Russian tourists

Koh Tao came under media attention in 2014 when semi-naked bodies of two British backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were discovered on a beach on the island. In 2016, a Russian tourist named Valentina Novozhyonova went missing from her hostel on the island and is not found till date. There was another instance of a Briton named Christina Annesley, who died on the island in 2015 after she had consumed a mixture of antibiotics with alcohol. However, her parents accused Thai police of not investigating their daughter’s death properly. … [Read more...] about Is Thailand Safe For Tourists? Belgian Backpacker’s Death On Mysterious Koh Tao Island To Be Re-Investigated

In the past, Austria was a U-Boot – a submarine, but also an Austrian synonym for an invisible or disengaged actor – in terms of European politics, observing through the periscope where the European fleet was headed to, then surfacing in politically secure waters. However, Russia’s hybrid war in Ukraine has released political depth charges that could force this U-Boot to surface. So far Vienna has not dared to depart too far from the course set by Berlin. And as Germany asserts its new role in Europe and takes responsibility for Europe’s security, it will become more and more difficult for Austria to hide in its wake. … [Read more...] about Austria’s response to the Russian bear

(AFP) COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka announced Friday it would establish new police posts and step up patrols at popular resorts after a spate of sexual attacks and violence targeting foreign tourists. Police chief Pujith Jayasundara said 20 new stations would be established at vacation hotspots to protect visitors from scalpers and criminals, despite concerns his force was already overstretched. … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka Boosts Tourist Hotspot Security After Israelis Beaten Up

Since last month’s expulsion of 60 U.S. diplomats, and the closure of the U.S. consulate in St. Petersburg, part of the latest tit-for-tat in the standoff between Moscow and the West, the next available visa appointment at the U.S. embassy in Moscow is in 250 days’ time. The diplomats were kicked out after Britain and its allies expelled over 150 Russians from embassies for the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal, which Moscow denies. Last week, Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, described relations with the West as worse than during the days of the Cold War. … [Read more...] about Russians frustrated by US visa delay

If confirmed, this would make it most valuable haul ever found on the seabed. In 2015, the Spanish galleon San Jose that had been sunk by the British in 1708 was found with treasure estimated to be worth between $1bn and $17 billion, The Guardian reported.  … [Read more...] about Greatest Sunken Treasure of All Time? Race to Claim $133 Billion Worth of Treasure From Russian Warship Wreck