Vietnam

  • World News

    Vietnamese man loses hearing after showering with cold water at night

    A 30 year old Vietnamese man experienced a sudden hearing loss in his left ear while taking a cold shower at night, and within just two days, his hearing was irreversibly impaired. Medical experts from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Hong Ngoc General Hospital in Vietnam identified that the patient’s loss of hearing resulted from his routine of taking cold…

  • World News

    Journalist likely abducted by Vietnamese secret agents in Bangkok, friends say

    A journalist and blogger from Vietnam who fled to Thailand from political persecution in 2018 is believed to have been abducted from Bangkok last week by Vietnamese secret agents, friends say. Vietnamese authorities have confirmed that Duong Van Thai is now in their custody, according to Radio Free Asia. Duong Van Thai, also known as Thai Van Duong, became uncontactable…

  • World News

    Tour helicopter crash near Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay kills 5

    A helicopter carrying four tourists on a sightseeing trip crashed in the Ha Long Bay area of northeast Vietnam on Wednesday evening. The body of the fifth and final victim of the crash was found this morning. The Bell-505 helicopter took off from Tuan Chau Island at 4.56pm local time and lost contact with air traffic control at 5.15pm, crashing…

  • Thailand News

    Tragic suicide at Noi Bai Airport: Thai man jumps off third floor amid abnormal behaviour signs

    A Thai man yesterday committed suicide after he jumped off the third floor of Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. The man was reportedly showing abnormal behaviour signs before the incident. Noi Bai Airport spokesperson reported that at 1.25pm yesterday the Thai man, aged about 40 to 45 years old, climbed over the railing near the escalator in the T2…

  • World News

    Phuket Airport gains new direct flights to Vietnam and China

    Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand is gaining two new direct flights to China and Vietnam. The first is to Chongqing in China operated by Chongqing Airlines and the second is the first-ever service from Phuket to Hanoi in Vietnam serviced by VietJet. Chongqing Airlines’ inaugural flight OQ2093 landed on the runway in Phuket yesterday afternoon with 128 tourists on board,…

  • World News

    Four Vietnam Airlines cabin crew caught smuggling 11.4 kg of hard drugs on flight from Paris

    Four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants caught smuggling drugs disguised as toothpaste on a flight from Paris earlier this month were released on bail yesterday, reports VnExpress. On March 16, police arrested four flight attendants – Nguyen Thanh Thuy, Vo Tu Quynh, Tran Thi Thu Ngan and Dang Phuong Van – after 11.4 kilogrammes of cocaine and ketamine were discovered in…

  • World News

    Cat slaughterhouse shut down in Vietnam, 197 cats saved (video)

    An industrial-scale cat slaughterhouse in the Dong Thap province of Vietnam, capable of slaughtering up to 500 innocent cats a day, has ceased all operations following landmark intervention from the authorities. The slaughterhouse, which has been in business for more than a decade, has been subject to two police raids in recent weeks, during which its owners were found not…

  • World News

    Bangkok Airways suspends Hat Yai and Da Nang routes until further notice

    Regional airline Bangkok Airways based in Thailand announced the temporary suspension of two of its routes “until further notice.” Bangkok Airways will suspend all flights on the domestic Bangkok – Hat Yai route on March 1, 2023. International route Bangkok – Da Nang, in Vietnam, will be suspended from May 1, 2023. The airline did not reveal the reason for…

  • Crime News

    Foreigner claims suspected Thai monk in sex clip is actually him

    A Vietnamese man claims that it is he featured in a clip of two men having sex and not the accused famous Thai monk ‘Kru Ba Gai.’ Four former students of Kra Ba Gai, a well-known abbot of a temple in Khon Kaen province in northeast Thailand, accused the monk of having sexual relations with a man which is against the…

  • World News

    Vietnam’s National Assembly approves President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s resignation

    Vietnam’s National Assembly is giving the green light for President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s resignation. The approval came late yesterday after Phuc stepped down as part of an anti-corruption clean-up. According to Bangkok Post, an extraordinary meeting saw 93% of National Assembly members voting to approve Phuc’s resignation. His abrupt departure comes as the country is experiencing significant political upheaval as…

  • World News

    Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc submits resignation over corruption accusations

    Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc submitted his resignation after being found guilty of committing violations and wrongdoing against officials under him. The Vietnam News Agency reported the resignation, citing the party’s Central Committee. “Fully being aware of his responsibilities before the party and people, he submitted an application to resign from his assigned positions, quit his job and retire.” The 68 year…

  • World News

    IMF predicts a recession in Thailand

    The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Thailand and Southeast Asian countries will suffer from recession this year along with the rest of the world. Kristalina Georgieva believes a third of the global economy will be in recession this year, including Thailand, and Vietnam. The 69 year old Bulgarian economist reckons 2023 will be “tougher” than last year…

  • Technology News

    Apple plans to move production out of China and into Thailand

    Apple Inc. plans to move production out of China, by far the dominant country in the company’s supply chain. Suppliers are being to asked plan for moves elsewhere in Asia, particularly India, Thailand, and Vietnam, to reduce the influence of Foxconn Technology Group. In a series of tweets, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the main production location outside of China for…

  • Transport News

    Thai Vietjet plans new routes to China, India, Japan, Vietnam

    Thai Vietjet has big plans for next year with new routes in the pipeline to destinations in China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. Woranate Laprabang, chief executive of TVJ said… “We want to be driving the Thai economy by bringing in more foreign tourists.” Domestic flights accounted for about a third of flights operated by the airline this year. At the…

  • World News

    Province in Vietnam boosting tourism with its rich culture

    One province in Vietnam aims to boost its tourism with its rich cultural heritage. Twenty-one ethnic minority groups reside in the coastal, northeastern province of Quang Ninh. This year, authorities launched several tourism initiatives to draw visitors to the province, and improve accessibility to tourism products tied to ethnic cultures. From November 4-6 this year, the Binh Lieu district’s District…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand and Vietnam launch international QR payments

    Moving money between Vietnam and Thailand has been historically far more complicated than you would expect. But that may change as a new QR payment system has been launched to link the two countries. The Bank of Thailand has worked alongside the State Bank of Vietnam to connect each country’s independent QR payment services. In March of 2021, the two…

  • Environment News

    Myanmar kleptocracy boosts rhino horn trafficking

    Rhino horn trafficking remains a severe problem that needs to be addressed with a new sense of urgency. During 2012-2021, more than 7.5 tons of rhino horn was seized in 674 incidents Asian rhino horns are less frequently seized than African, but there have been several recent reports of Indian rhino horns being seized at border points in Myanmar and…

  • World News

    Business exodus from China will ensure Southeast Asia will flourish

    One of Thailand’s leading business executives believes Southeast Asia will flourish on the back of Chinese President Xi Jinping securing an unprecedented third term as leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The reelection of President Xi as CCP leader tightened his grip on the mainland and also ensured an exodus of businesses looking to relocate from China to Southeast…

  • World News

    Thailand vs. Vietnam travel guide

    Thinking of going to Thailand or Vietnam and wondering about some of the differences between the two? Here, we have a short guide on the major differences between two of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations. From different cuisines to top attractions, both countries offer amazing experiences for even the most well-travelled visitors. 1. History and culture Vietnam has a French…

  • World News

    Man sentenced to 2 years in jail for false information on Facebook

    In Vietnam, a man was sentenced to two years in jail after questionable information on his Facebook posts caused investor panic and a corporation’s value to plummet. The People’s Court of Nam Tu Liem district in Hanoi found the man guilty of “abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to violate interests of the state, rights and legitimate interests of…

  • World News

    Vietnam’s breathtaking views, cliffs, rock formations

    Five cliffs and rock formations offer breathtaking views for outdoor adventurers headed to Vietnam. The cliffs are located in the northeastern Quang Ninh province, the northern Yen Bai province, the northwest Lao Cai province, the northern Hà Giang province, and the northwest Son La province. Located in Quang Ninh province is a rock formation on Da Chong Mountain. It is…

  • World News

    Vietnam elected to UN Human Rights Council despite poor track record

    Despite human rights groups calling for Vietnam to be excluded from the United Nations Human Rights Council, the country has won a three-year term in the Council. According to RFA.Org, the Southeast Asian nation received 145 of 189 valid votes, joining 13 other countries that were elected by members of the UN General Assembly in New York. Vietnam recently conducted…

  • World News

    Soi Dog Foundation steps up fight against rabies and dog meat trade in Vietnam

    Today, September 28, is World Rabies Day. Thailand‘s Soi Dog Foundation would like to announce its new initiatives to help rid Hanoi in Vietnam of dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Soi Dog has partnered with the Department of Animal Health (DAH) in Hanoi and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) to help eradicate rabies from the Vietnamese capital. The goal…

  • World News

    Thailand’s northeast braced as Typhoon Noru slams Vietnam

    Typhoon Noru slammed into Vietnam today forcing hundreds of thousands of people to take shelter after the country imposed a mandatory curfew. High-rise buildings shook in Danang, as winds have been compared to that of a category five hurricane. Wind speeds were clocked between 103 and 117 kilometres per hour. According to authorities, almost half of Vietnam’s airports have been…

  • World News

    Owner arrested in reminiscent fire in Vietnam karaoke bar

    The owner of a karaoke bar in Vietnam has been arrested after a fire broke out which resulted in the death of 32 people. The tragedy took place north of Ho Chi Minh City on September 7, just one month after a reminiscent fire at the Mountain B Pub that claimed the lives of 23 people in Thailand and brought…

  • World News

    Thai VietJet launch flights from Bangkok to a Vietnamese island paradise

    Thai VietJet announced a new international route between Bangkok and the tropical island paradise of Phu Quoc in Vietnam. The route’s inaugural flight will take off on October 12. The route will fly between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phu Quoc International Airport four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with an approximate flight duration of 1 hour…

  • Transport News

    Thai VietJet to increase frequency of Japan and Taiwan flights

    Thai VietJet announced the addition of flights to both the Bangkok – Fukuoka route to Japan and the Bangkok – Taipei route to Taiwan. The airline commenced the Bangkok – Fukuoka route, their only service linking Thailand and Japan, back in July. Initially, the route between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Fukuoka Airport operated three times a week. The route turned out…

  • Phuket News

    Inaugural Vietnam Airlines flight lands in Phuket, Thailand

    Yesterday at 11am, Vietnam Airlines’ inaugural flight from Ho Chih Minh City landed at Phuket International Airport with 161 tourists on board. Passengers on flight VN9625 were given a warm welcome from the Director of Phuket Airport Monchai Tanod, and the Deputy Director of Phuket Airport’s Business Support Line Kanyarat Suthipatanakit. With Thailand’s monsoon season in full swing, all passengers…

  • World News

    Royal Caribbean offers cruises to Thailand & other Asian locations in 2023

    Royal Caribbean has announced a new series of Asian cruises on their ship ‘Spectrum of the Seas,’ setting sail in 2023 and 2024. Beginning in Singapore, travellers can set off on cruises for 5, 7, 9 or 12 nights, visiting various locations in Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan. Guests can choose from cruises which make stops…

  • World News

    Southeast Asian Arts Forum 2022 is ready to rock n roll

    If the arts, sustainability, and storytelling are your thing then you’re in luck because the Singaporean-based Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is hosting a Southeast Asian Arts Forum 2022. The two-day hybrid forum, on August 4 and 5, kicking off at 1pm Bangkok time, wants to highlight where the arts stand in terms of sustainable practices in Southeast Asia. The…

  • World News

    Bangkok Airways flights resume to Da Nang, Siem Reap, Yangon

    Flight traffic is growing in the post-pandemic era, and now Bangkok Airways has announced the resumption of flights to nearby international destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Thailand’s boutique airline will resume service in August and September to Da Nang, Siem Reap, and Yangon. Direct daily flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap, the Cambodian tourism mecca and home to the world’s…

  • World News

    Project proposal for Vietnamese city to become more walkable

    Ho Chi Minh City officials are on a mission to make the Vietnamese city more walker friendly. In a proposed new pedestrian street project, the city will block 22 streets to traffic on weekends. The project will be spread into three phases between 2022 and 2025. In the first phase from 2022 and 2023, streets around the International Square roundabout…

  • World News

    Woman carries sharp knife onto Vietnam Airlines flight

    A Vietnamese woman managed to get a sharp knife through airport security and aboard a domestic Vietnam Airlines flight on Monday. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has launched an investigation into the incident. An elderly lady is pictured peeling fruit with a sharp 20 centimetre knife on Vietnam Airlines flight VN208 from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi…

  • World News

    Thailand answering 500,000 migrant labour shortage

    Thailand’s Chamber of Commerce yesterday insisted it is addressing the shortage of migrant workers needed to help boost the nation’s economy. The department accepts more than 500,000 additional foreign workers are needed in its manufacturing and services sectors to support economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic but says it is doing all it can to support the kingdom’s businesses. Chamber…

  • World News

    Thailand retail giant target’s resilient Vietnam to expand business

    Thailand retail giant Central Group is once again targeting Vietnam’s resilient economy and growing middle class to expand its brand in the southeast Asia nation. Central Group plans to invest 30 billion baht in Vietnam over the next four years to hike investment to 100 billion baht over the next five years from 38.5 billion baht last year. Olivier Langlet,…

  • Thailand News

    Migrant workers – even undocumented – can stay until 2025

    Migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam got a reprieve for the next few years as the Thai Cabinet extended their ability to stay in the country until early 2025. The extension of stay will be permitted for both documented and undocumented migrant workers and will lengthen the time they are allowed to stay until February 13, 2025. The…

  • World News

    Record breaking amount of methamphetamine pills seized in Asia

    More than one billion methamphetamine pills were seized in East and Southeast Asia last year, according to a report released by the United Nations. The illicit synthetic drug market is constantly evolving in East and southeast Asia, with every country in the region reporting methamphetamine as their drug of greatest concern, according to the UN. The UN’s report says most…