World News
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Sponsored Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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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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Malaysia Airlines cuts network capacity by 20% amid shortages
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, announced a 20% reduction in network capacity across its airlines for this year due to shortages in planes, labour, and parts. This decision affects domestic flights and routes in Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, mainland China, South Asia, and the Middle East. The group, which also includes Firefly…
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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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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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£5m UK cannabis bust leaves Thai holidaymakers feeling high and dry
In a dramatic bust at Birmingham Airport in the UK, a staggering 5 million pounds (around 225 million baht) worth of cannabis was uncovered in just one day, as Thai holidaymakers flooded the terminal. A whopping 510 kilogrammes of the drug were found stashed in 28 suitcases on August 9, leading to the arrest of 11 British travellers who had…
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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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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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Woman’s six-hour shower reveals 20-year struggle with OCD
A family became deeply concerned when a 60 year old Chinese woman spent six continuous hours in the shower without eating. Upon consulting a doctor, it was revealed that the woman, Wang, has been suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for over 20 years. Wang’s compulsive behaviour of prolonged bathing, often lasting several hours, has been a source of distress for…
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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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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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Plane to see: Suspicions surround Chachoengsao plane crash
Details surrounding the small plane crash in Chachoengsao have begun to emerge, revealing several suspicious factors. It was reported that the weather was fair on the day of the incident, with no rain clouds and the captain was very experienced. It took some 11 hours for rescue teams to search for the bodies of all those onboard a small plane…
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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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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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Thailand’s tourism boom tainted by zero-dollar tours
Thailand’s booming tourism sector is thriving under a new visa-free policy, attracting millions of foreign tourists. Yet, while Chinese visitors top the list, concerns are mounting over the resurgence of Chinese zero-dollar tours, which could be draining potential revenue from the Thai economy. From January 1 to August 18, Thailand welcomed a staggering 22,474,172 international tourists, who pumped 1.05 trillion…
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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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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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Disney drops attempt to dismiss Thai doctor’s death lawsuit
Disney dropped its attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the husband of a Thai doctor who died from a severe food allergy at a Disney restaurant in Florida, following controversy over Disney’s initial reliance on its Disney+ streaming service terms to argue the case. The 42 year old Thai doctor, Kanokporn Tangsuan, died from an allergic reaction after a…
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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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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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Phuket or leave it: Flooded roads sink travel plans to island airport
Flooding across Phuket is wreaking havoc on travellers bound for the island’s international airport, as waterlogged roads spark major disruptions. Local officials are urging passengers to rethink their travel plans, advising them to allow an extra three to four hours to reach the airport in these treacherous conditions. Phuket International Airport officials issued a public warning, strongly recommending the additional…
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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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Thai Lion Air expands fleet, aims for 7 million passengers
Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet and reinstating routes in response to rising tourism demand, aiming for 6-7 million passengers and achieving its first post-pandemic profit. Thai Lion Air chief Nuntaporn Komonsittivate made known that domestic and international routes have recovered by 60%, supported by an increase in operational jets to 20 from 11 in recent years. The average…
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Soaring high: Thai AirAsia’s stunning turnaround in 2024
Asia Aviation (AAV), the proud sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia, unleashed its operational results for the first half of 2024, boasting an impressive financial recovery. The figures are staggering, with revenue from sales and services soaring to 25,279 million baht, marking a 32% year-on-year increase. AAV’s profit from core operations skyrocketed by a jaw-dropping 1,015%, reaching 1,950 million baht from…
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