NEW YORK – A new $250 “visa integrity fee” imposed on travellers to the United States risks piling more pressure on the struggling travel industry, as overseas arrivals continue to fall due to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration and hostility to many foreign countries.

The People’s Party, which is being aggressively courted by two competing sides seeking to form Thailand’s next government, will meet on Monday afternoon to discuss its next move, leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said on Saturday.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has denied reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was planning to meet Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a key figure behind the People’s Party, as speculation mounts about the formation of a new government.

ABOUT POLITICS: The People’s Party’s reform agenda could be risky right now, thanks to the nationalism fed by the border dispute v Thaksin Shinawatra survived his lese majeste trial, but the hospital stay ruling will have greater political significance

RECAP: Most Asian stocks edged higher on Friday, riding a tech-driven rally on Wall Street, while mounting expectations for a US interest rate cut next month prompted investors to rotate back into riskier regional assets.

The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is set for a major transformation after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a new Port Authority Bill, paving the way for sweeping structural reforms designed to enhance competitiveness in global logistics.