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Chairman of the group of the ruling AK-party Abdullah Guler announced that the minimum pension will be increased to 12,500 lire. The increase will affect about 3 million 707 thousand pensioners. The budget will cost 33 billion 200 million lire. The bill to increase the minimum pension will first be discussed by a commission, after which it will be considered by the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and will enter into force as a law by vote. At present, the total number of pensioners in Turkey is about 16 million 180 thousand.

Prime Minister of Thailand Settha Thavisin approved the extension of visa-free regime for citizens of 93 countries up to 60 days. This decision applies to nationals of 93 countries visiting Thailand for tourist purposes. The Prime Minister stressed that the tourism sector is the driving force of the country s economy, and the extension of the visa-free regime to 60 days for citizens of 93 countries will facilitate travel and stimulate the economy. Thai government spokesman Chay Wacharong said that to stimulate the economy and tourism sector, the Ministry of Interior has published a number of proposals. Among them - visa waivers for "digital nomads" working remotely, and those who plan to study in Thailand. These proposals have been supported by the Government. Foreigners planning to work in Thailand will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 180 days with the right to be renewed for the same period on a special visa, which is valid for 5 years. This visa will also be available to those wishing to engage in Thai boxing, study Thai cooking, medical tourists and participants in scientific and music festivals. Foreign students with a bachelor s degree in Thailand will be able to stay for one year after graduation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand supported the idea of maintaining visa exemptions for Russians. In 2023, tourists from Russia brought the economy of Thailand $2.5 billion. Within the framework of the agreement between Russia and Thailand, the period of visa-free stay is limited to 30 days. However, the Thai authorities regularly allowed tourists from Russia to stay in the country longer. From November 2023 to May 2024, Russians could enter Thailand without a visa for up to 90 days, and from May 1 began to operate a visa-free regime lasting 60 days with the right to a paid extension for another 30 days. These measures will remain in effect until 31 July. Visa waivers will also extend to citizens of China, India, South Africa, the UAE, Indonesia, the USA, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries. The changes will take effect after publication in the government publication The Royal Gazette.

An interesting study: in 2024 a student in Turkey on his monthly scholarship can buy only the 16 cheapest chicken donor kebabs. The maximum number of donors, namely 75 pieces, students could buy in 2013 and 2016. Currently, the minimum scholarship in Turkey is 4,000 lire (master s degree) and 6,000 lire (doctorate).

Rifat Hisarjklyoglu, president of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), announced that Bing l Honey and Osmaniye Peanuts have received geographical indication from the European Union (EU). As a result, the number of products registered geographically by the EU increased to 23. Hisarjklyoglu: "We, as TOBB and the stock exchange community, are actively working to create local and geographically labeled products. At present, the EU registration process is ongoing for an additional 53 geographical products and 5 traditional product names". Turkey products already registered in the EU: Pakhlaw from Gaziantep, figs from Aydin, apricot from Malatya, chestnut from Aydin, olive oil from Milas, white oil from Bayramich, garlic from Tashkerwo, hazel from Giresun, Kunefe from Antaquia, Granada from Suruca, Walnut from Chaglaianserite, olives from Geml k, Edremit olive oil, olives from Milas, tomatoes from Ayaş, tarkhan Kahramanmaraş, olives from Remit Green, cheese from Ezine, Sabolu, olive oil from Memn, olive oil from Arabaydın, Copper from Meme.

World-renowned magazine Forbes announced Turkey s Concert Revenue Champion. With a profit of 12 million euros in the first place was the megastar Tarkan. TOP 10 Turkish stars with the most expensive concerts are as follows: Tarkan - 12 million. euros Jem Adrian - 6 million. euros Serdar Ortac - 5 million. euros Edis - 5.2 million. euros Syla - 4.5 million. EUR Duman - 4, 523 million. euros Yildiz Tilbe - 4.377 million. Euro Gulshen - EUR 3.6 million Gyohan Turkmen - 3.485 million. euros Mahmut Orhan - 3.145 million. euros

According to the Turkish statistical institute TÜİK, the number of Turkish citizens visiting abroad in 2022 was 7. 266. 773 people. The average cost per person was $589. In 2023, the number of citizens visiting abroad increased by 52.3% compared to the previous year and reached 11.067.359 people. The average cost per person was $639. In the first quarter of 2024, the number of citizens visiting abroad increased by 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year and reached 2.4 million people. The average cost per person was $727.

A new fee for travel abroad has been announced. Chairman of the ruling AP party Abdullah G ler announced that the fee for travel abroad will be increased to 500 lire. The following are exempt from payment of the exit tax: - citizens leaving on temporary documents- Citizens who travel to Northern Cyprus on a valid passport (kimlik)- children under 7 years- Crews of international transport

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has introduced a new regulation to reduce noise pollution in apartment buildings throughout Turkey. According to the decision published in the Official Gazette, fines for noise-making activities such as listening to loud music or hosting home parties were increased from 4,831 to 7,667 lire. Complaints can be made by calling Alo 181.

What you need to know about vehicle tax in Turkey? MTV (Motorlu Taşıtlar Vergisi) is a tax that is levied on vehicles in Turkey. The tax becomes effective from the moment of registration of the vehicle and is paid until the registration is cancelled. It is important to note that vehicles with foreign plates registered in another country are exempt from this tax. How is the tax calculated? MTV size depends on several factors: engine size, age of vehicle, type and cost of car, date of first registration. In addition, tax rates may vary annually depending on inflation and revaluation rates. When and how to pay for MTV? Tax is paid twice a year: first payment between 1 and 31 January, second payment between 1 and 31 July Payment Methods:

In accordance with the decision taken at the Assembly of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul (IBB), an age limit for IETT discount cards was introduced for students over 30 years of age. For them, the discount for single trips is now 10%. Previously, the discount was 50%. For a monthly travel pass, the discount for students over 30 years of age is now 82%. At the same time, the municipality decided to provide free travel for job seekers registered with the labour exchange. They will be able to use public transport free of charge for interview travel within 3 months.

The new concrete plant, built on the territory of the asphalt concrete construction site of Alanya municipality in Oba Kyzyljashehir district, has started work. Thanks to this plant, the first trial of which was very successful, the concrete production in the municipality has increased threefold. The concrete produced at the plant will be used in the concrete works of the municipality of Alanya in the city, as well as bring income to the municipality by selling concrete to other regions. In addition to the plant, an asphalt emulsion plant with a capacity of 10 tons, two combined road surfacing machines, a patching robot and a mobile waste disposal machine were also put into operation. It is noted that the mobile waste disposal vehicle was donated to the municipality of Alanya as part of the "Zero Waste" project of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Mayor Ozcelik and his accompanying delegation inspected the factory and new vehicles: "We have achieved the ability to apply 800 meters of asphalt in two layers in an hour and a half. We have also commissioned an asphalt emulsion plant. We used to work with the Gazipasha Municipality, but now we can work independently of the neighbor. In addition, thanks to the new concrete production capacity, we will be able to sell concrete to our entrepreneurs and municipality at more affordable prices".

The municipality of Alanya has started working together with the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism to include the geographical unique taste of Alanya, Guluku soup, in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Turkey by UNESCO. In this regard, the head of the sector of living heritage and cultural activities of the provincial department of culture and tourism Aysund Ciobanoglu Davulchu and her team held a meeting at the House of Culture "Cuisine" of the municipality of Alanya. During the meeting, the process of preparing Guluku soup was recorded from the beginning to the end, which is one of the important tastes of the local cuisine and the first registered soup of Antalya and Alanya. Thus, an important step of the project "Culinary Heritage of Alanya" was realized in order to draw attention to the local cuisine, popularize it and take its place in the field of gastronomy. Sevda Chapa, Environmental Protection and Control Manager, Alanya Municipality: "We re all making Guluku soup at home. He is the main soloist at our weddings, mevliets, weddings and other important events. We believe that in the near future our soup will be included in the register of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO".