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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Thai Airways aims for top 10 global rank by this year
Chansin Treenuchagron, a key figure in Thai Airways, emphasised the airline’s crucial role in national development while aiming to rank among the top 10 airlines globally. The discussion took place yesterday, February 19 at the Matichon Leadership Forum 2025, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. Chansin, a board member and executive planner of Thai Airways International…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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Sex sales: China’s sex doll revolution with an AI-morous embrace
In a bold leap forward, China’s WMDoll is shaking up the sex toys industry with its cutting-edge, AI-enhanced creations, promising heightened interactivity and a surge in sex doll sales. With state-of-the-art technology behind the scenes, these sophisticated companions are transforming the market. It’s no secret that life’s little pleasures often come with a twist, and China’s WMDoll is adding quite…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Bangkok passenger caught smuggling ‘space oil’ at HK airport
A brazen drug smuggler’s trip from Bangkok to Hong Kong ended in disaster when customs officers uncovered a shocking stash of illicit “space oil” hidden in fruit-flavoured drink powder. The 22 year old suspect was stopped at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday, February 13, where officials discovered approximately 8 kilogrammes of the substance, containing the controlled drug etomidate, inside his…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Vietjet’s Valentine’s surprise: Fly with fares from just 690 baht
Vietjet Thailand is celebrating the season of love with an irresistible Valentine’s – Fly for Love promotion, offering special fares starting at just 690 baht for domestic routes and 1,690 baht for international flights. Lovebirds and travel enthusiasts can book their dream getaway between February 10 to 14, with travel available from March 16 to October 25 (excluding public holidays, terms apply).…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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PM Paetongtarn strengthens ties with Xi in landmark China visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra kicked off a landmark visit to China, meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, February 6, in a high-level diplomatic exchange at the Great Hall of the People. The visit comes as Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, marking what Xi described as a “golden year of friendship.” In a warm exchange, the…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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China’s high-tech research ship docks in Phuket
In a grand display of diplomatic and scientific collaboration, Phuket welcomed China’s cutting-edge marine research vessel, R.V. Xiang Yang Hong 01, in a ceremony marking 50 years of Thailand-China relations. The reception, held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port yesterday, February 3, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by senior officials from both nations. Among…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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Taking the piss: Tourist pees at Phuket Airport
A video showing a foreign tourist urinating openly at Phuket International Airport, in Mai Khao subdistrict, Thalang district, sparked outrage both online and offline, with many demanding decisive action. The 13-second clip, shared yesterday, January 30, shows the tourist urinating without concern for onlookers, despite being warned by airport staff. The video was circulated widely on social media, particularly on…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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China exposes 36 scam gangs targeting victims with 100k callers
Chinese police have revealed the shocking scale of international call scam operations, with 36 major gangs employing over 100,000 callers to swindle victims out of their money. The revelation came during a high-profile meeting between Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi yesterday. Leading a Chinese delegation, Liu sought Thailand’s…
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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…
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