Year: 2023
- World News
Manslaughter arrest after Bournemouth beach tragedy claims two young lives
The mother of a 12-year-old girl, Sunnah Khan, who tragically died after encountering difficulties in the water off Bournemouth beach, has expressed her heartbreak on social media. Sunnah was one of two victims in the incident, the other being 17-year-old Joe Abbess. Eight more people were injured in the event. Stephanie Williams, Sunnah’s mother, shared her grief on Twitter, stating,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Wild elephant startles tourists on busy road in Khao Yai National Park
A large wild elephant emerged onto a road near Khao Yai National Park, frightening tourists who hastily tried to reverse their cars. The incident occurred yesterday when the elephant left the forest, crossing the road without causing any harm before returning to the woodland area. According to Assumporn Rojanburanan, the head of Pong Prathan village in the Pak Chong district,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Woman severely burnt by fallen high-voltage power line after storm
A 54 year old woman in Chiang Mai, Thailand, sustained severe burns and had to have her arm amputated after a powerful storm toppled a large tree, which subsequently caused a high-voltage electric cable to fall onto her. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 1, and the victim remains in hospital receiving treatment for her injuries. During the storm, the…
Read More » - Phuket News
Moo-ving miracle: Driver escapes unharmed after car ‘meets’ wandering cows in Phuket
A driver managed to walk away unscathed after his car collided with a group of wandering cows on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket in the early hours of this morning. The driver, identified only as Bancha, was travelling in his white Toyota Veloce car around 4.30am when ten cows suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran onto the road. Unable to…
Read More » - Crime News
Pregnant woman injured by hot oil declines 4,000 baht aid, calls for more accountability
A pregnant 37 year old woman was severely burned by hot oil while selling French fries at a local football match in Rayong province. The organisers offered 4,000 baht as compensation but the victim, Suchada Phusawangporn, refused, calling for the culprit to take greater responsibility. Local authorities are investigating the incident. Suchada, who is three months pregnant, was serving French fries…
Read More » - World News
UBS set to complete Credit Suisse takeover, creating $1.6tn Swiss banking giant
Today, UBS announced its expectation to finalise the acquisition of Credit Suisse by June 12, forming a colossal Swiss bank with a US$1.6 trillion balance sheet. The completion of the takeover is contingent on the registration statement being declared effective by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and other remaining closing conditions. “UBS expects to complete the acquisition of Credit…
Read More » - Thailand News
Teenage boy found dead on Rayong beach after first visit with family
The body of a teenage boy who had gone missing while swimming at Suan Son Beach in Rayong province has been found, floating approximately 2 kilometres from the scene of the incident. The teenager’s mother collapsed upon seeing her son’s body. Yesterday, a 14 year old boy was visiting the seaside for the first time with his family. While playing…
Read More » - Business News
Saudi Arabia announces fresh oil output cut amid recession fears
Riyadh unveiled a new oil output reduction on Sunday after a gathering of major producers focused on supporting prices despite concerns over a potential recession. The meeting involved the 13-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, and its 10 partners, including Russia, and featured intense negotiations. Saudi Arabia announced a fresh cut of one million…
Read More » - World News
Public disapproves Sunak’s progress on key priorities, Ipsos UK poll reveals
A recent Ipsos UK poll reveals that the majority of the British public believe Chancellor Rishi Sunak is underperforming in delivering on his five key priorities. These priorities, announced almost six months ago, include halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing NHS waiting lists, lowering the national debt, and stopping small boat crossings. The survey indicates that over 50% of respondents…
Read More » - World News
Kidney disease risks overwhelming NHS without increased funding, warns charity
A public health emergency may arise due to kidney disease without increased government funding, warns Kidney Research UK. The charity’s recent report reveals that the illness already costs the UK economy £7bn annually, a figure that could increase to £13.9bn over the next ten years if no action is taken. These costs include both the direct treatment expenses for the…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Thai woman stabs foreign boyfriend in leg amid row in Pattaya
A blazing row between a Thai woman and her foreign boyfriend in Pattaya culminated with her stabbing him in the leg. She immediately fled the scene leaving the knife lodged in his calf. The unidentified foreign man had a kitchen knife embedded in his left calf when Sawang Boriboon rescuers came to his aid at 11pm yesterday. The incident took…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok governor’s approval dips but majority satisfied, NIDA Poll reveals
A recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals that most residents are content with the performance of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt after his first year in office. However, the 57 year old’s approval rating experienced a decline compared to a similar survey conducted after his first six months. The poll involved a sample of 2,000 eligible…
Read More » - Thailand News
Toilet terror: Python’s restroom wriggle shocks couple in Thailand
Residents have been advised to check toilets before use after one stunned couple discovered a 3-metre python taking a nap in their toilet in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The slippery snake was successfully captured after a 20-minute struggle. Yesterday at 10pm, a couple living in village No. 3, Phimonrat Subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, reported the presence of a large,…
Read More » - World News
India’s top agency to probe deadly train crash killing 275
India’s Railway Ministry has called for an investigation by the country’s top detective agency into the devastating train crash that claimed 275 lives. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement, though further details were not provided. Investigations led by the railways are already underway, with initial reports suggesting a signal fault as the cause of the crash. The collision involving…
Read More » - Phuket News
Miraculous twist: Kazakhstan tourist presumed drowned in Phuket found alive, in coma
A tourist from Kazakhstan, initially reported to have drowned at Kata Beach in Phuket, is alive but in a coma. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan provided the updated information, clarifying that earlier reports of the tourist’s death were incorrect. The tourist, Artur Iskakov, was rushed to the hospital following a drowning incident in tambon Karon on Thursday, June…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket immigration issues yellow cards to Thai landlords and foreigner
Last month, Phuket Immigration Bureau reported that five Thai landlords received yellow cards while only one foreigner was given a warning. Twenty-three foreigners were arrested during the same month for various violations classified under Group 4, which pertain to offences against the state. Additionally, nine landlords or property managers were arrested for failing to register their foreign tenants, as required…
Read More » - World News
Odisha train crash: Signal failure likely cause in India’s deadliest accident
India’s Railway Board has suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation take over the inquiry into Friday’s train collision in Odisha, which claimed the lives of at least 275 people and injured nearly 1,200. The crash, which occurred near the Balasore district, is the deadliest in India in over two decades. As rescue operations concluded on Sunday, signal failure has…
Read More » - Phuket News
Taxi-ous times in Phuket: Crackdown leads to double ‘fare-ests’ in Kathu
Phuket‘s crackdown on illegal taxi drivers continues, with two arrests made in Kathu last week. At Si Kor Intersection, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials and Kathu Police officers set up a checkpoint to identify and apprehend drivers using their private vehicles for commercial transportation services. The operation took place on the main road to and from Patong, the island’s…
Read More » - Business News
Bank of Thailand likely to hike rates amid inflation concerns
Inflation concerns prompt predictions of further Bank of Thailand rate hikes this year, as the nation’s economy recovers. Siam Commercial Bank’s research unit, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), anticipates the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will increase its policy benchmark rate by a quarter percentage point in both August and September, bringing it to 2.5% from the current 2%.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Spice of success: Thai chef ‘thais’ the knot as first-ever MasterChef UK winner
Chariya Khattiyot made history last week by becoming the first Thai chef to win the prestigious MasterChef UK competition. Her innovative northern Thai dishes wowed the judges throughout the eight-week BBC One contest, ultimately triumphing over 44 other contestants. The 40 year old Thai chef entered the competition to showcase the diverse flavours of northern Thai cuisine, which she is…
Read More » - Thailand News
Creepy crawler goes viral: Giant centipede ‘wall-stounds’ online viewers (video)
A viral video recently circulating online has captured a giant centipede climbing up a residential wall, leaving viewers intrigued and startled. The clip, posted by TikTok user @paphatsanat, has accumulated over 6 million views since it was uploaded on social media. The owner of the clip said… “I have never seen such a huge and long centipede in my life.”…
Read More » - World News
Scent-sational breakup: Chinese student dumped over ‘foul’ feet post-abortion
Just under a month after having an abortion, a 20 year old Chinese university student was dumped by her boyfriend because her feet were unbearably smelly. The breakup caused widespread interest on Chinese social media and sparked a multitude of comments on their relationship. The 20 year old Chinese university student Liu shared her emotional breakup story online, attracting significant…
Read More » - Business News
BAFS targets 7.5 billion baht revenue by 2026 with renewable energy focus
Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS) is predicting its revenue to hit 7.5 billion baht by 2026, with a significant boost from its diversification into renewable energy development. Although the jet refuelling service, which has bounced back from pandemic-induced losses over the past three years, remains the company’s primary focus, its earnings proportion is expected to decrease. BAFS estimates that…
Read More » - Business News
Lee Kum Kee eyes Thai ready-to-eat market expansion (video)
Asian sauce and seasoning manufacturer Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group is exploring opportunities to enter Thailand’s ready-to-eat food market through collaborations with local partners. Having been in the industry for 135 years, the company recognises the growth potential in this sector as it caters to the demands of busy consumers seeking convenience. Cheryl Chan, the regional marketing director of Mahsuri…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thunderstorms hit Thailand: Heavy rainfall sparks flash flood warnings
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning for increased thunderstorms, affecting 37 provinces across the country, including Bangkok. Heavy rainfall is expected in several areas, potentially causing sudden flooding and flash floods, particularly in hilly regions and low-lying areas. The warning is a result of the southwest monsoon, intensified over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, as…
Read More » - Business News
Prudential Thailand hits record Q1 results, joins top six insurers
Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand) achieved a record-breaking first quarter in 2023, with the highest weighted first-year premiums in the company’s history, propelling it into the top six insurance providers in the country. During the first three months, the firm’s weighted first-year premiums grew by 36% year-on-year, surpassing the market growth of 17% and raising its market share from 5.7% in…
Read More » - Business News
Asian stocks surge as us debt default averted
Asian stocks experienced gains on Friday, following the US Senate’s approval of legislation that prevents a US debt default. The possibility of the US Federal Reserve deciding against raising interest rates this month also contributed to the positive sentiment. Last week, Thai shares fluctuated between 1,521.31 and 1,545.55 points, eventually closing at 1,531.20 on Friday, marking a 0.024% increase from…
Read More » - World News
Ukrainian families return to frontline towns despite Russian threat
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the train station continues to operate despite Russia’s ongoing invasion. Millions of people depend on these trains, with many passengers travelling to the last stop before the eastern front line. Among them are soldiers and young families returning to their homes. One such passenger is 20-year-old Viktoria, who is heading back to Pokrovsk…
Read More » - World News
Pupils charged hundreds for fake leaked GCSE and A-level papers on social media
Scammers on social media platforms are targeting students with offers of fake GCSE and A-level exam papers, charging them hundreds of pounds. One pupil stated that the idea of papers being available for sale has become a major topic of discussion during exam season. Exam boards have confirmed that it is highly unusual for genuine papers to be leaked, but…
Read More » - World News
Austerity left UK unprepared for pandemic, warns TUC report
A report by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) claims that the UK’s years of austerity significantly impacted the country’s preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic. The TUC asserts that funding cuts left health and social care “dangerously understaffed,” reducing the sectors’ ability to respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. The report also highlights that pay caps and freezes contributed to staffing…
Read More » - World News
Mum demands apology after son’s psychiatric release leads to fatal stabbing
Sharon Lees has called for a public apology from Hywel Dda health board after her son, David Fleet, stabbed a man to death due to “voices in his head” ten days after being released from a psychiatric unit. Lees claims she warned staff that her son was too unwell for release, and the tragedy “could [and] should have been prevented.”…
Read More » - World News
Opec+ agrees extended production cuts to boost flagging oil prices
Oil-producing nations have agreed to extend production cuts in an effort to support struggling prices. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to reduce output by one million barrels per day (bpd) in July, while Opec+ stated that targets would decrease by an additional 1.4 million bpd from 2024. Opec+ represents approximately 40% of global crude oil production, and its decisions significantly…
Read More » - World News
Hong Kong police detain activists on Tiananmen Square anniversary
Hong Kong police have arrested multiple pro-democracy activists, including 67-year-old Alexandra Wong, during the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Public commemorations of the tragedy have been banned, although candlelight vigils have taken place in other cities globally. Despite the ban, several individuals were detained in Hong Kong, including the leader of a major opposition party and a former…
Read More » - World News
Desperate relatives continue search for loved ones after India train crash
Families of victims of Friday’s tragic train collision in India continue their desperate search for missing loved ones. The accident, which occurred in Odisha, is now believed to have claimed 275 lives, making it the country’s worst rail disaster in decades. A signalling fault is thought to be the cause of the tragedy. The rescue mission was declared over on…
Read More » - World News
Boy injured as wind lifts inflatable zorb at Southport Food Festival
A nine-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being lifted into the air by a strong gust of wind while inside an inflatable zorb. The incident occurred during the Southport Food and Drink Festival at Victoria Park. The child was airlifted to the hospital, and Merseyside Police confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening. Sefton Council carried out a health and…
Read More » - World News
Woman stabbed to death walking to meet mum, family shares grief
The relatives of a woman who was fatally stabbed while on her way to meet her mother expressed their profound shock and grief, stating that her last moments must have been “horrific.” Michelle Hodgkinson, 51 years old, was assaulted on Edge Lane in Droylsden, Greater Manchester, around noon on Friday. Her family praised her for her charitable endeavours and her…
Read More » - World News
UK’s Illegal Migration Bill could cost £6bn in detention, deportation
The UK government’s proposed Illegal Migration Bill could cost up to £6bn over the next two years, according to internal estimates. The bill, currently being debated in Parliament, aims to remove anyone arriving in the UK illegally and prevent them from claiming asylum. The Home Office expects to spend between £3bn and £6bn on detention facilities, accommodation, and removals. The…
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