Samarkand's Silk Road legacy: From ancient murals to the revival of silk paper
Samarkand's Silk Road past is woven into its present. At Registan Square, once a bustling marketplace, researcher Armida Nazaryan explains its role as a trade hub between East and West.
Nearby, at Afrasiab, restorer Marina Reutova unveils ancient Sogdian murals, offering a rare glimpse into 7th-century life.
In Konigil, craftsman Zarif Mukhtarov revives the lost art of Samarkand Silk Paper, prized for its durability. Finally, in a local bakery, Gulchehra Nurriddinova shares the tradition of Samarkand's iconic flatbreads, baked in a scorching tandyr oven—an enduring symbol of Silk Road hospitality.
Thailand has announced it will halve the number of days foreign tourists can stay in the country without a visa from 60 days to 30.
The move comes as the Southeast Asian nation clamps down on travellers exploiting the waiver to carry out illegal business activities, tourism and sports minister Sorawong Thienthong said.
Local travel and hospitality associations have also expressed concerns over visitors renting out accommodation without official authorisation.
Since July 2024, passport holders from 93 countries have been allowed to stay in Thailand for tourism purposes for up to 60 days.
By cutting the number of days to 30, the government says it hopes to curb misuse of the waiver period without damaging tourism.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has spoken out over concerns that an increasing number of foreigners are engaging in illicit jobs or business activities while claiming to be visiting for tourism purposes.
The Thai Hotels Association raised another key issue that the 60-day stay was prompting a rise in the illegal letting of apartments to foreign visitors, the Bangkok Post reported.
Thienthong said the measure has been agreed upon in principle by key ministries and an official date for the change will be announced soon.
There will reportedly be possible exemptions or transitional measures for travellers who already have bookings in place.
Thailand's 60-day stay has been a boon for many travellers wanting to undertake extended trips, including digital nomads and retirees.
Around seven per cent of bookings to Thailand between January and February were for stays of over 22 nights, according to data from Forward Keys.
Officials say the reduction in the number of visa-free days could see a small negative impact on inbound tourism demand.
Tourism is a vital driver of Thailand's economy, and other challenges are also facing the industry.
'The potential policy move adds to a growing list of factors weighing on the sector [...], along with Chinese tourists' security concerns and tighter travel budgets among North American and European travellers,' Bloomberg Intelligence analysts wrote in a report this week.
Thai authorities are aiming for foreign tourist arrivals to exceed 40 million in 2025, which would break the country's 2019 record.
Between January and mid-March, Thailand's visitor numbers were already up 3.9 per cent from 2024.
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