Year: 2023
- Business News
Bank of Thailand continues interest rate normalisation amid new government
The Bank of Thailand has stated that the formation of a new government will not impact its decision to raise interest rates further. The central bank’s deputy governor, Mathee Supapongse, emphasised the need for the bank to maintain a separate view from elected officials, with the aim of continuing to normalise interest rates. “Despite recent increases, Thai interest rates are…
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Afghanistan mosque explosion kills Taliban officials during funeral prayers
A mosque in north-east Afghanistan was rocked by an explosion, resulting in multiple casualties. Among those injured or killed were several local Taliban officials. The blast took place during a prayer service held for the deputy governor of Badakhshan province, who lost his life in a car bomb attack earlier this week. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for…
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Ukraine blamed for ammonia pipeline blast, threatens Russian grain deal
Russia has accused Ukraine of being responsible for an explosion on a crucial ammonia pipeline, stating that it could negatively impact the renewal of a significant grain export agreement. The Togliatti-Odesa pipeline was damaged in a blast on Monday, which Moscow attributes to Ukrainian “sabotage” groups. The Kremlin has declared that it will not renew last year’s grain export deal…
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Teen charged with Aberdeenshire murder, drug supply, and indecent communication
A 19-year-old has been charged with the murder of a 24-year-old man in Aberdeenshire. Michael Jenkins was declared dead on Watermill Road in Fraserburgh after police responded to a disturbance report around 6pm on Sunday. Alfie Whelan, from Sutton, appeared in Peterhead Sheriff Court on Wednesday, facing charges of murder, supplying controlled drugs, and communicating indecently. Whelan has been remanded…
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Climate change boosts flight turbulence, study warns
A recent study has revealed that climate change is causing an increase in turbulence during flights, with the situation expected to worsen. Clear-air turbulence, which is nearly invisible and difficult to detect with current equipment, has long been anticipated to increase as a result of climate change. The study from Reading University provides the most comprehensive analysis of this effect…
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M&S settles Percy Pig dispute, Swizzels to change design
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reached a settlement with confectionery firm Swizzels, which it accused of imitating its popular Percy Pig sweets. The two companies have come to an “amicable resolution” after Swizzels agreed to alter the design of its Pigs Mugs sweets. M&S had claimed that the similarities between the products could lead to customers purchasing the wrong item.…
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Coca-Cola, Red Bull seek millions after Scotland’s deposit return scheme collapse
Coca-Cola and Red Bull are among the companies considering seeking millions of pounds in compensation following the postponement of Scotland’s deposit return scheme, according to sources. The Scottish Government’s plan, which would have added a 20p charge to single-use bottles and cans, has been delayed until at least October 2025. The beverage industry had invested millions in preparation for the…
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First Dates’ Merlin Griffiths announces all clear in cancer update
First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has provided fans with an update on his health status, announcing that he is “all clear” of cancer for the time being. The 48-year-old was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and had previously informed fans he was clear of it in April of this year. On Wednesday, Griffiths shared his “final Year 1”…
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Sunak denies broken US trade deal promise, cites pandemic and Ukraine war
The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has defended the government’s inability to secure a trade deal with the United States, attributing the delay to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Sunak, who is currently visiting the US, was asked if he accepted that the Conservatives had not fulfilled their 2019 manifesto pledge to strike a deal with…
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Rebecca Ferguson urges inquiry into reality TV’s terrifying behind-the-scenes treatment
Rebecca Ferguson, a former X Factor contestant, has called for an investigation into reality TV shows to protect future participants, claiming there are “terrifying” occurrences happening behind the scenes. The 36-year-old singer used Twitter to express her concerns and request an independent inquiry, interviewing herself and all previous X Factor staff from 2004 to the present day. Ferguson, who finished…
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Piers Morgan injected info into royal stories, ex-Mirror editor claims
The High Court has heard that Piers Morgan, the former editor of the Daily Mirror, took a “genuine interest” in royal stories and would occasionally “inject” information into articles at the newspaper. Jane Kerr, the paper’s former royal correspondent and later assistant news editor, provided evidence during the second day of the lawsuit brought by Prince Harry against publisher Mirror…
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Malaysia and Indonesia sign border crossing agreement, boosting security
A border crossing agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia has been signed, as part of six bilateral instruments agreed upon during Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s two-day visit to Malaysia. The joint statement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Joko Widodo revealed that the agreement aims to strengthen Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and security sectors. The agreement, which covers…
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Anwar Ibrahim congratulates students on SPM 2022 exam results
Kuala Lumpur witnessed the release of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2022 examination results, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extending his congratulations to all students. In his social media post, he expressed hope that those who achieved excellent results would be prepared for their next academic phase. He also encouraged students who did not perform as well, reminding…
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Malaysia allocates RM1m to boost Coopmart sales, lower consumer prices
The Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) has allocated RM1 million to implement the Madani Cooperative Sales this year, aiming to promote and encourage the public to shop at cooperative retail stores known as Coopmart. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stated that the Madani Cooperative Sales offer daily necessities at prices up to 20% lower than local market…
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Malaysia identifies Haj pilgrims using Rahmah Cash Aid list
The Malaysian government is using the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) recipient list to identify prospective Haj pilgrims from the B40 and M40 income groups, while those in the T20 income group are identified based on an individual income of above RM15,000 per month. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, explained that the Pilgrims Fund Board…
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Umno to enable online membership applications with constitutional amendment
The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is set to approve an amendment to its constitution, enabling online membership applications. The special UMNO General Assembly, scheduled for tomorrow, will discuss the motion to change the clause to a rule, granting the Supreme Council the power to amend membership application rules. UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that although an…
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Mahathir Mohamad questioned by police over Malay Proclamation
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed that he was questioned by the police on June 2 concerning two recent statements. He took to social media to express his concerns about freedom of speech, stating that if his remarks were incorrect, they should be proven so, and that the police questioning him was a form of intimidation. Mahathir claimed that…
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Dewan Rakyat Speaker rebukes MP over Littoral Combat Ship motion
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul criticised Muda Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for misrepresenting the former’s rejection of a motion to discuss the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) issue in Parliament. Johari claimed that Syed Saddiq was insincere in his criticism, as he did not reveal the reason provided by the Speaker for the decision. Johari explained that his…
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Singapore comedian slammed for MH370 tragedy joke by Malaysian minister
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has criticised Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia for making light of the missing Malaysian flight MH370 tragedy in her act. Loke described Chia’s joke as “rude, insolent, and inhumane,” as the incident involved the loss of over 200 lives. Following the controversy, which garnered negative reactions from various parties, Loke reached out to his Singaporean counterpart, S…
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Investigations ongoing into Northport container fire, false declarations suspected
Investigations have commenced to uncover the cause of a fire that destroyed 13 shipping containers owned by Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, which were located near Jalan Pelabuhan Utara, Port Klang. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the Port Klang Authority (LPK) and Northport are conducting an in-depth investigation that will cover all aspects, including the possibility of false declarations. “We still…
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NGOs urge Malaysian PM to repeal Sedition Act, citing free speech concerns
A coalition of NGOs, including Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Aliran, Undi18, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy, Bersih, Article 19, and Lawyers for Liberty, has urged Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to repeal the Sedition Act 1948. The group, known as Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH), believes the Act is incompatible with international standards of…
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Singapore comedienne slammed for MH370 jokes in Malaysian Parliament
Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia recently faced widespread condemnation in the Malaysian Parliament for making jokes about Malaysia and the tragic loss of Flight MH370 during a comedy show in New York. RSN Rayer, a Member of Parliament, called on his fellow MPs to condemn Chia’s actions, which were deemed extreme and offensive to Malaysians. Rayer highlighted the issue under the…
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Super League footballer arrested for injuring girlfriend in hotel row
A Super League football player was taken into custody following an alleged altercation with his girlfriend in a Petaling Jaya hotel room. The incident was reported to the police by the victim, a local woman, who sustained injuries during the dispute and had her mobile phone damaged. Petaling Jaya police chief Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid confirmed that the authorities were…
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Police hunt man for abusing toddler in Setapak apartment
A 31-year-old Malaysian man is being sought by the police for allegedly abusing a 23-month-old baby at an apartment in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. The baby, who sustained injuries to her back, lips, and both eyes, is currently receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. Wangsa Maju district deputy police chief DSP D. Saralathan stated that the man, who is the…
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Umno Youth chief demands DAP apology for past remarks, coalition sincerity
Umno Youth leader Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has insisted on an apology from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for its alleged past wrongdoings and harsh comments against his party. During his closing address at the Umno Youth general assembly 2023, Dr Akmal emphasised the importance of voicing grassroots concerns, regardless of any potential backlash. “Let people say that we are…
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Two NRD officers arrested in Malaysian baby trafficking syndicate probe
The National Registration Department (NRD) in Malaysia has confirmed the arrest of two of its officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). They are suspected of being involved in a baby trafficking syndicate operating in the Klang Valley. The arrests were the result of strategic cooperation between the NRD and MACC, following the sharing of internal intelligence. The director-general of…
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Anwar Ibrahim confident in delivering reforms despite diverse government
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed confidence in implementing promised reforms in Malaysia, despite the diverse political parties within his national unity government. In an interview with Al Jazeera for the documentary “From Prison to Prime Minister: Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim,” he emphasised that all parties share the belief that the country urgently needs reform. Anwar Ibrahim stated that the parties are…
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Malaysia, Indonesia boost ties with RM130.14bn trade volume increase
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was granted an audience with Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at Istana Negara. Jokowi and his wife Iriana arrived at 3.35pm to attend an evening reception with the King, spending approximately an hour at the palace. The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the Regent…
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Malaysian Navy’s LCS construction progress scrutinised after RM6.083bn payment
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Malaysia is set to investigate the construction progress of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) second-generation littoral combat ships (LCS). The committee will visit the RMN naval base in Lumut, Perak, where the LCS construction is taking place. The PAC plans to submit progress reports on the LCS every three months to the Dewan Rakyat,…
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Malaysian royals visit centenarian on her 100th birthday, offer gifts
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah recently paid a visit to the home of Kamala Das, a centenarian who celebrated her 100th birthday in Taman Utama Ampang, Selangor. The royal couple spent approximately an hour with Kamala and her family, according to a post on the Istana Negara…
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Scooter rider collide with car and plunge into canal
An accident involving a motorbike and a car left both vehicles damaged and plunged into a canal in the Hua Samrong area. Locals and rescue volunteers rushed to help the injured motorcyclist, while the female car driver sought medical attention for chest pains. Both vehicles were retrieved to the police station for further legal procedures. At around 11am on 8th…
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Woman unknowingly dates nephew, learns truth after 7-month pregnancy
A startling revelation has left a 32 year old woman and her 23 year old boyfriend in shock, as a DNA test has discovered that they are actually aunt and nephew. The couple is grappling with the consequences of the news, especially since the woman is seven months pregnant with their child. According to a report by Mirror, the woman…
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Viral video: Dog disappears in car for an hour, found hiding under seat
Owners of the TikTok account @themayesway decided to adopt a small black dog during their journey. However, they were shocked when the dog mysteriously disappeared while they were driving. After an hour of frantic searching, hilarity ensued when the dog emerged by itself, having been hiding neatly under the backseat. The video quickly gained over 17 million views and 2.4…
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BTS SkyTrain hiring multiple staff for Bangkok’s Yellow and Pink Lines
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) has announced numerous job opportunities in the Yellow and Pink mass transit lines in the capital, inviting interested individuals to inquire further from June 8, 2023. Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited, also known as BTS or BTSC, a leading mass transit provider on rails, has invited potential candidates to join their team…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Rough seas prompt beach swimming ban in Trang
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have led to high waves of around 3 metres along Trang coast, prompting officials at Chao Mai National Park to erect red flags barring tourists from swimming in the affected areas. The ban has been imposed on Pak Meng Beach, Chao Mai Beach and Yao Beach, leaving visitors to explore safer alternatives. During the past…
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Woman seeks lottery win with ancient Thai tree ritual
A woman is seeking lottery luck at the renowned Mother Ta Kien shrine located near Kong Khanaram temple in Thailand’s Ang Thong province. Today, she performed a ritual and discovered matching numbers, sparking interest among fortune seekers. After performing a ritual, she surprisingly received the number 437. Then, she went on to sprinkle powder at the base of the Mother…
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Grope gone wrong: CCTV busts perverted Thai man sexually assaulting female vendor in Isaan (video)
A grocery shop security camera captured a Thai man sexually assaulting a female vendor by grabbing her breasts in the Isaan province of Mahasarakarm. The deviant did not apologise to the victim and said it was not a big deal. The female victim, Ae, reported the issue to the community leader after a 50 year old Thai man named Pin…
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