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.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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California doctor claims spicy Thai dish left her with chemical burns
A California neurologist is suing a Thai restaurant, claiming she suffered permanent injuries after eating a spicy dish that she described as “unfit for human consumption.” Harjasleen Walia, a San Jose-based doctor, is demanding over US$35,000 (approximately 1.16 million baht) in damages after an order of Dragon Balls at Los Gatos’ Coup de Thai allegedly left her with chemical burns.…
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Nok Air takes off again: Ready to ‘baht’ back in business
Nok Air is plotting a major comeback, with a 5 billion baht cash injection on the cards for 2025. The Thai low-cost airline, which entered business rehabilitation in 2021, is now eyeing an exit in 2026, as CEO Wutthiphum Jurangkool outlines a path to financial recovery. In an interview with Bangkok Business, Wutthiphum revealed the funds will be used to…
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Chinese woman perches kids on 23rd-floor air con amid argument
A shocking video has emerged from Luoyang, central China, showing a Chinese woman putting her two young children in terrifying danger—all to spite her husband. The viral clip, viewed over 55 million times on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, shows the children perched on an air conditioning unit outside their flat on the 23rd floor, as their mother argues…
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Nigerian returning from Thailand nabbed with massive heroin haul
In a dramatic crackdown on drug smuggling, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a Thailand returnee at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Nigeria, unmasking a heroin haul worth over 3.2 billion Nigerian nairas (approximately 65 million baht). The suspect, Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter, a 29 year old mechanical engineering graduate, was caught red-handed attempting to…
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Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
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Indonesian woman’s first date sparks debate over splitting the bill
A young Indonesian woman’s first date experience sparked a heated debate online about who should pay on a first date. The story revolves around Sisil, a 25 year old woman, who shared her unexpected encounter with her date’s approach to splitting costs. In July, Sisil met a man for their first date at a restaurant in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Anticipation…
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Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
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Thailand and China’s friendship to shine on 50th anniversary
China is rolling out the red carpet for Thailand as both nations prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties next year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed to boost traditional friendship and build a China-Thailand community with a shared future in a power-packed meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Vientiane, Laos. “China and Thailand are close friends and…
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Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster. Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly…
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Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid
Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…
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Hong Kong: Cat killed in TV wall collapse
A heartbroken cat owner in Hong Kong has taken to social media to hold a renovation company responsible for the tragic death of his beloved pet, Ah Po, after a newly installed TV wall collapsed, crushing the eight year old cat. The incident, which occurred yesterday, October 8, has left Chris, the cat’s owner, reeling with grief and frustration. Chris…
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High-flying news: Siam Seaplane cleared for takeoff
Siam Seaplane has finally soared to new heights with its freshly minted air operator certificate (AOC), issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The certificate, AOC.0032, valid until October 2026, allows the airline to officially begin commercial flights. But there’s a surprising twist—despite the name, it won’t be flying off water just yet, announced an enthusiastic CEO, Worakanaya…
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Thai Vietjet’s foreign pilot plan under scrutiny by AirAsia executive
The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) deemed Thai Vietjet’s request to allow foreign pilots to fly domestic routes via a wet lease arrangement as acceptable, citing its temporary nature. However, an AirAsia executive has expressed strong opposition to this proposal. AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth says he sees the wet lease arrangements as a win-win situation, as airlines can temporarily increase…
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Maths-terpieces: Thai students bring home a gold mine of medals
Thai students have pulled off a remarkable achievement, bagging an impressive 24 medals—including five golds—at the 2024 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for primary school students in China. The prestigious event unfolded in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, from October 1 to 6. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), announced that a talented team of…
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Missing South African teacher found dead in Phnom Penh pool
The search for missing South African teacher Angelique Tong has ended in tragedy after her body was discovered following a swimming pool-related incident. The 26 year old woman, who had been missing in Phnom Penh since September 29, was last seen on a dinner date with a man known only as Jack. Friends launched an urgent appeal after the teacher,…
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South African teacher vanishes in Cambodia after dinner date
The search is on for a young South African teacher who vanished without a trace in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh after a date with a British man known only as Jack. The South African teacher, 26 year old Angelique Tong, was last seen on September 29 after a dinner at Harry’s Bistro, a popular riverside spot in the Cambodian capital.…
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Thai Airways soars with ‘plane’-tastic gourmet menus for all classes
Thai Airways (THAI) is taking in-flight dining to new heights, literally. The airline has rolled out premium menus across all cabin classes, offering a luxurious yet culturally immersive experience. With European routes booming at an 80% load factor, Thai Airways has decided to up the ante on its service offerings. In First Class, passengers can indulge in Italian caviar sourced…
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Elderly Swiss man busted with gun at Phuket Airport
An 82 year old Swiss man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after security found a handgun tucked away in his luggage. The Swiss national, Kurt Fritz Loliger, a seemingly unassuming pensioner, was stopped at Gate 81 of the International Passenger Terminal last night, October 7. The drama unfolded around 8.30pm when Ainah Pango, an X-ray image officer, spotted something…
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Vietnam records highest GDP growth in two years despite typhoon
Vietnam achieved its highest economic growth in two years during the quarter ending in September, driven by robust exports, industrial production, and an increase in foreign investment. This positive development comes despite the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s strongest typhoon this year. The General Statistics Office reported a 7.4% year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP) for the third…
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Thai Airways’ growth strategy takes off
Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to transform some of its business units into subsidiaries as part of its growth strategy. Chai Eamsiri, THAI President, announced the plan, emphasising the potential for various business units to operate independently. Chai highlighted the initial focus on the aircraft maintenance and catering divisions, which boast an estimated average profit margin of nearly 20%…
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WHO gives green light to first mpox test
In a crucial move to fight the growing mpox crisis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved Abbott Laboratories’ mpox diagnostic test for emergency use. This marks the first approval of its kind as the global health body ramps up efforts to tackle outbreaks across affected regions. The real-time PCR test, known as the Alinity m MPXV assay, can detect…
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Thailand flights face delays amid severe monsoon weather
Thailand is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which is affecting aviation visibility and causing flooding in many areas. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI) is prepared to handle these challenges by implementing measures to ensure flight safety and efficiency. The Deputy Minister of…
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Thai’d and tested: Pun-tastic Thai restaurant name breaks Internet (video)
A woman travelling in Sweden was left in stitches after discovering a Thai restaurant with a side-splitting name, sparking curiosity among many who are now desperate to try it out. Ema, a 29 year old traveller who shares her adventures online as @emaonthemove, recently posted a clip of a takeaway in her new hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. The spot? Thai…
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Thai Airways to issue new shares worth 42 billion baht
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) is set to issue new shares valued at a minimum of 42 billion baht by December, marking a significant move towards concluding its court-monitored debt restructuring and resuming trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The national airline plans to offer 6.81 billion new shares to creditors as part of a debt-to-equity swap, as…
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Thai AirAsia X switches all flights to Don Mueang Airport
Thai AirAsia X has switched all its international flights back to Don Mueang Airport, effective yesterday, October 1. If you’re jetting off to Japan, South Korea, China, or Australia, you’d better double-check your flight details—or risk turning up at the wrong airport. All flights under Thai AirAsia X (code XJ) to popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Seoul, Shanghai,…
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Thai Airways flight runs off runway in Bangkok storm scare
Passengers on a Thai Airways (THAI) flight got more excitement than they bargained for when their Airbus A350-900 temporarily veered off the runway upon landing in Bangkok, causing a serious incident and damaging runway edge lights. THAI flight TG466, arriving from Melbourne on September 14, was making a standard approach to runway 19L at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) when things…
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Google to invest 35 billion baht in Thailand, creating 14,000 jobs
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, has unveiled an eye-watering 35 billion baht investment plan in Thailand. This massive cash injection is set to give the nation’s economy a turbo boost, with expectations to create a staggering 14,000 job positions. Porat met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, September 30, to discuss the investment project…
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Thai woman faces complex murder case over son’s death in UK
A Thai woman, accused of murdering her seven year old son in the UK, made an appearance at Swansea Crown Court this week. The defence team described the case as “extremely complicated.” The Thai woman, 42 year old Papaipit Linse, who remains in custody, appeared in court but did not enter a plea. John Hipkin KC, representing Papaipit , requested…
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Bangkok airport runway gears up for November opening
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport is gearing up for a major boost, with a brand-new runway set to open on November 1. The shiny new runway is expected to revolutionise the airport’s flight capacity, helping it soar to new heights. Kirati Kijmanawat, the Director of Airports of Thailand (AOT), confirmed the exciting news, stating that the third runway is now complete.…
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Flying foreign: Thai aviation industry in a tailspin over pilot proposal
The Thai aviation industry has been stirred by the proposal to allow foreign pilots to operate domestic routes, a move considered unusual as such roles are traditionally reserved for Thai nationals. Thai Vietjet’s request, though temporary, aimed to address an aircraft shortage during peak travel seasons, has met with significant resistance from the Thai Pilots Association. A global shortage of…
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