World News
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Bangkok Bank speeds up yuan transfers to boost China trade
Bangkok Bank has launched an expedited yuan transfer service aimed at reducing costs and enhancing trade with China. Pipat Assawamongkol, assistant manager at Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, announced that the bank now offers faster yuan transfers after receiving approval from China’s central bank to use the CIPS (Cross-border Interbank Payment System). The system allows direct transfers to CIPS member…
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AOT opens 30 billion baht airport land for private investment
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) is inviting private investment to develop 2,500 rai of land surrounding six major airports, with an estimated project value nearing 30 billion baht. The initiative aims to transform these areas into new economic hubs and enhance service quality and safety. Pavina Chariyathitipong, Acting President of AOT and Deputy Executive Vice President of Engineering and Construction,…
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Phuket Airport soars as Russians jet in while China jets off
Phuket Airport is flying high despite a sharp drop in Chinese tourists, with Russian and Turkish travellers stepping in to keep the island’s tourism industry cruising toward a record-breaking 18 million passengers this year. Phuket International Airport is on course to welcome a whopping 18 million passengers in 2025, even as the number of Chinese arrivals nosedives, according to airport…
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Shocking encounter: Man hides in Thai woman’s Japan hotel room
A solo traveller from Thailand shared a chilling experience in Japan when she discovered a man hiding under her hotel bed. Natalisi Taksisi, who had chosen Japan for its reputation for safety, was horrified to find a stranger in her room despite the hotel’s key card system. The incident, which has since gone viral, has raised concerns about hotel security and…
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New liquid and gel rules enforced at Thailand airports
Thailand has introduced new rules governing how liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) can be carried in hand luggage, tightening security measures at airports nationwide. The new regulations, which came into effect on Tuesday, April 22, were published in the Royal Gazette and supersede those introduced in 2019. “These updated rules, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), aim…
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Thai Vietjet launches summer fares from 799 baht
Thai Vietjet is turning up the heat this summer with an unbeatable promotion, offering domestic flights from just 799 baht, including taxes and fees! Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway to Phuket, a city escape to Chiang Mai, or a cultural trip to Hat Yai, there’s a deal waiting for you. But that’s not all – international routes are…
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Skyfall at Cha-am: Four dead as police plane plunges into sea
A routine morning turned tragic at Cha-am Beach today as a small aircraft, believed to be a police plane, crashed into the sea, leaving four dead and one injured. The incident adds to a growing list of aviation tragedies in Thailand in recent years. At approximately 8.15am, today, April 25, emergency services in Phetchaburi province received reports of a plane…
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4 Indians caught smuggling hydroponic weed from Bangkok
It was anything but a smooth landing for four passengers flying in from Bangkok, as Indian Customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport uncovered a staggering 20 Indian crores (around 78.4 million baht) worth of hydroponic weed in a series of busts that spanned three separate cases. Acting on specific intelligence, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs…
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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Thailand defends 900 million baht expo pavilion amid backlash
The Ministry of Public Health has defended its decision to spend 900 million baht on the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The pavilion, which runs from April 13 to October 13, has garnered both praise and criticism, with some claiming it falls short of expectations for such a prestigious global event. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary…
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AOT reports record 2.6 million passengers during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced impressive air traffic statistics for the Songkran period, highlighting a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic across the six airports it operates, compared to last year. Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, revealed that from April 11 to 17, a total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket,…
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Thailand aviation upgraded to category 1, opening US flights
In a major boost for Thailand’s aviation sector, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. The Ministry of Transport announced the exciting development today, April 22, recognising that Thailand now meets international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States. This…
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Thai royals to enhance ties with Bhutan in April state visit
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will embark on a state visit to Bhutan from April 25 to 28, as announced by the Royal Household Bureau. The journey follows an invitation from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and aims to enhance the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan, which are rooted in shared cultural…
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Thailand’s sarus cranes arrive in Vietnam for conservation
In a monumental step for wildlife conservation, six sarus cranes have arrived in Vietnam as part of an ambitious project to save the endangered species. The cranes, flown in from Thailand, were welcomed at Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province, Vietnam, on Sunday, April 20, marking the beginning of a significant reintroduction programme aimed at restoring the species…
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Pope Francis dies at 88 after divine decade at the top
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff in history, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed. The beloved leader died at 7.35am, today, April 21, sending shockwaves through the Catholic world and triggering the official process to choose his successor. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of…
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Thai massage steals spotlight at Osaka Expo 2025
Thailand is making waves and easing aches on the global stage, as the ancient art of Thai massage steals the spotlight at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. With expert therapists, soothing techniques, and herbal traditions on full display, visitors are lining up in droves to experience a touch of Thailand’s healing magic. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative…
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Japan tops the table, but Thailand’s food scene is heating up fast
Thailand is turning up the heat on the global culinary map, climbing the ranks in food tourism, but it still has a bit of catching up to do with Japan. According to the Thailand Culinary Image Assessment and Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 survey by Kenetixs Consulting, Thailand has firmly positioned itself as a global gastronomy hotspot, securing second place just behind Japan…
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AirAsia unveils Phuket–Medan route to spark tourism boom
Thai AirAsia is turning up the heat on regional travel with the launch of a new direct route connecting Phuket to Medan, Indonesia, giving travellers even more reason to escape the ordinary and explore Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. Starting June 27, AirAsia’s new route will operate four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, offering a seamless connection…
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American in Thailand admits threatening US senator
A 53 year old American living in Thailand is facing up to 10 years in prison after reportedly admitting to threatening to murder a US senator and his staff, all because of too many political emails. Eric Charles Welton, an American expat residing in Thailand, allegedly pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 9, to making death threats against US Senator Thom…
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Wanted Russian arrested at Phuket Airport over unpaid wages
Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport swooped to arrest a 29 year old Russian national wanted on a Phuket Provincial Court warrant for allegedly failing to pay employee wages and defying directives issued by labour inspectors. The dramatic takedown took place at approximately 3.30pm on Wednesday, April 9, inside the airport’s international arrivals hall. The arrest was the result of…
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Thailand tops global cheating chart with 51% infidelity rate
Thailand has been named the most adulterous country on the planet, according to a recent report by the financial news platform Insider Monkey. The eyebrow-raising title places Thailand at the top of the global infidelity rankings, with a jaw-dropping cheating rate of 51%. The figures are linked to the longstanding cultural phenomenon of Mia Noi — meaning “little wife” — where men…
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Phuket Airport security questioned after sign hacked
A digital sign inside Phuket International Airport was hacked with a political message condemning Israel’s genocide in Palestine just days before Thailand’s busiest travel period. The incident occurred yesterday, April 9 and was reported to the Airports of Thailand (AoT) Phuket, but officials have yet to provide any response. The compromised sign, located near the baggage scan area, flashed the…
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Air India in hot water again after Bangkok in-flight pee incident
Business class on an Air India flight to Bangkok turned into a piddle palace after a sozzled passenger allegedly whipped it out to pee on a fellow traveller mid-flight, despite the loos being in full working order. The Air India high-flyer is now being probed by police after taking the pee, literally, on a fellow business class passenger just before…
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Don Mueang Airport sees 10% rise in Songkran passenger numbers
Don Mueang International Airport is anticipating around 700,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed today, April 9, that Don Mueang Airport is prepared to accommodate the expected surge in travellers. Wichit Kaewsaitiam, the director of Don Mueang Airport, noted that April 11 is…
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Thai Airways expands fleet with 45 Boeing dreamliners
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed that fleet expansion is a key part of its strategy, with the airline set to procure 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of a major deal to increase its aircraft numbers and strengthen ties with the United States. In a bold move aimed at both modernising its fleet and supporting Thailand’s trade negotiations with…
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Big Joke sends 300 southerners home for Songkran
Former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has made Songkran celebrations even sweeter for over 300 southerners by sending them back home with free flights and VIP bus rides, easing the financial burden during tough economic times. At Don Mueang International Airport, Big Joke, President of the Southern Association under Royal Patronage, personally waved off 320 people headed back to…
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Miss Tourism Myanmar found dead as quake toll rises
The body of Miss Tourism Myanmar 2018 was pulled from the rubble of a collapsed condo in Mandalay, Myanmar, as the country continues to reel from the catastrophic earthquake that struck on Friday, March 28. The death toll has now surged to 3,145, with more than 4,600 people injured and over 220 still missing. Rescue operations remain underway in multiple…
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Thai king and queen to make historic state visit to Bhutan
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida are preparing for their first official overseas state visit to Bhutan from April 25 to 28, marking a historic moment in strengthening ties between the two nations. The royal visit is in response to an invitation from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and it promises to be a grand cultural exchange. Upon…
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Bangkok building collapse sets records, raises safety concerns
Thailand has made world headlines for all the wrong reasons as experts reveal the collapse of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok has set two disconcerting world records: it is the tallest building to collapse in an earthquake and the furthest building from an epicentre to suffer such a fate. The tragedy occurred following the March 28…
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Trump’s tariff tantrum: US slaps huge levies on world as trade war erupts
Donald Trump has thrown the world into economic turmoil, launching a full-scale trade war by slapping sweeping new tariffs on imports, including crippling levies on key allies. Thailand has been caught in the tariff crossfire too, with officials claiming the nation could suffer an US$8 billion hit if the US were to even up levies between the two countries. Semiconductor…
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