World News
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Amazon Web Services outage cripples major platforms worldwide
Websites, apps, and essential services across the United States and beyond were thrown into chaos yesterday after a major outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing giant that powers much of the Internet. The disruption, which began around 3.11am ET (2.11pm Thailand time) yesterday, October 20, stemmed from a failure in AWS’s internal network load balancer system. The…
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Body of Thai hostage killed in Israel-Hamas conflict identified and returned
Israeli officials confirmed that one of the bodies returned by Hamas on Saturday, October 18, is that of a Thai hostage who was abducted and killed last year. Israel’s local media outlet, i24News, reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced yesterday, October 19, that one of the bodies handed over by Hamas the previous night was identified as a…
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American woman wins 3 million baht using AI for lottery numbers
A 45 year old American woman has won a lottery prize worth 3 million baht after using ChatGPT to choose her numbers, enabling her to pay off her mortgage. Today, on October 19, international media reported that Tammy Carvey, from Wyandotte, Michigan, emerged as the fortunate winner of over 2.6 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately 3 million baht) after employing ChatGPT…
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Airlines boost Thailand flights under TAT tourism drive
International airlines are ramping up flights to Thailand to meet growing travel demand, following tourism initiatives led by Thai officials. Thailand is poised to see a significant tourism surge as international airlines increase flight routes, frequencies, and seat capacity to the kingdom in the fourth quarter. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed that carriers from East Asia, South Asia,…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport ranks 12th among world’s most connected airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is ranked 12th in the world’s 50 most connected airports in 2025, according to the Official Airline Guide (OAG). Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced the news following the release of OAG Megahubs 2025. Suvarnabhumi Airport is placed 12th in the Global Airport Megahubs category and fifth in the Asia-Pacific region in the Top International by…
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Thailand aces global aviation safety audit with sky-high score
Thailand’s civil aviation authority has achieved a top safety score in a global audit conducted by an international body assessing aviation oversight standards. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a stellar performance in a recent international safety audit, scoring a preliminary 91.35% in the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA) conducted by…
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New RTAF chief to train female pilots and boost drones
Thailand’s new air force commander announced plans to train female fighter pilots and enhance drone capabilities as part of a modernisation strategy. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sakesan Kantha outlined his 2026 strategy at the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy in Muak Lek district, Saraburi. His speech came amid rising border tensions with Cambodia and set the tone for…
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Thai Airways revamp board with zero-tolerance corruption vow
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that all 17 nominees for Thai Airways International’s board of directors are seasoned professionals, as the airline prepares for a major leadership shake-up following its return to the stock market. Lavaron Sangsnit, the ministry’s permanent secretary and chairman of the Thai Airways board, assured the public yesterday, October 10, that the selection process is…
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Thai AirAsia adds Luang Prabang–Hanoi link via Bangkok
Thai AirAsia is launching a new daily route connecting Bangkok, Luang Prabang, and Hanoi to enhance travel options and regional connectivity in ASEAN. The service, starting December 1, will operate once daily using an Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 180 economy seats. The outbound flight, FD1038, will depart Bangkok at 1.55pm, arriving in Luang Prabang at 3.15pm (local time), before…
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RTN plane blunder shuts Phuket runway, delays 70 flights
A military aircraft’s landing gear failure forced Phuket Airport to shut its runway, disrupting dozens of flights and prompting an emergency response. Phuket International Airport was brought to a standstill yesterday, October 8, after a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) aircraft suffered a landing gear malfunction during touchdown, forcing a temporary closure of the runway and affecting 70 flights. According to…
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Taiwan metro brawl granny busted over old theft case (video)
A woman involved in a viral metro brawl in Taiwan was later arrested by police on an outstanding theft warrant, drawing renewed public and media attention. The elderly woman, 73 year old Tseng, was filmed on Monday, September 29, swinging her bag at a young man after he refused to give up his seat on a Red Line train in…
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China denies fuelling Thai-Cambodian border tensions with arms
China has denied claims that its weapons were used by Cambodia in recent border clashes with Thailand, insisting it had no part in escalating the conflict. The denial comes after speculation in regional media that Chinese-made rockets were deployed by Cambodian forces during violent exchanges between July 24 and 28, reigniting scrutiny over Beijing’s growing military and economic influence in…
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Thai woman and toddler missing after Melbourne sighting
Police in Melbourne are searching for a Thai woman and her two year old daughter, who went missing after last being seen in the Central Business District on a recent morning. Victoria police are appealing for public help to locate a Thai woman, 36 year old Priyanud and her two year old daughter, who have not been seen for several…
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Suvarnabhumi flies high with booming flights and upgrades
Suvarnabhumi Airport has reported a rise in flights and passengers, as officials reveal strong growth and outline expansion plans for the year ahead. The airport has recorded a strong recovery in air travel, with 58.10 million passengers passing through its gates in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to August 2025). Kittipong Kittikachorn, General Manager of…
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AOT pushes for new global flight routes at Hong Kong forum
The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) engaged global airlines at a major aviation forum in Hong Kong to expand flight routes and boost international travel. The AOT ramped up efforts to transform Thailand into a leading aviation hub by participating in the 30th World Route Development Forum, or Routes World 2025, held from September 24 to 26 at…
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RTAF signs mega deal for high-tech Airbus tanker jet
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced the purchase of an advanced Airbus 330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+) to strengthen aerial refuelling, transport, and rescue capabilities. The RTAF has taken a major leap in defence capabilities by placing an order for the A330 MRTT+, a cutting-edge refuelling and transport aircraft based on the advanced A330neo platform. The…
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Bangkok Airways bags 5-star award for eco-friendly flights
Bangkok Airways received a 5-star sustainability award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for its efforts to promote greener aviation and responsible tourism. The award, part of TAT’s Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) programme, recognises tourism operators who embrace sustainable practices in line with global standards. For Bangkok Airways, it cements its reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible…
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Air India Express launches daily Bangkok link from Bengaluru
Air India Express will launch daily direct flights linking Bengaluru and Bangkok, offering travellers more convenience and competitive fares. The new non-stop service begins on October 18 and aims to boost connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. To mark the launch, the airline has rolled out introductory Xpress Value fares starting at 16,800 Indian rupees (about 7,300 baht) for…
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Thai Airways cancels Hong Kong flights as super typhoon hits
Thai Airways cancelled several flights between Bangkok and Hong Kong after a super typhoon forced airlines to adjust schedules for safety. The flag carrier had earlier warned passengers heading to Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Hong Kong to closely monitor flight updates as the massive storm advanced. By yesterday evening, September 22, the airline confirmed cancellations for services scheduled today and…
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Thai airlines warn of looming pilot shortage crisis
Thailand’s aviation sector faces a looming pilot shortage as airlines expand fleets while many licensed pilots remain unable to return to duty. Vietjet Thailand CEO Woranate Laprabang said more than half of Thai pilots cannot return to work because they are unable to renew their licences. Pilots are required to regularly fly to maintain type ratings and must also undergo…
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Phuket-bound IndiGo flight diverted after bomb threat
An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Phuket was diverted to Chennai, India after a bomb threat claimed explosives were onboard, prompting a full security response. The aircraft, carrying 176 passengers and six crew members, had taken off from Mumbai yesterday, September 19, before the scare unfolded. Midway through the journey, Mumbai airport staff received a call from an unidentified person who…
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Thai AirAsia X unveils 3 new routes for December takeoff
Thai AirAsia X will launch three new international routes from Bangkok to destinations in Central Asia, Northern Asia, and the Middle East ahead of the holiday season. The budget long-haul carrier announced that it will begin services to Almaty, Sendai, and Riyadh, giving Thai travellers more choice for winter escapes while opening fresh gateways for inbound tourism. From December 1,…
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Vietjet to get first Boeing 737 MAX as tariff talks heat up
VietJet Air will receive its first Boeing 737 Max as Vietnam seeks to strengthen trade ties with the US while negotiations over tariffs continue. The handover marks a significant shift for VietJet, which currently operates an all-Airbus fleet, and comes as Vietnam continues delicate trade discussions with the United States over tariffs. A ceremony is scheduled on Sunday, September 21,…
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Trang Airport opens new terminal after 4-year delay
Trang Airport has opened a new domestic terminal after years of construction delays, boosting capacity and marking a major step in regional air travel. The 1.07-billion-baht project finally saw a soft opening on September 5, when the terminal welcomed its first travellers. The launch followed extensive testing, including a simulation with 50 trial passengers to assess service procedures and identify…
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Thai Airways axes first class in bold premium revamp
Thai Airways has confirmed that it will retire its first class cabins, a product once hailed as the pinnacle of luxury but now confined to just three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The decision closes a chapter in the airline’s history, with first class having once graced its flagship Airbus A380s, Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s. These exclusive cabins, occasionally used for…
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Thai pilots take flight over foreign hires on local routes
Thailand’s Administrative Court is reviewing a legal bid by a pilots’ group to block a government move allowing foreign pilots on domestic flight routes. The Thai Administrative Court is reviewing a request from the Thai Pilots Association to block the Ministry of Labour from allowing foreign pilots to operate domestic flights, according to the Bangkok Post. The petition seeks a…
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Thai Lion Air eyes new routes despite tourism slowdown
Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet and launching new routes as it targets high-demand destinations, despite a drop in international tourist arrivals. The budget carrier plans to add at least two Boeing 737 jets to its fleet this year, focusing on high-demand routes such as China and Japan, despite revising its earlier goal of operating 40 aircraft. The adjustment…
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Thai woman on trial in Taiwan for flushing hamsters down toilet
A Thai woman flushed ten hamsters down the toilet and posted a video of her cruel actions on social media after breaking up with her Taiwanese boyfriend. The 27 year old Thai woman, identified only as Sunny, is now facing court proceedings in Taiwan following her viral Instagram video showing the act of animal cruelty. The shocking videos were shared…
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24 years on: Unseen 9/11 video archive unveiled in New York (video)
On the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a vast archive of unseen footage is set to reshape how future generations understand the tragedy. The New York Public Library has acquired what is believed to be the largest video collection of the attacks and their aftermath, filmed and gathered by documentary makers Steven Rosenbaum and Pamela Yoder. In the…
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Thailand flies high with top marks in aviation safety audit
Thailand passed a major international aviation audit, earning praise for its safety standards and oversight after a thorough inspection by a global body. The kingdom has passed a comprehensive audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), earning global praise for its aviation oversight and safety standards. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that Thailand scored an impressive…
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