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.
-
Sponsored Limited-time deal: Save 20% on Cigna's expat health plans forever
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...
-
Flight fright: Panic-stricken passenger causes turbulence at Chiang Mai Airport
A Canadian passenger reportedly experienced a panic attack while a plane was taking off from Chiang Mai International Airport last night and attempted to open the plane door, causing chaos and a delay at the airport. The situation was brought under control at around 11pm. Facebook account Watcharapon Pethsurp posted about the incident at about 9.57pm yesterday, February 7. The…
-
Thailand and Cambodia to discuss joint exploitation of hydrocarbon resources
Thailand and Cambodia consented to further dialogues concerning the mutual exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA), located in the Gulf of Thailand, a territory claimed by both nations. The matter was discussed during the recent meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as they aimed to enhance cooperation for the…
-
Mountain ride at Hong Kong Disneyland malfunctions, 12 rescued
At Hong Kong Disneyland, 12 thrill-seekers found themselves stranded on the iconic rollercoaster Hyperspace Mountain as it ground to an abrupt halt. Authorities sprang into action as police and fire services rushed to the scene following distress calls at precisely 3.16pm local time (2.16pm Thailand time) this afternoon. Despite the harrowing situation, there were no injuries reported and no smoke or…
-
Stop the pigeon! Chinese bird evades dastardly espionage suspicions, flies to freedom
In a plotline more fitting to the 1969 children’s cartoon series Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines attempting to “Catch the Pigeon,” a pigeon suspected of espionage for China was finally freed after eight months in captivity, thanks to the intervention of animal rights crusaders, PETA. The bird’s release from the clutches of Indian officials this week marks the climax…
-
Chinese activist’s death sentence shatters Sino-Australian accord
Hopes of a swift reconciliation between Australia and China were shattered on Monday when a Beijing court handed down a death sentence to Australian citizen Yang Hengjun, a prominent pro-democracy activist and writer born in China. The court’s verdict, on February 5, which found Yang guilty of espionage, stunned Australia, especially considering the recent release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei…
-
Australian actor Gregory Rivers dies in Hong Kong, suspected suicide
Tributes flooded in for the late Australian actor Gregory Charles Rivers following the news of his suspected suicide at his residence in Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong last Friday, February 2. The Hong Kong TV drama icon, discovered near a tray of burning charcoal at his home in Tai Au Mun Village, left a void in the hearts of his…
-
A romantic marriage proposal meets a raccoon (video)
A romantic marriage proposal unexpectedly turned into a social media sensation, amassing over 25 million views, after an inquisitive raccoon photobombed the crucial moment. While a woman was capturing her friend’s proposal in a beautifully lit garden, the camera inadvertently panned to a raccoon lurking behind the fence, stealing the spotlight and causing a stir online. As the unsuspecting couple…
-
Korean Air’s sky-high soar: More flights to Bangkok amid tourism rebound
Korean Air unveiled plans for two more weekly flights from Incheon to Bangkok, reflecting the resurgent appetite for travel as the world emerges from the grip of the pandemic. Kim Jongmin, the airline’s country manager, revealed that the added flights on the Incheon-Don Mueang route are in response to surging demand, particularly from South Koreans seeking reprieve from the winter…
-
Newly crowned Miss Japan dethroned over affair scandal
The glitz and glamour of Miss Japan turned into a whirlwind of controversy as the newly crowned beauty queen relinquished her throne amidst scandalous revelations. The recently crowned beauty queen, 26 year old naturalised Japanese citizen Karolina Shiino, clinched the prestigious Miss Japan title just a fortnight ago. Now she has abdicated her crown following a scandal linking her to…
-
Update: Hong Kong disappointed over Lionel Messi’s no-show
Lionel Messi’s failure to grace the pitch in Hong Kong left droves of fans disheartened, but the football icon has hinted at a potential return, this time on the Tokyo turf. The star’s absence during the highly anticipated match at Hong Kong Stadium not only disappointed supporters but also sparked a PR crisis for his Major League Soccer side and…
-
PM Srettha pays unannounced visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport amidst biometric glitch
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a surprise visit to Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday morning, amongst reports of a recent biometric system glitch that threw the airport into chaos during rush hours. The glitch, a repeat offender, wreaked havoc on automatic passport control channels, leaving departing jet-setters stranded and frustrated. Eyewitnesses claim the prime minister’s unannounced appearance was a direct response…
-
King Charles III begins cancer treatment, postpones engagements
In a significant health update, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III of the United Kingdom has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. This statement comes after a recent hospital visit initially intended for benign prostate enlargement treatment, during which another concerning issue was discovered. The 75 year old king has begun a regular treatment schedule and has been…
-
Thai airports set to soar with billion-baht boost
The AOT, eagerly awaiting the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), is on the cusp of obtaining public airport certification for Udon Thani, Buriram, and Krabi airports. According to Police General Wisnu Prasatthong-osot, the visionary chairman of the board, the AOT will begin the development of its airports as planned once the certifications have been received.…
-
Thai Airways on track for Stock Exchange return amid rehabilitation success
Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO). The national flag carrier’s liquidity is on the mend, and operations are systematically aligning with its rehabilitation plan. This positive shift is…
-
Thai Hong Kong Trade Association signs MoU with Industries Federation
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and the Thai Hong Kong Trade Association (THKTA) have joined forces, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that promises to revolutionise bilateral trade. FHKI Chair Steve Chuang made the announcement on January 24, declaring that the Association is strategically eyeing ASEAN and Thailand as prime territories for Hong Kong manufacturers looking to navigate…
-
Laos introduces direct air link to Bangkok
Laos is set to launch a direct air link between Savannakhet and Bangkok next month. Lao Airlines, the national carrier, plans to operate three weekly flights starting March 15, creating a seamless connection between the picturesque Savannakhet, nestled opposite Mukdahan, and the bustling Thai capital. Chanthanom Khampheng, the deputy director of the airline’s commercial and marketing department, highlighted the strategic…
-
Water pistol standoff and UFO jellyfish take top honours in wildlife photo competition
A young girl pointing a water pistol at a monkey and a celestial squadron of jellyfish saucers have clinched top prizes at the 50th European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The captivating collection, featuring mischievous animals and breathtaking landscapes, drew over 1,000 entries from professionals spanning 36 countries, overwhelming judges with a staggering 19,000 submissions. Organised by the German Society for…
-
Taking flight: Nok Air’s Boeing 737 max 8 plans hit turbulence
Thai airline Nok Air’s plans to introduce Boeing 737 Max 8 jets are facing unexpected headwinds. Safety anxieties soar amid recent incidents within the 737 Max family, casting shadows over Nok Air’s ambitious fleet expansion. Amidst the clouds of uncertainty, Nok Air, having already committed to lease eight Boeing 737 Max 8s, is grappling with safety concerns that have grounded the…
-
Thailand to expect 1 million tourists from China and Hong Kong during CNY
Alipay+ reported a prediction from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that nearly 1 million foreign tourists, primarily from China and Hong Kong, are poised to flood into Thailand during the upcoming Chinese New Year, unleashing a potential economic windfall of 28.4 billion baht. Trip.com shared the staggering numbers, highlighting the skyrocketing outbound travel bookings from China leading up to…
-
Thai Airways sues over passenger’s flight diversion criticism
Thai Airways has taken legal action against a passenger who criticised the airline’s decision to divert a Bangkok-Melbourne flight to Sydney due to adverse weather conditions. The airline asserts that the crew followed international safety and security standards and seeks to protect its reputation and that of its personnel. Thai Airways addressed the uproar caused by a passenger’s complaints about…
-
Hong Kong high school kids splash coke on the homeless in pedestrian tunnel (video)
Four heartless Hong Kong teenagers sparked fury after a video surfaced, capturing their disgraceful act of splashing water and coke on an unsuspecting homeless person in a pedestrian tunnel. The disturbing footage unfolded as one teen darts towards the rough sleeper, dousing him in a heartless liquid onslaught. A cohort quickly follows suit, leaving the disoriented victim shocked, while the…
-
Live cobra smuggled onboard AirAsia flight from Bangkok concealed in bottle
CISF personnel thwarted a smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport, Karnataka, India, as a passenger who landed from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight tried to conceal a live cobra inside a bottle. The astute CISF officers uncovered the hidden serpent during a routine luggage check. The daring passenger, identified as Purushottam, now faces the clutches of the Forest Department as…
-
Samui Airport sees remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in 2023
The year 2023 witnessed an outstanding surge in tourist arrivals at Samui Airport, in Thailand, with 2.2 million holidaymakers marking their footprints on the east coast island. The figure indicates a significant 66.65% increase compared to the previous year’s numbers. Located in the Surat Thani province, the Koh Samui district is home to Samui Airport. The district’s director, Jirawat Wutthiwatworakun,…
-
Southern Thailand to acquire new Andaman Airport
Envisioned as a direct long-haul flight hub, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is fast-tracking the construction of the much-anticipated Andaman International Airport. In a recent visit, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit inspected the airport’s progress in Phang Nga province, initiating transformative steps to bolster local transport infrastructure. The Andaman International Airport, currently in its second stage of development, is strategically crafted to…
-
Mystery smell forces Cathay Pacific flight U-turn
Cathay Pacific Airways‘ flight CX 633, destined for Penang, Malaysia, found itself making an unexpected U-turn to Hong Kong International Airport due to an unusual smell in the cabin post-takeoff. The Airbus A330 had taken off on its scheduled Sunday morning, January 28, departure at 8.15am, only to encounter this bizarre situation. The Hong Kong flag carrier revealed that the…
-
Aeromexico flight passenger stands on plane wing in response to delay (video)
A frustrated passenger onboard a delayed Aeromexico flight AM 0672 bound for Guatemala City took matters into his own hands. Stranded for hours on the tarmac without air conditioning or water, the unnamed passenger decided he had had enough. In an act of defiance, he unlocked the emergency door and strolled onto the plane’s wing. Mexican International Airport officials confirmed…
-
Malaysian influencer discovers pre-meet photo with spouse
Destiny or coincidence is a question on many minds after a Malaysian content creator and social media influencer, known as SoImJenn, shared a spine-tingling moment from her past. Jenn’s discovery of a photograph showing both her and her future husband in the same place before their acquaintanceship has captured the fascination of the Internet. The story begins with Jenn, a…
-
Thai Airways flight diverted to Sydney, captain clarifies decision
A Thai Airways captain faced criticism over a decision to divert a Bangkok-Melbourne flight to Sydney due to poor visibility, sparking online debate. The incident occurred on January 28 when the flight was unable to land in Melbourne as planned. A passenger, claiming extensive flying experience, posted a complaint on Facebook accusing the captain of not carrying enough fuel and…
-
Bride’s tears at arranged marriage ignite debate in China
A beautiful bride’s tearful appearance throughout her wedding day in Gansu Province, China, sparked sympathy and intense discussion across social media platforms. Netizens shared images of the distraught bride, who was strikingly attractive but visibly upset and consistently avoided any contact with the groom. This has led to widespread speculation about the circumstances that led to such an unhappy day…
-
Bride’s dowry of 60kg dried tangerine peel rivals gold’s value
A wedding dowry, traditionally consisting of gold, silver, and jewellery, took an unexpected turn when a bride’s father prepared 60 kilogrammes of dried tangerine peel as the dowry for his daughter’s marriage. This unconventional gift, typically reserved for monetary or valuable assets, has raised eyebrows and curiosity regarding its true worth. Parents universally dream of their children finding love and…
Broke? Find employment in Southeast Asia with JobCute Thailand and SmartJob Indonesia. Rich? Invest in real estate across Asia with FazWaz Property Group or get out on a yacht anywhere with Boatcrowd. Even book medical procedures worldwide with MyMediTravel, all powered by DB Ventures.