News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
-
Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
-
SNP threatens Labour with difficulties in hung parliament over referendum
Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has warned that the Scottish National Party (SNP) could make life difficult for Labour in a hung parliament if the party does not grant Scotland the power to call a referendum. Yousaf emphasised that devolving this power would be the cost of SNP support for Labour’s agenda. However, he acknowledged that it is “obvious” that…
-
Sunak denies intervening in Johnson’s honours list amid Tory turmoil
Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has stated that Rishi Sunak did not interfere in Boris Johnson’s honours list, claiming that the world has “moved on” since Johnson’s dramatic departure. Shapps spoke on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday, emphasising that there are now “different challenges to face” and that Downing Street is “under new management.” He insisted that the government is…
-
Teenagers arrested after 16-year-old stabbed to death in Bath
Eight teenagers, consisting of six boys and two girls aged between 15 and 17, have been taken into custody on suspicion of murder following the stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Bath. A 35-year-old woman, who was also injured in the stabbing incident, has been released from the hospital after receiving treatment. Chief Inspector Ronald Lungu, from the Bath Neighbourhood…
-
Three Brits missing after Red Sea diving boat fire in Egypt
A search is currently ongoing for three British passengers who went missing after a diving boat caught fire in the Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt. Out of the 15 British passengers, 10 crew members, and two guides on the vessel in Marsa Alam, 12 tourists were rescued. Authorities have cited an electrical fault as the likely cause of…
-
MCA president Wee Ka Siong steps down after 30 years in Johor Baru
The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, has stepped down from his position as Johor Baru division leader after serving the division for 30 years. He has held the role for 15 years, following another 15 years as the division’s secretary. Wee Ka Siong expressed his belief in the importance of leadership transition at the divisional…
-
MCA awaits seat negotiations before activating polls machinery
The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) anticipates finalising seat negotiations for the upcoming six state elections before activating its campaign machinery, according to party president Wee Ka Siong. He emphasised the importance of fostering a spirit of unity within the government during these discussions. Wee Ka Siong mentioned that one of the most significant challenges faced by political parties is manifesting…
-
Malaysian maritime agency urges life jacket use after boat tragedy
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tawau Maritime Zone has issued a reminder to the public, particularly fishermen, to use life jackets while on boats. This comes after a recent boat sinking tragedy near Sebatik Island, where passengers were found not wearing life jackets, resulting in a fatality. Maritime Captain Shahrizan Raman emphasised the importance of life jackets for safety…
-
Ipoh City Council receives RM3.46m for facility upgrades and maintenance
The Local Government Development Ministry has granted an allocation of RM3.46 million to the Ipoh City Council (MBI) for the purpose of upgrading and maintaining facilities within its jurisdiction. The minister, Nga Kor Ming, announced that the funds will be used for projects such as improving the Kg Simee Market, Dataran Niaga Taman Cempaka, Lorong Isaac, and Jalan Sungai Pari…
-
Stamp duty exemption extended for sub-RM500,000 first homes
The decision to maintain the 100% stamp duty exemption for first-time property purchases under RM500,000 is anticipated to assist more Malaysians in owning a home. Nga Kor Ming, the Local Government Development (KPKT) Minister, stated that the ministry’s proposal to the Finance Ministry (MoF) to continue the initiative will help people save up for a house purchase. “Up to now,…
-
Anwar Ibrahim urges leaders to read more, foster critical thinking in students
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of being well-read and knowledgeable for leaders to effectively help the people. He addressed the recent “Kedah belongs to Penang” controversy, stating that such misunderstandings could be avoided through further reading and understanding. Anwar urged leaders to use their knowledge to benefit the public, rather than engaging in political games. During a ‘Temu…
-
Chinese student couple caught on camera during intimate classroom moment
A Chinese student couple’s intimate act inside a classroom was recorded by security cameras, leading to other students watching the incident in real time. The couple did not realise their actions were being recorded and viewed by others. According to the ETtoday website, the young lovers in China were not aware that their entire interaction was captured by the building’s…
-
Secret DNA test reveals wife’s affair with husband’s close relative
A surprising DNA test revelation left a Chinese man seeking legal justice after discovering his daughter was not biologically his, but shared a blood connection. This led to a court case exploring infidelity and damages. Recently, a civil dispute over divorce proceedings emerged at the Qiaoxi District People’s Court in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China. The case contained shocking details, capturing…
-
Montenegro snap election tests EU path amid political turmoil
In Montenegro, a snap parliamentary election is taking place, which could shed light on the future of the small NATO member in the Balkans as it grapples with political divisions and instability, potentially affecting its path towards joining the European Union. With fifteen coalitions and parties vying for votes, over 542,000 registered voters will determine the composition of the 81-seat…
-
Romanian ambassador recalled over racist monkey remark in Kenya
Romania’s foreign ministry has recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Dragos Viorel Tigau, following an incident in which he allegedly made a racist remark involving a monkey and Africans during a meeting at a United Nations building in Nairobi on April 26. The South Sudanese embassy in Kenya reported the comment, which was met with strong condemnation from African diplomats, led…
-
Malaysia Airlines magazine mislabels Sarawak in traveller’s guide
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his dismay at a misleading nickname for Sarawak published in the Going Places traveller’s guide. In a Facebook post, he highlighted his shock at the sub-headline of an article in the June 2023 edition of Malaysia Airlines’ magazine. Dr Sim did not explicitly mention the error, but it was clear he…
-
Masked trio break into Kuching home, steal food in viral CCTV clip
A CCTV video capturing three masked intruders breaking into a residence on Jalan Stampin Tengah at around 3am has been widely circulated on social media. The one-minute footage shows the suspects crawling on a kitchen counter after gaining entry through a window. One of the individuals can be seen taking two knives from a holder and handing one to another…
-
Ex-JDT footballer Asraruddin Putra Omar moves to Saudi for religious growth
Former JDT footballer Asraruddin Putra Omar, 35, has relocated to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of happiness and to deepen his religious knowledge. Although he has not signed any contracts with clubs in the country, Asraruddin Putra, who did not announce his retirement from football after suffering leg injuries, is currently residing in a Malay village in Ajyad Hill, Mecca. Asraruddin…
-
Kelantan to announce state legislative assembly dissolution date this week
Kelantan is set to reveal the dissolution date of its state legislative assembly later this week, following the state government’s weekly executive council meeting, according to Astro Awani. Kelantan’s Menteri Besar, Ahmad Yakob, confirmed the upcoming announcement, while state Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah urged for patience, stating that the date will be disclosed soon. *God willing, we…
-
EU deforestation rules seen as discrimination against Malaysia’s palm oil industry
The European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) and other related regulations have been criticised for discriminating against Malaysia’s palm oil industry. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof claims that these regulations, along with the European Green Deal, aim to restrict the entry of Malaysian products into the European market. He argues that Malaysia’s palm oil industry is more productive and progressive compared…
-
Kemas kindergarten teachers’ salary restructuring still under discussion
The Rural and Regional Development Ministry in Kota Samarahan is currently working on the restructuring of the salary scale scheme for kindergarten teachers under the Community Development Department (Kemas). Deputy Minister Rubiah Wang has revealed that the ministry has so far only announced an increase in the monthly allowance for Kemas volunteers, raising it from RM500 to RM800. “Discussion is…
-
Supernatural occurrences during room clean-up by rescue workers
Volunteer rescue workers found themselves in an unusual situation while cleaning a rented room of a late DJ in Chon Buri province. The room, which contained an abandoned motorbike parked for over two years, had peculiar incidents ensuing wind and musty smell amidst the cleaning process. On June 9, crews from Sawangkan Pragoson Rescue Foundation in Rayong province helped clean…
-
Deputy Premier slams Malaysia Airlines’ magazine for Sarawak nickname error
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his disappointment over the incorrect nickname for Sarawak featured in the Going Places traveller’s guide. In a recent Facebook post, Dr Sim shared his shock at discovering the error in the June 2023 edition of Malaysia Airlines’ magazine. He did not explicitly mention the mistake, but it was evident that he…
-
Myanmar gang caught providing illegal labour in Samut Prakan
Police in Samut Prakan province swooped on a Myanmar human trafficking gang involved in illegally providing undocumented workers. Officers arrested two gang members and 13 other Myanmar nationals, who were found inside two taxis. Security officers in Samut Prakan province recently arrested Mr Jo and Mr Bung, both from Myanmar, along with 13 other Myanmar nationals who were found in…
-
Health Ministry discusses halted sponsorship for medical students
The Health Ministry (MOH) and the Public Service Department (JPA) are in discussions regarding the JPA’s decision to cease sponsorship for students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa expressed concerns that this move may discourage students from pursuing studies in these fields, which are essential for the country’s health services. Dr Zaliha also mentioned that the…
-
China upgrades intelligence unit in Cuba amid global spy efforts
For years, China has maintained an intelligence unit in Cuba, which was upgraded in 2019 as part of Beijing’s global strategy to enhance its intelligence-gathering capabilities, according to a senior White House official. This revelation follows a recent Wall Street Journal report claiming that China had struck a covert agreement with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the…
-
Annuar Musa rejects Umno return, claims party causes division and betrays Malays
Tan Sri Annuar Musa, a former senior Umno leader, has announced that he will not return to the party from which he was sacked, according to a report by PAS-owned daily Harakah. Annuar, who recently became a PAS member, stated that Umno is no longer the preferred party for Malaysians since GE13 and has caused divisions. “I decided not to…
-
Sultan Ibrahim pays record RM1.2m for Malaysia’s priciest number plate
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Johor Ruler, now possesses Malaysia’s most expensive number plate in the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) special “FF” series. Loke had initially planned to present the “FF 1” plate to Sultan Ibrahim as a gift, but the monarch chose to pay the government RM1.2 million (US$290,000) for it instead. Loke stated,…
-
8 year old girl’s body found in bamboo grove after drowning in creek
The body of an 8 year old girl was discovered floating near bamboo shoots in the Lum Hua Klong Kong Creek, 100 meters away from where she drowned in Udon Thani’s Kum Pha Wa Pi district. The tragic incident occurred on June 9 when the girl, Patty, and her friends played at the creek after school. On the evening of June…
-
Education Ministry investigates factors behind SPM exam non-attendance spike
The Education Ministry of Malaysia is currently investigating the factors leading to the absence of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students on their examination day. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has stated that the ministry aims to make appropriate interventions to ensure better student attendance in future years. Fadhlina Sidek commented on the issue during a visit to Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan…
-
Newborn’s body found floating in Kota Kinabalu water village
A newborn baby’s body was discovered floating in a water village in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. Villagers made the tragic discovery as they were crossing the wooden bridge in the village around 6.30pm and promptly contacted the police. The gender of the baby has yet to be determined. Acting Kota Kinabalu district police chief, Kalsom Idris, stated in a press release…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.