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 Top digital marketing and SEO agency: Why brands choose Convert Cake
A strong digital presence is a must for any business chasing market share and growth in this day and age. But turning that ambition into tangible results? That takes the right partner. And if you’ve been looking for a top...
-
Thailand launches new luxury bus service to Pattaya and Hua Hin
Thailand is about to rescue those arriving in the Land of Smiles lost in a sea of taxis with a new first-class bus service that’s set to redefine airport transfers from Bangkok, to Pattaya and Hua Hin. Thailand’s state-run Transport Co., is ready to roll out a swanky first-class bus service starting on March 8, promising to make the dreary…
-
Bangkok to adopt Beijing’s air pollution solutions in landmark deal
Bangkok is set to benefit from Beijing’s expertise in tackling air pollution, as the two capitals signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Air Quality Monitoring and Management Cooperation. The agreement, signed via video between the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Environment Department, marks a major step in the fight against toxic smog.…
-
THAI flight makes emergency landing as passenger stops breathing
Thai Airways (THAI) flight TG408, en route from Singapore to Suvarnabhumi Airport, issued an emergency signal while flying over the Gulf of Thailand yesterday, February 18. The aircraft landed safely at Suvarnabhumi Airport after the emergency alert was triggered due to a medical situation on board. Reports revealed that the emergency, named TG408/18FEB 77B/TKR SINBKK Declare Medical Emergency Landing, was…
-
Delta Air Lines plane flips at Toronto, eight injured (video)
A Delta Air Lines aircraft flipped onto its back while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, resulting in eight injuries. The incident, involving a plane carrying 80 passengers, occurred yesterday, February 17, local time. Video footage showed the Delta Air Lines plane upside down on a snow-covered runway, with passengers gradually exiting the aircraft. Emergency medical personnel at the…
-
Pane and gain: Thai Airways lands safely amid cracked cockpit drama
In a high-flying drama with a smooth landing, Thai Airways ensured passenger safety remained sky-high after a Bangkok to Singapore flight returned due to a cracked cockpit window, forcing a swift aircraft swap and ensuring passengers reached their destination safe and sound. In an unexpected twist, travellers aboard Thai Airways’ flight TG401 experienced an unscheduled return to Bangkok after a…
-
Tragic temple fire in New York kills Buddhist monk
A devastating fire tore through a Buddhist temple in The Bronx, New York City, early Wednesday morning, February 12, leaving two people dead, including a Buddhist monk. The blaze, which erupted around 6am, quickly engulfed the small temple and a neighbouring residence for monks, causing irreversible damage. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito confirmed the tragedy. “We had fire throughout…
-
AirAsia soars to new heights with record passenger growth in 2024
AirAsia is flying high after recording a surge in passenger numbers throughout 2024, as the budget airline group expanded its fleet to meet booming travel demand. The carrier welcomed over 63 million passengers last year, an 11% increase from 2023, while its load factor climbed to 89%. The final quarter of 2024 was particularly strong, with 16.2 million passengers flying…
-
Whale of a tale: Chilean kayaker swallowed by humpback (video)
In a heart-stopping incident off Chilean Patagonia, a kayaker found himself briefly swallowed by a humpback whale before being miraculously released unharmed. The jaw-dropping event was caught on camera and rapidly swept through social media, captivating viewers worldwide. Last Saturday, adventurer Adrian Simancas was enjoying a day of kayaking with his father, Dell, in Bahía El Aguila, near the San…
-
Sky-high thieves on the rise: Minister demands tighter flight security
A wave of in-flight thefts targeting unsuspecting passengers sparked urgent action from Thai police after reports revealed that criminals stole valuables worth 19 million baht on flights to Hong Kong last year. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has now called on airlines to step up cabin inspections and warn passengers to safeguard their belongings. Several airlines have already tightened…
-
Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert
A chartered flight carrying India’s former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, and two friends was recalled to Pune under extraordinary circumstances. Police ordered the abrupt diversion after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been kidnapped, triggering an urgent police response. The private jet, which took off for Bangkok on Monday, February 10, was redirected after aviation officials verified…
-
Brit arrested at Manchester Airport for drug offences after Thai trip
A 21 year old British man’s holiday ended in handcuffs after he was arrested at Manchester Airport upon returning home from Thailand. Matthew Crehan, of Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, was taken into custody on Saturday, February 8, before being charged with multiple drug supply offences. Merseyside Police confirmed that Crehan faces charges related to the supply of class A,…
-
More planes to take off as Thailand summer travel surges
Thailand’s skies are set to get busier as flights increase across major airports under the new northern summer schedule, which kicks off next month. With international travel rebounding, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed a significant rise in flight slots at the nation’s busiest airports. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has secured 1,202 daily flight…
-
Aeroflot flight makes emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A Moscow-bound Aeroflot flight turned into a mid-air ordeal after a landing gear malfunction forced the aircraft to circle over the Andaman Sea for hours before making an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Aeroflot Flight SU277, a Boeing 777-300ER carrying 346 people, took off from Phuket Airport at 3.20pm yesterday, February 10. Shortly after departure, the nose gear…
-
Roi Et Airport to expand runway amid passenger growth
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to redevelop Roi Et Airport following a rise in annual passenger numbers. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri approved the upgrade after inspecting the airport in the northeastern province yesterday, February 10. During the inspection, security measures and equipment at the airport were assessed to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation…
-
Fruit frenzy: Contaminated durians to China halt Thai exports
The Department of Agriculture has halted the export operations of 26 durian packing facilities after China returned over 64 tonnes of durians contaminated with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) today, February 7. The contaminated shipment, valued at over 12 million baht, was discovered following the implementation of stricter measures by the Chinese government. Raphiphat Chandrasriwong, Director General of the Department of…
-
Thai Airways’ big bet: 8 brand-new Airbus jets to boost fleet
Thai Airways is making a major move to modernise its fleet, signing a lease agreement for eight brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital. The deal, confirmed on February 5, will see the cutting-edge jets delivered between 2026 and 2027 as part of the airline’s long-term expansion strategy. This latest addition comes just months after Thai Airways made…
-
Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
-
Thai airports increase passenger service charge by 25 baht
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) board has agreed to a 25 baht rise in the passenger service charge (PSC) at seven airports across various provinces. This adjustment, suggested by the Department of Airports (DoA), will be implemented at DoA-managed airports in Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phitsanulok. During the CAAT…
-
AirAsia expands Thai network with new routes from Suvarnabhumi
AirAsia is ramping up its domestic game with the launch of two brand-new routes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering twice-daily flights to Udon Thani and a daily service to Khon Kaen. The budget airline is doubling down on Suvarnabhumi as a major hub, adding to its existing domestic connections, which include six daily flights to Chiang Mai, four to Phuket,…
-
Toxic smog disrupts Bangkok flights as PM2.5 levels soar
Bangkok’s toxic air pollution has reached hazardous levels, forcing flight diversions and sparking health warnings across the city. On Sunday morning, February 2, several flights were diverted from Don Mueang International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport, as thick smog reduced visibility to just 150 metres. Among the affected flights was AirAsia X Flight XJ901 from Harbin, China, which had to be…
-
Taiwanese ‘Meteor Garden’ star Barbie Hsu dies at 48
The entertainment world is in shock after Taiwanese actress and television host Barbie Hsu, best known for her iconic role in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia at the age of 48. Hsu, one of the biggest stars in the Mandarin-speaking world, became a household name across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, after Meteor Garden was dubbed…
-
Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok
Lufthansa is giving travellers to Thailand an upgrade, extending its Airbus A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route due to surging demand during Songkran, Thailand’s biggest festival. Originally set for a limited run, the airline has now confirmed the superjumbo will continue flying until April 25, offering passengers a spacious, top-tier experience. The decision cements Lufthansa’s commitment to premium long-haul service,…
-
Chiang Rai to become major aircraft repair hub
Thailand is gearing up to challenge China in the lucrative aircraft maintenance industry, with Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) set to become a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Airports of Thailand (AOT), is targeting the booming Chinese market. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat revealed that land preparation is already underway, with the first hangar expected…
-
Disaster in DC: Black boxes recovered after mid-air collision (video)
Investigators have recovered the black boxes from a catastrophic mid-air collision between a commercial airliner and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DC, raising urgent questions about staffing shortages and air traffic control failures. The deadly crash occurred at 9pm on Wednesday, January 29 (2am GMT Thursday) near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killing all 67 people on…
-
Thai airline flight makes emergency landing in Phuket
Passengers on a Thai airline flight endured terrifying, life-threatening moments yesterday when their aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport due to engine failure. The flight, carrying 150 passengers and crew, was approaching Phuket yesterday, January 30, when one of its engines malfunctioned, prompting immediate action from the flight crew. Despite the alarming situation, all onboard…
-
Thailand’s aviation recovery nears pre-Covid levels: CAAT
Thailand’s aviation sector is anticipated to experience a robust recovery this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to at least 25 million, aligning with figures from 2019. Initially, full recovery expectations were set for last year; however, the slow return of Chinese…
-
Thai Airways’ A320 business class: Luxury or letdown?
Thai Airways is stepping up its game, rolling out regional business class on its single-aisle Airbus A320 jets, promising premium perks and a smoother flying experience. But is it the luxury upgrade travellers crave—or just a glorified economy seat with extra legroom? Dubbed Royal Silk Class, Thai’s A320 business cabin features 12 wide reclining seats with a 38” pitch and 5” recline—a significant improvement over…
-
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry
Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January—a 16% increase…
-
Thai film shortlisted for Oscar’s Best International Feature Film
The National Federation of Thai Film Associations announced on Thursday, January 23 that the film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has been selected as Thailand’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Produced by GDH, this film achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Thai film to make it to the…
-
Thai PM woos World Economic Forum founder to boost soft power
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab in Davos yesterday, January 22, seeking to position Thailand as a hub for innovation and soft power on the global stage. The meeting took place during the 55th WEF, themed Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, running from January 20 to 24 in Switzerland. Highlighting the strong partnership…
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.