World News
World news, global politics, business, technology, and culture—stay updated with breaking stories, international trends, and major events. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for global news.
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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Thai taekwondo star wins Thailand’s first Paralympic medal in Paris
Thai taekwondo star Khwansuda Phuangkitcha, aka Khwan, clinched Thailand’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing a bronze in the women’s 47-kilogramme taekwondo category. Khwansuda triumphed over Iran’s Maryam Abdollahpour Deroei in a fiercely contested match. The bout concluded in a 4-4 tie, leading to a golden round where no points were scored. Ultimately, Khwansuda, ranked third in the…
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Pattaya Airways’ maiden flight set to revolutionise Thai logistics
Thailand’s skies witnessed a game-changing event as Pattaya Airways launched its inaugural cargo flight on August 21. Flight PTW822 soared out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6am, touching down in Phuket by 8.15am. The aircraft returned to the capital just after midday, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s logistics industry. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat rolled out the red carpet for…
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Myanmar journalist jailed for life, another gets 20 years
A military court in Myanmar sentenced one journalist to life imprisonment and another to 20 years behind bars, further tightening the junta’s iron grip on the nation’s media. The verdict was delivered under a draconian counterterrorism law. The journalists, 40 year old Myo Myint Oo and 49 year old Aung San Oo, who work for the independent online news service…
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Indonesian motorcycle taxi drivers strike for fair pay
Over 1,000 motorcycle taxi drivers initiated a strike in various Indonesian cities today, protesting against inadequate pay and demanding greater protection from what they deem unfair practices by ride-sharing firms. The drivers, clad in their distinctive green jackets, converged outside the Communications Ministry and near the Jakarta offices of Indonesia’s largest tech company GoTo and Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing and…
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New sinkhole swallows road in Malaysia capital
A fresh sinkhole has appeared in the heart of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, just 50 metres from where a woman vanished into the ground last week. The unsettling new collapse emerged yesterday on Jalan Masjid India, a bustling thoroughfare not far from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Officials have cordoned off the area as they investigate potential damage to the…
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CAAT debunks YouTuber’s aircraft maintenance claims
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has clarified the case where a pilot exposed aircraft mechanics using fake and expired parts for maintenance, causing concern that it could be life-threatening. The X account Aviation Knowledge (@aviknowledge) stated that another point that needs to be answered is the standard for issuing a Certificate of Airworthiness. CAAT Deputy Director of Civil…
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Thai YouTuber exposes substandard aircraft repairs
A YouTube aviation content creator exposed severe negligence by aircraft mechanics, revealing they had endangered pilots’ lives by performing substandard repairs. His inspection of the aircraft and his experience uncovered a series of shocking maintenance failures. Warat Laithong, who runs the YouTube channel Flown By Prame, shared his disturbing findings on social media. He purchased a Commander 114 aircraft two…
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AirAsia cabin crew rock out: Performs Lisa’s Rockstar on flight (video)
In a dazzling twist on standard in-flight service, AirAsia’s Funteam cabin crew at Kuala Lumpur turned a routine flight into a concert extravaganza. Mid-journey, they burst into a high-energy performance of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s chart-topping hit Rockstar, followed by a rousing rendition of Lady Gaga’s Applause. “Passengers were thrilled by the surprise entertainment.” Social media erupted with praise…
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Dolphins harass tourists in Japan, 48 attacked in Fukui Prefecture
Japan was left stunned as reports surfaced of dolphins sexually harassing humans. At least 48 people have been sexually assaulted by dolphins, with the incidents taking place at a beach in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, last week. Reports from NHK Japan and the British tabloid Daily Star indicate that several tourists were violently attacked by dolphins while swimming. Among the victims…
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Thieves strike twice on VietJet Air flights to Hong Kong
An alarming crime wave has hit Hong Kong’s skies as two separate thefts from flights arriving from Vietnam made headlines. In the latest incident, a 37 year old mainland Chinese traveller reported his credit card stolen and used for fraudulent transactions totalling over 36,000 Hong Kong dollars (around 157,000 baht) while on board VietJet Air 966. The flight landed in Hong…
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Chinese teen risks paralysis from mobile phone use in poor posture
A Chinese teen in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China, nearly faced lifelong paralysis due to his habit of using a mobile phone in a harmful posture. The 16 year old boy’s parents were shocked upon learning this from doctors, who attributed his severe condition to his mobile phone usage. The boy, referred to as Min had been experiencing back and neck…
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Saudia adds dreamliner flights to Phuket
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is set to make your travel dreams come true with its latest addition to the flight network. The airline confirmed that from December 2 it will launch flights to the exotic island of Phuket, making it the second Thai city in its roster after Bangkok. This move is part of Saudia’s strategic…
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Kazakhstan airline’s new route to Phuket takes off in October
Kazakhstan airline Air Astana announced the launch of direct flights from Astana to Phuket, with the first flight taking off on October 26. This exciting new route adds to Air Astana’s existing Almaty-Phuket service, which is also getting a boost with daily flights starting the same day. Travellers from Astana can now look forward to jetting off to Phuket three…
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Thai Air Force to announce new fighter jet choice this week
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to reveal its choice for a new fighter jet model by the end of the week, as announced by ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul. The decision aims to modernise the ageing fleet. Currently, the RTAF is considering the Swedish-made Gripen E-model and the US-made F-16 Block 70 jets. Saab AB, the manufacturer of the…
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VietJet Thailand offers flights starting at 100 baht
VietJet Thailand has launched an enticing travel promotion titled Fly for Just 100 Baht, allowing passengers to book air tickets between August 26 and August 30 for travel from September 10 to March 31 next year. This deal excludes public holidays and offers fares as low as 100 baht, excluding taxes and fees. Passengers can enjoy this promotional fare on…
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Thai airlines gear up for massive fleet expansions
Thailand’s airlines are preparing for a massive fleet expansion as the global aviation industry rebounds at full throttle after the Covid-19 pandemic. With air travel poised to double by 2043, as predicted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Thai carriers are seizing the opportunity to dominate the skies. Thai Airways International (THAI), the country’s national airline, is leading the…
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Tomiko Itoka is the ‘top banana’ at 116 years old
The title of the world’s oldest person has now peeled away to Japanese grandmother Tomiko Itoka, who, at 116, has taken over from Maria Branyas, who passed away at 117 on August 20. Tomiko was notified of her new status on August 21 and responded with a warm “thank you,” proving she’s as sweet as her secret to longevity. So,…
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Nine confirmed dead in Chachoengsao plane crash (video)
A small plane carrying nine people, including passengers and crew, tragically crashed just 10 minutes after takeoff in Chachoengsao province yesterday. All on board are dead. The harrowing incident occurred yesterday afternoon, August 22, when officials began the grim task of recovering the wreckage in Moo 6, Ban Khao Din, Bang Pakong district. Initially, the bodies of the passengers were…
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Chachoengsao plane crash sparks fears of possible deaths
A small plane crash sparked a frantic search for survivors after it went down in a remote, mangrove-covered area of Chachoengsao province this afternoon. The crash, which occurred at 3.15pm, today, August 22, near Wat Khao Din in the Bang Pakong district, left the plane’s wreckage scattered across the dense, inaccessible forest, leaving rescue teams scrambling to locate any passengers.…
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Beloved gay penguin dies in Sydney (video)
In a tearful farewell, Sphen, the gentoo penguin who captivated the world as part of a famous same-sex power couple, has died at the age of 11. Sphen and his partner, Magic, shot to global fame in 2018 after falling in love at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and later adopting and raising two chicks. Their heartwarming story touched millions and…
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Bangkok to Beijing train: Mekong River railway bridge opens
Travellers are one step closer to an epic train journey from Bangkok to Beijing as a new railway bridge over the Mekong River has opened, linking Thailand and Laos by rail for the first time. This milestone, completed last month, leaves just a few dozen miles of a trackless gap before the route can finally reach China. With the launch…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport gears up for third runway trials
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is pulling out all the stops to ensure its much-anticipated third runway is ready for prime time later this year. With support from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), the Bangkok airport conducted extensive trial operations to guarantee the runway’s readiness to handle a significant increase in air traffic. To test every aspect of the new runway,…
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Thai Airways soars to new heights with RateGain partnership
Thai Airways (THAI) is set to revolutionise its pricing strategies with a multi-year partnership with RateGain Travel Technologies, leveraging its cutting-edge platform, AirGain. This collaboration marks a significant move for the national flag carrier of Thailand as it aims to maintain its competitive edge in the global aviation market. Operating out of its central hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok,…
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Thailand’s ‘Nihao Month’ set to woo Chinese tourists
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to lure Chinese tourists back in droves with the launch of its ambitious Nihao Month campaign. With a staggering target of attracting 8 million Chinese visitors by the end of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is betting big on a series of irresistible promotions and star-studded events. Since the beginning…
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Thai AirAsia X launches new Sydney-Bangkok route
Thai AirAsia X announces new direct flights between Sydney and Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Beginning December 2, these flights will operate six times a week, offering an attractive blend of convenience and affordability. With one-way fares starting at just 333 Australian dollars (around 7,600 baht), passengers can now book between August 19 and 25, for travel beginning in December.…
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Russian airline Aeroflot relaunches flights to Thailand and India
Russian airline Aeroflot resumes direct flights to popular holiday destinations in Thailand, India, and Seychelles. This news will thrill jet-setters and sun-seekers looking to escape the chill. Starting September 13, Aeroflot will kick off its twice-weekly flights from Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo Airport to Phuket. These flights, operating every Monday and Friday, will be followed by a new route from Yekaterinburg to…
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Etihad Airways unveils luxurious flatbeds to Phuket in 2025
Etihad Airways is set to elevate the travel experience between Abu Dhabi and Phuket, unveiling plans to launch flights on the Airbus A321LR, featuring flatbed business class seats, from August 2025. The airline’s booking engine has already confirmed these details, showcasing its ambition to connect the UAE with the tropical paradise of Thailand in unprecedented comfort. The inaugural flight on…
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Korean jet deal with Thailand boosts defence ties
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) inked a pivotal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thailand’s Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). This landmark agreement aims to supercharge the operational rate and support capabilities of the T-50TH aircraft, a key asset in Thailand’s air defence arsenal. This MOU marks a significant milestone in the defence partnership between South Korea and Thailand, with both nations stepping up…
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Thai Vietjet takes off: Targets nearly 8 million passengers this year
Low-cost airline Thai Vietjet aims to attract nearly eight million passengers this year by enhancing aircraft utilisation and increasing flights on existing routes, with plans to introduce new Boeing 737 Max jets next year. Thai Vietjet Chief Executive Woranate Laprabang highlighted that the visa-free scheme has significantly boosted demand on international routes, particularly to China. The airline operates flights to over…
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Terminal confusion: Trang Airport’s billion-baht project still up in the air
Residents demanded clarification after the new 1.2 billion baht passenger terminal at Trang International Airport in southern Thailand missed its opening deadline and remains unfinished and in disrepair. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) received a complaint from locals in the southern province of Trang, stating that the unfinished airport caused them to lose potential opportunities from the tourism industry. Many…
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