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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Thailand aims to become regional aviation hub by 2030
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a vision to transform the country into a regional aviation hub as part of the Ignite Thailand, Aviation Hub initiative, aiming to enhance Thailand’s capacity and attractiveness in the aviation sector. The Bangkok-born prime minister stressed the need to address existing problems before upgrading the aviation hub. Suvarnabhumi International Airport, once ranked 13th globally, has fallen…
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SCAT Airlines operates new routes from Kazakhstan to U-Tapao
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced new flight connections at U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport (UTP), courtesy of SCAT Airlines and AirAsia. This move underscores Thailand’s strategic push to enhance accessibility for international business travellers and tourists. SCAT Airlines is operating a charter service using Boeing 737 Max-9 with 213 seats from Almaty, Kazakhstan via flight number VSV5357 every seven to…
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British Airways flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur resume soon
British Airways (BA) resumes flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok this year, marking a significant step in its regional expansion strategy. Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle expressed the importance of this strategic return. “For a global carrier like us, expanding our network in Asia as quickly as possible is crucial. With more aircraft joining our fleet in the coming years,…
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Thai AirAsia’s Fifth Freedom routes to Japan take off
Thai AirAsia launched its much-anticipated Fifth Freedom routes, creating a seamless travel experience connecting Bangkok, Taiwan, and Japan. The airline’s inaugural flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Taipei, followed by a final leg to Okinawa, garnered an overwhelming passenger response. The Taipei to Okinawa route boasted a staggering 99% load factor, arriving at a warm reception and a lively…
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AirAsia resumes direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pattaya
AirAsia resumed its direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya, yesterday, June 17. The airline will now operate this popular route three times a week, with flights scheduled every Monday, Friday, and Sunday. Flight AK840 is set to take off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 11am, landing in Pattaya’s U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP) at 12.05pm. The return…
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Krabi Airport’s runway to riches, a 941-million-baht taxiway twist
The Department of Airports (DoA) is pushing forward with a 941-million-baht project to build a parallel taxiway at Krabi Airport. Currently, the project is over 76% complete. DoA Deputy Director-General Wittawas Pakdesontiskul recently inspected the site and attended a meeting to monitor progress. The meeting included representatives from the contractor, Nawarat Patanakarn Public Co. Ltd., along with consultancies We Engineering…
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RTAF eyes SAAB Gripen jets to replace ageing F-16s
Thailand is considering replacing its ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets with SAAB’s Gripen models, as revealed during a recent tour of SAAB’s headquarters in Stockholm. Reporters from Thailand were given an extensive look at the Gripen E/F manufacturing line and a flight simulator, showcasing the modern technology and capabilities of the fighter jets. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)…
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AirAsia unveils direct flights from Bali to Phuket and Malaysia
Indonesia AirAsia has launched two international routes from Denpasar, Bali, to Phuket in Thailand, and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. This strategic move aims to boost Indonesia’s tourism by enhancing air connectivity. Veranita Yosephine Sinaga, President Director of Indonesia AirAsia, stated that these new routes are a significant step in the airline’s commitment to expanding its air network and strengthening Indonesia’s…
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Budget airlines push jet fuel tax cut to reduce airfare prices
Budget airlines have issued an appeal to the Finance Ministry to reduce the excise tax on jet fuel, to help mitigate their operational costs with the fragile state of the industry. Following a meeting with representatives from low-cost airlines, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat reported that the carriers discussed economic challenges and reiterated their commitment to supporting government measures aimed…
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Vietnam considers ceasing decade long gold import ban
Vietnam may soon allow companies to import gold for the first time in over a decade. Aiming to bridge the gap between local prices and international benchmarks, this development comes as the Vietnam Gold Traders Association (VGTA) continues its extended discussions with the government to address the supply and demand imbalance for gold. Huynh Trung Khanh, vice chair of VGTA,…
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Thailand urged to upgrade regional airports to boost tourism
The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) called upon the government to upgrade more regional airports to international status, aiming to boost tourism and generate more revenue for Thaniland’s 55 second-tier cities. At the Ignite Tourism Thailand event, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth highlighted the need for developing regional airport facilities to handle international flights. This…
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Singapore Airlines pays out after turbulence tragedy
Singapore Airlines has offered compensation to passengers following a terrifying turbulence incident that left one dead and many injured. Singapore Airlines announced it will provide US$10,000 (approximately 360,000 baht) in compensation to passengers who sustained injuries during a severe turbulence incident on a flight from London to Singapore. The tragic episode, which occurred last month, left a 73 year old…
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Muay Thai boxer shares near-death experience on Qatar flight
A Muay Thai boxer recounted his near-death experience when he and other passengers were stranded for three hours on a Qatar Airways flight from Greece to Qatar, even though a fire broke out at the back of the aircraft. The Muay Thai boxer, known as Thananchai Sit Song Phi Nong, visited the city of Patras in Greece to participate in…
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Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…
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Thailand’s aviation hub dreams delayed by global supply issues
Thailand’s ambition to become the leading aviation hub in the region by 2030 may face significant delays due to global supply chain disruptions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The country needs to remove unnecessary regulations and accelerate digitalisation efforts to improve aviation efficiency. IATA‘s Director-General, Willie Walsh expressed his views at the group’s annual general meeting in…
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New automatic passport control tested at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints. Wisanu participated in a real-world test of the new automatic passport control system before heading to Malaysia on flight TG415. The new system is…
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Queensland’s direct flights to Bangkok resume after four years
Jetstar is launching direct flights from Queensland‘s Brisbane Airport to Bangkok this December, a route last serviced by Thai Airways (THAI) before its suspension in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Brisbane Airport (BNE), backed by the Queensland Government, has been pivotal in restoring international connections post-pandemic. Reintroducing the Bangkok route is one of the final pieces in this…
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Bangkok Airways, SO/ Maldives eye growth in tourism boom
Bangkok Airways and luxury resort SO/ Maldives are optimistic about expanding their business in the Maldives, a popular destination among Thai tourists. The Maldives achieved a significant milestone in tourism last year, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors, the highest number in a year, according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corp. Bangkok Airways resumed flights to the Maldives in…
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Thai Pilots Association opposes eased restrictions for foreign pilots
The Thai Pilots Association vehemently opposed a controversial government proposal to ease restrictions on foreign pilots flying with Thai carriers temporarily. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently pinpointed the slow resumption of flights as a significant hurdle for Thailand’s tourism sector. Post-pandemic personnel shortages are a global issue, but the prime minister believes Thailand needs a quick fix. During a visit…
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Woman hides 47.9m baht lottery win from ex-husband
A woman from California, in the United States, hit the jackpot by winning a US$1.3 million lottery (47.9 million baht). Eleven days later, she decided to file for divorce from her husband of 25 years. This incident dates back to 1996. Californian Denise Rossi kept her lottery win a secret and abruptly ended her marriage, leaving Thomas shocked and confused.…
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Thai Airways resumes daily Brussels-Bangkok route
Starting December 1, Thai Airways (THAI) will resume its daily direct passenger flights between Brussels Airport and Bangkok. This eagerly awaited route, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, significantly enhances Brussels Airport’s intercontinental offerings. After a four-year hiatus, Brussels Airport is thrilled to welcome back THAI, a former member of its prestigious airline community. The airline has once again…
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Phuket Airport to invest 6 billion baht in new international terminal
Phuket Airport plans to invest 6 billion baht to construct a new terminal dedicated to international flights, aiming to boost its passenger handling capacity from 12.5 million annually to 18 million. The airport’s director, Monchai Tanod, highlighted the urgent need for expansion. Last month, the airport saw an influx of around 16,000 domestic passengers daily, hitting 90% of its pre-Covid-19…
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Bangkok Airways soars to new heights with cloud technology
In a move to stay ahead of the competition, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has embraced RISE with SAP, a comprehensive business transformation package featuring cloud solutions, infrastructure, and services. This shift aims to boost the airline’s operational efficiency, adaptability, and competitive edge with state-of-the-art technologies. Bangkok Airways, a premier boutique airline in Asia, serves over 12 domestic and seven…
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Kazakhstan’s first direct flight lands in Surat Thani
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scat Airlines today celebrated the inaugural direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Surat Thani. The flight carrying 212 passengers, landed at Surat Thani International Airport this morning at 7.30am. The Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, accompanied the flight, along with Kazakhstani travel operators and media, receiving a warm welcome from local officials.…
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London couple ‘blown away’ by resort-like Thai airport (video)
A couple from London were utterly blown away by the stunning design of an airport in Thailand. Their video clip on TikTok via the account @dcandkd took viewers around the airport, amassing an impressive 146,900 views since its debut on March 26. Daniel, a 32 year old content creator and songwriter, and Nakita, a 27 year old content creator and…
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Thailand strikes new submarine deal with China
Thailand and China finally wrapped up negotiations on the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) much-anticipated purchase of a Chinese-made S26T Yuan-class submarine. RTN Commander-in-Chief Admiral Adoong Pan-iam announced today that the agreement is now awaiting the final nod from the Thai Cabinet. “If approved, we will promptly amend the deal with the Chinese manufacturer.” Admiral Adoong expects the submarine to be…
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Thailand and China forge stronger ties ahead of anniversary
In a high-profile meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Thai prime minister, engaged in crucial talks with Shohrat Zakir, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. The discussions focused on reinforcing the robust relationship between Thailand and China as the two nations approach the 50th…
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Thai AirAsia X flight returns to Osaka with landing gear issues
Passengers on Thai AirAsia X flight XJ613 experienced a heart-pounding drama when their flight from Osaka to Bangkok was forced to turn back due to undercarriage issues. Thai AirAsia X flight XJ613, an Airbus A330-300, took off from Osaka Kansai Airport at 9.52am local time last Friday, May 24, bound for Bangkok. Shortly after takeoff from runway 24L, the flight…
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Thai authorities seize one million meth pills near Chiang Rai Airport
Authorities intercepted a major drug bust involving one million methamphetamine pills in the parking lot of a well-known shopping mall near Chiang Rai Airport. The suspects, a man and a woman, were caught preparing to transport the drugs into the interior of the country. Colonel Kidakorn Chantra, Deputy Commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, examined the seized drugs and…
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Heroic doctor leads rescue after Singapore Airlines emergency
Thailand has been lauded for its rapid and efficient response to an emergency when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21. Heading the emergency operation after Flight SQ321 diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport was Dr Wichanya Burirak, a dedicated physician and aviation enthusiast. Chiang Mai University, where Wichanya graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, expressed pride…
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