Etihad Airways to Introduce Flatbeds on Phuket Route in 2025

[Video News]

 

The transcription below covers stories from Thailand and Southeast Asian countries. Highlights include Etihad Airways introducing flatbeds on its Phuket route and India and Malaysia strengthening trade and defense ties.

 

1. Etihad Airways to Introduce Flatbeds on Phuket Route in 2025
Etihad Airways will launch flights with flatbed business class seats on the Airbus A321LR between Abu Dhabi and Phuket in August 2025. The route will feature three cabin classes, with flight frequency to Thailand increasing to 41 per week by October 2024.

 

2. Thai Actor QP Faces Backlash Over Fatal Jet Ski Incident
Thai actor QP is under public scrutiny after a jet ski collision resulted in two deaths. This follows a previous incident where he was found at fault for a car accident. Concerns over his reckless behaviour have resurfaced, sparking calls for stricter watercraft regulations.

 

3. Foreign Cyclist Injured After Phuket Taxi Collision
A foreign cyclist was seriously injured after being hit by a Phuket airport taxi on August 18. The incident has raised safety concerns among netizens, with many sharing negative experiences involving taxis in the area.

 

4. Thai Thief Gets Stuck Between Buildings During Escape
A thief trying to flee after breaking into an abandoned bank in Kanchanaburi ended up trapped in a 50 cm gap between two buildings. Rescuers freed the man after an hour, and he was taken to the hospital before being transferred to police custody.

 

5. Drunken Tourist Attacks German Man and Thai Wife in Pattaya
A drunken tourist allegedly assaulted a German man and his Thai wife in Pattaya on August 20. The victims sustained injuries, and the suspect is facing legal action after being uncooperative with authorities.

 

6. Foreign Man Compensates Thai Woman Over Dog Dispute in Udon Thani
A foreign man in Udon Thani paid 1,500 baht to a Thai woman after crashing his motorcycle into her fence during a dispute over barking dogs. Both parties resolved the issue and agreed to be better neighbours.

 

7. Australia and Indonesia Sign Defense Cooperation Pact
Australia and Indonesia have signed a defence cooperation agreement, allowing their militaries to operate from each other's territories. The pact aims to strengthen regional stability and security, enhancing the strategic trust between the two nations.

 

8. Philippines to Host U.S. Visa Center for Afghan Nationals
The Philippines will temporarily host a U.S. visa processing centre for Afghan nationals seeking resettlement. Afghans will stay for up to 59 days while their special immigrant visas are processed, with the U.S. covering all costs.

 

9. India and Malaysia Strengthen Trade and Defense Cooperation
India and Malaysia have reset relations, boosting trade, defence, and worker movement. Both nations agreed on bilateral currency transactions, and India will export 200,000 metric tons of rice to Malaysia as part of the agreement.