Month: June 2023
- World News
UK economy grows 0.2% in April driven by pubs and car sales
The United Kingdom’s economy experienced growth in April, with a 0.2% increase following a 0.3% contraction in March, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data revealed a 0.1% growth over the three months leading up to April. ONS Director of Economic Statistics, Darren Morgan, attributed the bounce back to strong performance in bars and pubs, a rebound…
Read More » - Thailand News
El Niño threatens Thai agriculture with 5% rainfall drop and water shortages
The El Niño weather pattern’s impact on Thailand is becoming more apparent, with hot and dry conditions persisting despite the rainy season’s official commencement on May 22. The Meteorological Department has announced that this year’s total rainfall will be approximately 5% lower than the annual average, leading to potential water shortages and prolonged dry spells. The El Niño phenomenon, which…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phallic procession invokes divine showers: Thai residents parade huge wooden penis to summon rain gods (video)
Residents in the central province of Kanchanaburi took part in a ritual with an enormous wooden sculpture of a penis to invoke rain and paraded it around the community while praying to Devas, also known as Buddhism angels. The 600 kilogrammes wooden phallic sculpture, called Palad Khik in Thai, serves as an amulet that many Thai people carry with them,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai folk legend Pumpuang Duangjan’s anniversary sparks lottery frenzy
Luck favours the bold! On the 31st anniversary of the singer Pumpuang Duangjan’s passing, her legion of devoted followers planned to enter the lottery in the hopes of winning her blessings. The passing of Pumpuang Duangjan, known as the Queen of Thai Folk Music, was commemorated yesterday by family, friends, and fans who continue to admire the exceptional quality of…
Read More » - Business News
Thai outbound travel surges as Asian flight capacities increase
The Thai outbound travel market is experiencing fierce competition among Asian countries, as flight capacities have increased compared to last year. The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) anticipates that the Thai outbound market could recover to half of the 11.2 million departures in 2019, prior to the pandemic, due to stronger flight frequencies in Asia. TTAA vice-president Chotechuang Soorangura stated…
Read More » - World News
Over 200,000 parents miss out on £53m Healthy Start vouchers
Over a third of eligible parents are not receiving the Healthy Start voucher scheme, which is intended to help families afford essential items like baby formula. This revelation comes after a Sky News investigation into the extreme measures UK families are taking to feed their infants due to the soaring cost of baby formula milk. Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck is…
Read More » - Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation…
Read More » - World News
Brake urges 20mph limit near schools to cut child road casualties
Safety charity Brake has called for a 20mph speed limit to be imposed on all roads near schools in the UK to reduce child fatalities. Last year, 2,456 children under 16 were seriously injured or killed on the country’s roads. Many councils have already implemented 20mph zones near schools, but Brake claims that two-thirds of parents report higher limits on…
Read More » - World News
Malaysia allocates $750m to tackle rural poverty, plans new job programmes
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to convene a meeting with district officers across Malaysia next week to address the pressing issue of hardcore poverty, particularly in rural areas. Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan revealed that the government has allocated US$750 million in the 2023 budget for this purpose, which will be directed to the Ministry of Economy to implement…
Read More » - World News
Ex-minister disputes PM’s claims on 30,000 absent SPM exam students
Former Malaysian education minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin has countered Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s claims regarding the number of absent SPM candidates during last year’s national examinations. Mohd Radzi pointed out that local news reports indicated 14,858 students were absent, not the 30,000 cited by the prime minister during a dialogue session with undergraduates at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Anwar had…
Read More » - World News
KLIA aerotrain service upgrade set for 2023 completion, minister urges haste
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is set to have one of its two Automated People Mover (APM) or aerotrain services back in operation next year. The Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has instructed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to ensure the upgrading works are completed on schedule or earlier. The aerotrain has been in service for 25 years and is now…
Read More » - Road deaths
Terrifying near-miss in Ratchaburi prompts calls for improved road safety measures
A terrifying incident occurred on a dark, poorly lit road when a white sedan suddenly emerged from a side road, narrowly missing a pickup truck, before crashing into a road sign and street isle. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as passengers, escaped unharmed from the ordeal in Ratchaburi province. A social media user shared a video of the…
Read More » - Road deaths
Motorist crashes into house causing 2 million baht in damages, leaves family homeless
A 21 year old man has caused nearly 2 million baht (US$57,745) in damages after he lost control of his truck and crashed into a house, destroying the roof and damaging another car. The incident occurred in Ban Na Don, Nong Na Kham sub-district, Mueang district, Udon Thani Province. Luckily, the five people sleeping inside were unharmed. The driver sustained…
Read More » - World News
Bud Light loses top spot in US sales after transgender influencer boycott
Bud Light has lost its status as the top-selling beer in the United States following a boycott, according to recent data. Sales dropped by nearly 25% in the four weeks leading up to June 3, as reported by consulting firm Bump Williams. The boycott began after transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney shared a photo of a personalised Bud Light can on…
Read More » - World News
RNLI lifeboats rescue 108 migrants amid 290 Channel call-outs
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) revealed that lifeboats were deployed 290 times in 2022 to rescue migrants attempting to cross the English Channel. This is the first time the charity has disclosed details about its involvement in migrant crossings. Despite criticism that the RNLI is operating as a “taxi service” for migrants, the organisation has saved 108 lives in…
Read More » - World News
Kelantan state assembly dissolves, paving way for Malaysian elections
The Kelantan state assembly in Malaysia is set to be dissolved on June 22, clearing the way for state elections, as announced by Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob. He had previously sought an audience with the state ruler of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, to discuss the dissolution of the 14th state assembly. Kelantan is not the only state to hold elections…
Read More » - Crime News
Teenage rider killed in brutal shooting near Bangkok, police pursue gunman
A teenage motorcycle rider was fatally shot in a brutal attack in Bangkok, at around 6.30pm yesterday. Deputy Superintendent Suwat Deeplang of Nong Chok Police Station and his team are investigating the incident while pursuing the ruthless gunman responsible for the murder of the 19 year old. At the scene of the crime, near Soi Liabwari 32 in Nong Chok…
Read More » - World News
Malaysia’s Klang Valley rail lines expect shorter travel times by September
Klang Valley commuters in Malaysia can anticipate reduced travel times and increased train frequencies on several public transport rail lines by around August or September, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. In a parliamentary response, Loke stated that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd are currently implementing various initiatives to restore public confidence in the rapid transit system.…
Read More » - Business News
BAFS to build 1.2 billion baht oil pipeline linking Saraburi and Ang Thong
Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS) is set to construct a new 52-kilometre oil pipeline connecting Saraburi to Ang Thong, in a bid to enhance its trade in the northern region. The project, which is estimated to cost 1.2 billion baht, will facilitate oil transportation from the east to the north. BAFS is currently in discussions with Thai Petroleum Pipeline…
Read More » - Thailand News
Miss Universe Thailand contestants promote cultural tourism in Udon Thani
Several Miss Universe Thailand beauty pageant contestants visited a number of sacred sites in Udon Thani where they were warmly received by locals. The group took part in several traditional rituals as a gesture of respect and homage. The beauty pageant contestants participating in Miss Universe Thailand 2023 yesterday morning visited Wat Si Dara in Na Chum Saeng, Thung Fon, and…
Read More » - Food
Where to find the best Japanese desserts in Bangkok
Life is short. So, why not indulge in Japanese sweets that transport your taste buds all to way to Tokyo while you’re in Bangkok? Delicate flavours and beautiful presentation have made Japanese desserts a worldwide hit, and Bangkok is home to plenty of shops selling these lovely treats. Read on to find out where to discover the best Japanese desserts…
Read More » - World News
Global displacement hits 110 million, UNHCR cites Ukraine and Sudan conflicts
A staggering 110 million people across the globe now find themselves displaced, with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan contributing significantly to this figure, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency’s annual report revealed that approximately 19 million individuals were forced to flee their homes last year, marking the largest annual increase ever recorded.…
Read More » - World News
AI use in workplace linked to loneliness and insomnia, study reveals
A recent study has revealed that employees who frequently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplace are more likely to experience loneliness, leading to insomnia. The research was conducted in four locations – Taiwan, Indonesia, the US, and Malaysia – and found consistent results across all regions. Lead researcher Pok Man Tang explained that the rapid advancement in AI systems…
Read More » - World News
Cosplay pianist Pan Piano shocks viewers with sexy outfits: Are they appropriate for YouTube?
A pianist YouTuber known as Pan Piano has shocked viewers by posting a risqué piano performance while donning revealing cosplay outfits, resulting in millions of views in a short period. The viral video has sparked debates about the appropriateness of such content on the video-sharing platform. Pan Piano, previously known for her elaborate cosplay looks, now displays more of her…
Read More » - Thailand News
Belgian man commits suicide at a Phuket shooting range
A Belgian man reportedly took his own life at a shooting range in Phuket yesterday. The motive of the suicide is under investigation. Officers from Chalong Police Station rushed to investigate Sai Yuan Shooting Range in the Rawai sub-district, Mueang district of Phuket after being notified about the death of the Belgian man, who was later identified as a 52…
Read More » - World News
Russian Major-General killed in Ukrainian missile strike, says official
In a significant development, a high-ranking Russian officer has reportedly been killed during a Ukrainian missile strike, as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russian forces. According to Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-backed official in Ukraine, Major-General Sergei Goryachev, Chief of Staff of Russia’s 35th Army, was killed in the southern Zaporizhia region on the frontlines where Ukrainian forces have been regaining…
Read More » - World News
AI discrimination more pressing than human extinction, says EU competition chief
The European Union’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has highlighted discrimination as a more urgent concern than human extinction in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with the BBC, Vestager emphasised the need for “guardrails” to counter the technology’s risks, particularly in areas where AI is used for decision-making that can impact livelihoods, such as mortgage applications. The…
Read More » - World News
Instant Brands files for bankruptcy amid $1bn liabilities, weak demand
Instant Brands, the company behind Pyrex glassware and Instant Pot multicookers, has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing liabilities of up to US$1bn. The firm attributes its financial troubles to high interest rates and weak demand. With over 2,400 employees, Instant Brands plans to continue operations while restructuring the business. This follows a warning from fellow kitchenware brand Tupperware in April,…
Read More » - World News
Berlusconi’s death leaves €6bn empire, Forza Italia’s future uncertain
The passing of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left the nation in mourning, with a state funeral being held in Milan’s grand cathedral. This level of tribute, usually reserved for popes, war heroes, and serving ministers, demonstrates the impact of Berlusconi’s life on Italy. The media mogul and political leader leaves behind a vast empire and a powerful…
Read More » - World News
Putin claims Ukrainian losses ‘catastrophic’, Zelensky denies failing counter-offensive
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has stated that the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been largely unsuccessful, with the Ukrainian army experiencing significant losses. He claimed that Kyiv’s losses were nearing a “catastrophic” level during a meeting with war correspondents. However, this information has not been verified, and Ukrainian President Zelensky has denied that the counter-offensive is failing. “There is movement forward,”…
Read More » - World News
Malaysian mother and daughter die in Toronto house fire
A Malaysian mother, aged 38, and her three-year-old daughter tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Brampton, Toronto. The mother, Melissa Archana John, passed away during the fire, while her daughter, Aria Jeanne Phoenix, succumbed to her injuries the following day. Melissa’s husband, Omar Watson, is currently in a medically induced coma due to severe injuries sustained in…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai coconut milk industry battles PETA’s monkey abuse claims
Thai coconut milk producers are calling on the government to swiftly hire a lobbyist to counteract allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the treatment of monkeys by local farmers. PETA recently reiterated its claims on Twitter, stating that monkeys are kidnapped as babies and later forced to pick coconuts in the Thai coconut industry.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Car sales consultant found dead in Nonthaburi temple parking lot
A female car sales consultant was found dead in her car at a temple’s parking lot in Nonthaburi province after being reported missing by her sister. The 55 year old victim’s body was discovered yesterday, at around 4.30pm, in a white Toyota sedan with Phetchaburi licence plates. Local police arrived at the scene where the woman’s body was found, having been…
Read More » - Thailand News
Speeding motorbike hits parked car, rider severely injured in northeast Thailand
A parked car outside the owner’s home was hit by a speeding motorbike, leaving the bike’s rider severely injured in northeast Thailand. The incident occurred in the community of Sra Kaew, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Early morning today, police from the Phimai station were alerted to a road accident involving a motorbike straying out of its lane and colliding with a…
Read More » - Thailand News
CCTV footage of attempted rape case at massage shop in Bangkok deleted
Officers from Chana Songkham Police Station yesterday investigated the attempted rape of a Japanese woman at a massage shop on Ram Buttri Road near Khao San Road in Bangkok. CCTV footage of the incident was reported to have been deleted and the masseur in question has resigned from the shop. The 23 year old Japanese woman took to Twitter to…
Read More » - World News
Baleh hydroelectric project on track for 2028 despite pandemic delays
The Baleh hydroelectric project, a 1,285MW dam in Kapit, Sarawak, is on track to commence operations by 2028, according to Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. The construction is expected to be completed within the next three to four years, despite some delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and worker-related issues. “Our schedule for the dam to be completed is in…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Indian man drowns in Pattaya pool as witnesses mistake struggle for play
A 44 year old Indian man yesterday tragically drowned in a Pattaya hotel swimming pool. The incident took place at 8.30pm in a well-known South Pattaya hotel, which remains unnamed by local police as they continue their investigation. The Indian tourist, identified as Vivek Kumar, was reportedly enjoying his time in the pool with an Indian woman, whose name has…
Read More »
