Month: June 2023

  • South Thailand NewsSurat Thani storm leaves durian farmers with over 6 million baht loss

    Surat Thani storm leaves durian farmers with over 6 million baht loss

    Durian farmers in Surat Thani province are suffering immense losses as the storm knocked down more than 50 tonnes of unripe fruit, resulting in a financial setback of over 6 million baht (US$173,310). Agricultural officials assessed the damage in two affected sub-districts of Ban Na San district, Lamphun and Phoem Phun Sap sub-districts, with assistance required for the devastated farmers.…

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  • Thailand NewsFactory worker found dead after mother disapproves of girlfriend

    Factory worker found dead after mother disapproves of girlfriend

    A 39 year old factory worker was found dead in his bedroom after being reportedly distressed by his mother’s disapproval of his girlfriend. The incident took place at the man’s residence in the Tha Maka district of Kanchanaburi province. He had only been dating the woman for three months. Local police and forensics teams are investigating the case. After finding…

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  • Thailand NewsAlbino bullfrog with numeric marks found in Prachin Buri sparks local excitement

    Albino bullfrog with numeric marks found in Prachin Buri sparks local excitement

    The discovery of an albino bullfrog with unique markings has sparked intrigue and excitement among locals ahead of the June 16 lottery. A woman from Prachin Buri province recently stumbled upon a peculiar bullfrog while foraging for mushrooms in the forest with her friend. The bullfrog, which they had never seen before, appeared to have an unusual pattern with numbers…

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  • World NewsIsraeli soldiers avoid prosecution over Palestinian-American’s death

    Israeli soldiers avoid prosecution over Palestinian-American’s death

    The Israeli military has decided not to criminally prosecute the soldiers involved in the death of Omar Assad, an 80-year-old Palestinian-American, who passed away in January 2022 after being detained at a West Bank checkpoint. Instead, the soldiers will only face disciplinary measures. Palestinian leaders had called for the soldiers to be prosecuted in an international court. Omar Assad, a…

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  • World NewsTrump dismisses charges over mishandling classified documents as abuse of power

    Trump dismisses charges over mishandling classified documents as abuse of power

    Former US President Donald Trump has dismissed the federal charges brought against him regarding his handling of classified documents, just hours after pleading not guilty at an arraignment in Miami, Florida. Trump faces 37 counts of concealing and mishandling classified documents. Addressing a crowd from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, he labelled the case as the “most evil…

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  • World NewsMalaysia’s Health White Paper set for Dewan Rakyat debate

    Malaysia’s Health White Paper set for Dewan Rakyat debate

    The Health White Paper, which includes a comprehensive policy on reforming Malaysia’s health system over 15 years, is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa will move the motion to table the paper after the winding up session for the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) annual report. The Health White…

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  • World NewsPKNS urged to strategise for socio-economic growth in Selangor state

    PKNS urged to strategise for socio-economic growth in Selangor state

    The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has been urged to continue strategising in order to drive socio-economic growth in the state, according to Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari. As an agency under the state government, PKNS is expected to have a clear focus and direction for development and new growth, particularly for the next 50 years. “PKNS will be celebrating…

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  • World NewsSix Malaysian states anticipate simultaneous polls in August

    Six Malaysian states anticipate simultaneous polls in August

    Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated that the state elections for Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan could take place in August. The final decision on the election date rests with the Election Commission (EC), which has not yet provided a clear indicator. However, simultaneous polls are expected for all six states. Chow is scheduled to…

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  • World NewsMIC leader dismisses need for explanation on Sivarraajh’s CWC removal

    MIC leader dismisses need for explanation on Sivarraajh’s CWC removal

    An MIC leader has stated that there is no need for the party to provide an official explanation to former vice-president C. Sivarraajh regarding his removal from its central working committee (CWC). According to Free Malaysia Today, MIC information chief Thinalan Rajagopal claimed that there was no reason given when Sivarraajh joined the CWC in 2021, as it was the…

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  • Bangkok NewsTile pattern ice cream: Must-try ice cream at Wat Arun in Bangkok

    Tile pattern ice cream: Must-try ice cream at Wat Arun in Bangkok

    A Bangkok café and restaurant has created a delicious, arty ice cream to help support the education of monks and novices and pay for the upkeep of a well-known temple in the capital. The Arun-Cafe Coffee & Restaurant has conjured a 3D ice cream which has been crafted to mirror the ceramic tiles adorning the central prang (which means tall…

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  • Crime NewsUdon Thani man fatally stabs stepson over missing fighting cocks

    Udon Thani man fatally stabs stepson over missing fighting cocks

    A brutal crime unfolded in Udon Thani, Thailand after a 56 year old man allegedly stabbed his 33 year old stepson to death in a fit of rage over the disappearance of two fighting cocks in their family home. The victim, Nookraisak Saikhao, was found lying lifeless in a pool of blood on his bed by his ex-wife, who immediately…

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  • Thailand NewsNewborn girl’s body found in Buriram rubbish heap

    Newborn girl’s body found in Buriram rubbish heap

    A 60 year old man discovered the body of a newborn girl, estimated to be about two days old, abandoned on a rubbish heap in a bag in Thailand’s Buriram province. The disoriented man, who has a speech disability, protected the body from flies until authorities arrived to investigate and recover the infant. Yesterday, Pol. Lt. Col. Chaleow Phayakkul, an…

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  • Bangkok NewsBangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year

    Bangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has rated his performance as five out of 10 after completing his first year in office. Despite facing criticism for his lack of achievements, Chadchart, who won the election by a landslide on May 22 last year, said it was a matter of opinion. During an announcement at City Hall yesterday, Chadchart admitted that he had…

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  • Thailand NewsMonsoon causes 60% of Bangkok to face heavy rain risk, flash flood warnings issued

    Monsoon causes 60% of Bangkok to face heavy rain risk, flash flood warnings issued

    A heavy rain warning has been issued for Thailand, with 60% of Bangkok at risk of downpours. The public has been cautioned about flash flooding. The Department of Meteorology forecasts continued to warn of rainfall and stormy conditions, particularly in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions. The department has issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning that the moderate southwestern monsoon…

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  • World NewsUkraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support, US announces US5m aid

    Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support, US announces US$325m aid

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the progress of his troops as they advance near the city of Bakhmut in the east and on the southern front. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, promising increased support from NATO leaders in their upcoming meeting. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that…

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  • World NewsTrump pleads not guilty amid showmanship and Republican unease

    Trump pleads not guilty amid showmanship and Republican unease

    The indictment of Donald Trump unfolded in two distinct arenas on Tuesday afternoon – a federal courtroom in Florida and the realm of public opinion. Within the Miami courthouse, Trump and his legal representatives maintained a composed demeanor. A lawyer for the former president informed the judge that Trump was pleading not guilty to all charges. Discussions ensued regarding the…

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  • World NewsNHS struggles with junior doctor strike amid heatwave pressures

    NHS struggles with junior doctor strike amid heatwave pressures

    NHS England is facing significant challenges as the hot weather and the latest junior doctors’ strike put pressure on the health service. The British Medical Association’s 72-hour walkout began on Wednesday, and it is anticipated that much routine care will be cancelled. The heat is also causing extra demands on accident and emergency units, prompting health bosses to urge people…

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  • World NewsEssex Police warn of lethal opioid Etonitazene after Basildon deaths

    Essex Police warn of lethal opioid Etonitazene after Basildon deaths

    A warning has been issued by Essex Police after the discovery of a potentially lethal synthetic opioid at the scene of two deaths in Basildon. A man and a woman, both in their 40s, were found dead at a property on Tuesday, with the presence of etonitazene identified at the scene. Etonitazene, also known as Pyro, is a synthetic opioid…

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  • World NewsSarawak ministry mulls Tuak Festival to boost local culture, tourism

    Sarawak ministry mulls Tuak Festival to boost local culture, tourism

    As part of its efforts to promote Sarawak culture, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is considering the idea of organising a “Tuak Festival.” The event, which may initially be held in Kuching, aims to showcase and promote tuak, a traditional rice wine of the Dayaks, and the culture of the state. Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian…

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  • World NewsManhunt for Indonesian escapees expands in Sarawak with 100 officers

    Manhunt for Indonesian escapees expands in Sarawak with 100 officers

    A manhunt involving 100 police personnel, including members of the General Operations Force’s (GOF) Tiger Platoon, has been launched in Sarawak to locate two Indonesian men who escaped from the Tapah police station lockup. Sarawak police commissioner Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri announced that the search radius for the escapees, Kelvin, 21 years old, and Bony, 31 years old, has been…

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  • World NewsSabah police probe handling of woman’s case before ex-lover’s alleged murder

    Sabah police probe handling of woman’s case before ex-lover’s alleged murder

    Sabah police are investigating potential breaches of standards in the handling of a case involving a woman who was later allegedly killed by her ex-lover at a shopping mall. Police commissioner Jauteh Dikun stated that if the investigation reveals any shortcomings, disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved. The family of Nurul Ain Silien, who was allegedly murdered…

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  • World NewsTrump’s defamation lawsuit advances despite prior sexual abuse verdict

    Trump’s defamation lawsuit advances despite prior sexual abuse verdict

    A US federal judge has ruled that E Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump can proceed, despite a jury in May finding Trump liable for defaming and sexually abusing her. District Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed arguments that the case could not go ahead due to the jury’s determination that Trump was responsible for sexual abuse, not rape.…

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  • World NewsTrump faces federal charges, pleads not guilty to concealing classified documents

    Trump faces federal charges, pleads not guilty to concealing classified documents

    Former US President Donald Trump appeared in a Miami courtroom, facing criminal charges for the second time since leaving office. Trump, dressed in a blue suit and red tie, listened as prosecutors accused him of improperly possessing and concealing classified documents. This marks the first instance of a former president facing federal criminal charges. The courtroom did not permit cameras,…

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  • World NewsTrump pleads not guilty to 37 charges, supporters rally in Miami

    Trump pleads not guilty to 37 charges, supporters rally in Miami

    Supporters of former US President Donald Trump gathered in Miami, Florida, as he pled not guilty to 37 charges of mishandling classified information. This indictment marks the first time a former US president has been federally prosecuted. Trump’s supporters rallied around the court, protesting the charges and claiming they are politically motivated to hinder his potential 2024 campaign. Last week,…

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  • World NewsNew law grants police power to intervene in seriously disruptive protests

    New law grants police power to intervene in seriously disruptive protests

    Parliament has approved a law granting police in England and Wales clearer authority to intervene in protests considered seriously disruptive. The House of Lords passed the new regulations, despite opposition from some peers. The law allows officers to take action when protesters attempt to block roads through slow marching, a tactic employed by groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop…

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  • World NewsUmno’s decline signals political shift, coalition method future of Malaysia

    Umno’s decline signals political shift, coalition method future of Malaysia

    The declining support for Malaysia’s United Malays National Organisation (Umno) has been evident since the 12th general election in 2008, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. According to Syaza Syukri, an assistant professor of political science at International Islamic University Malaysia, the 2008 election signalled the beginning of a “political tsunami” that has continued to impact Umno’s…

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  • World NewsDorsey talks Musk, censorship, and AI in first post-Twitter interview

    Dorsey talks Musk, censorship, and AI in first post-Twitter interview

    Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has spoken to Breaking Points in his first interview since leaving the company in 2021, discussing Elon Musk’s involvement with Twitter, censorship issues with governments, and the future of artificial intelligence (AI). Dorsey expressed his satisfaction with Musk’s decision to become more involved with Twitter, stating, “At the very start, I was hoping for years…

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  • World NewsPress Secretary faces Hatch Act scrutiny for mega MAGA remarks

    Press Secretary faces Hatch Act scrutiny for mega MAGA remarks

    In a recent development, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faces scrutiny for violating the Hatch Act, a law that limits political activity by federal employees. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has accused Jean-Pierre of using her official capacity to influence the outcome of an election by referring to “mega MAGA Republicans” during press briefings before the November 2022…

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  • World NewsCormac McCarthy dies aged 89, leaving legacy of dark tales

    Cormac McCarthy dies aged 89, leaving legacy of dark tales

    Renowned American author Cormac McCarthy, celebrated for his gripping and often dark tales of the US frontier and post-apocalyptic worlds, has passed away at the age of 89. McCarthy’s death was due to natural causes at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as confirmed by his son John McCarthy and publisher Penguin Random House. Cormac McCarthy’s unique writing style…

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  • World NewsBunge and Glencore-backed Viterra to merge, creating bn agri-trade giant

    Bunge and Glencore-backed Viterra to merge, creating $34bn agri-trade giant

    The global agricultural trading sector is set to see a major transformation as US grains merchants Bunge and Glencore-backed Viterra plan to merge, creating a $34bn giant, including debt. This deal, announced on Tuesday, will bring the combined company closer to leading rivals Archer-Daniels-Midland and Cargill, valuing both Bunge and Viterra at approximately $17bn each. Bunge, already the world’s largest…

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  • World NewsNATO summit prioritises Ukraine support, Indo-Pacific ties, and defence spending

    NATO summit prioritises Ukraine support, Indo-Pacific ties, and defence spending

    NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has discussed key topics for the upcoming alliance summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, during a meeting with top US officials at the White House. Stoltenberg, who will step down as secretary general in September, highlighted NATO’s commitment to support Ukraine and strengthen deterrence on defence at the summit. Stoltenberg also emphasised the importance of sending a strong…

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  • World NewsFootball mourns ex-Italian PM Berlusconi’s impact on AC Milan

    Football mourns ex-Italian PM Berlusconi’s impact on AC Milan

    The football world mourns the passing of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, aged 86, who left a lasting impact on AC Milan and the sport itself. Former Dutch internationals Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit paid their respects, reminiscing about Berlusconi’s influence on their careers and the game during their time at AC Milan. Berlusconi’s 1986 acquisition of AC…

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  • World NewsUS lawmakers urge relocating US-Africa summit over South Africa-Russia ties

    US lawmakers urge relocating US-Africa summit over South Africa-Russia ties

    A group of American legislators has urged for the relocation of the upcoming US-Africa trade summit, initially set to take place in South Africa later this year. The lawmakers cited concerns over South Africa’s “deepening military relationship” with Russia as the reason for their request. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other high-ranking officials,…

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  • World NewsPutin hints at Ukraine sanitary zone amid escalating border attacks

    Putin hints at Ukraine sanitary zone amid escalating border attacks

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the possibility of expanding military operations in Ukraine to safeguard Russian territory on the border. This comes as Ukrainian forces report progress in their counteroffensive against Russian troops. Putin shared his perspective on the conflict during an open meeting with military journalists and bloggers, revealing that Ukraine has allegedly lost 160 tanks and…

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  • World NewsTrump pleads not guilty to charges over classified documents

    Trump pleads not guilty to charges over classified documents

    Former US President Donald Trump has entered a not guilty plea in response to criminal charges alleging he unlawfully retained classified documents after leaving the White House. The 37 charges against him include obstructing the government’s attempts to retrieve the files. Prosecutors are pushing for a swift trial now that Trump has made his court appearance; however, legal experts suggest…

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  • World NewsMalaysia seeks Interpol help to find comedian over MH370 joke

    Malaysia seeks Interpol help to find comedian over MH370 joke

    Malaysia is seeking assistance from Interpol in locating a New York-based comedian who made a joke about the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Jocelyn Chia, a US national who was raised in Singapore, is being investigated under laws related to incitement and offensive online content, according to the police. The joke she posted online last week sparked an official protest…

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  • World NewsAmnesty urges ICC probe into Israel-Gaza Strip conflict war crimes

    Amnesty urges ICC probe into Israel-Gaza Strip conflict war crimes

    Amnesty International has reported that war crimes may have been committed during the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip last month. The human rights organisation found that Israeli forces carried out seemingly disproportionate air strikes, resulting in the deaths of Palestinian civilians. Additionally, the report states that indiscriminate rocket fire by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad…

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