024, the airline will provide its
2024, which began in May Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which accommodates up to 189 passengers.
of this year. The visa exemption programme will last until the end With this milestone, the airline aims to provide affordable yet
of December 2024, with the scope of making this a permanent high-quality services with the famous Thai hospitality, improving
arrangement over time, enabling both Thai and Indian travellers to the domestic network with international destinations. Ticket sales
make holiday plans without the hassle of visa application processes began on 19 August 2024 for flights between late October and 29
and delays. March 2025.

FINTECH STARTUP
PAPAYA SECURES
FUNDING

Bangkok-based Papaya
is a Thailand-based
omnichannel ordering
and payment platform
for restaurants, bars, and
hotels that has successfully
secured funding to advance
its operations. Spearheaded
by leading venture capital
AIRASIA OFFERS DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM PHUKET firm BEENEXT, alongside
TO KOLKATA AND CHENNAI A2D Ventures, Papaya will now be enabled to fuel the company’s
Seamless travels continue to expand through more of India’s major growth and expansion. The brand was founded in mid-2022 by
cities, as AirAsia is now offering direct flights from Phuket to Kolkata Thai-Indian Kush Sodhia, Haakon Brekke, and Julian Timings.
and Chennai, starting from 27 October 2024. Chennai to Phuket Both Kush and Haakon have brought their industry expertise from
will operate three times a week, while the Kolkata-Phuket route will their time at Boston Consulting Group Bangkok engaging in
be a daily routine. The new routes cater to not only both Indian and consumer and food retail projects across Southeast Asia, while
Thai nationals, but also to international visitors who wish to seek Julian adds his technical expertise through previous startup projects
more convenient connections throughout South and Southeast in Thailand. Papaya has gained popularity in establishments across
Asia. This builds upon the two nations’ ongoing collaboration for Thailand, such as Tim Hortons, Bartels, Fatboy Izakaya, The
enhanced travel, tourism and business affairs. Commons, and many others.

BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR OPENS IN BANGKOK
Built according to the Hindu Sthapatya Shastras, blessed by Param Pujya
Mahant and inspired by Swamiji Maharaj, the new temple, with its beautiful
blend of art and architecture, has opened its doors to those seeking love,
peace, harmony and spirituality. After its inauguration on 20 July, and
facilitated by Surendra Patel, the mandir promotes every Hindu deity as
well as the Lord Buddha, aligning its worship and respect with all their
deities. The mandir aims to create an environment that brings visitors closer
to God, promotes practices that lead to a better way of living and maintains
higher cultural values.