Year: 2023
- Business News
Thai tourism risks missing Indian visitor target due to visa delays, taxes
Tourism operators catering to Thailand‘s Indian market have expressed concerns over the potential impact of slow visa application processing, high airfares, and an increase in outbound tax rates from India on visitor numbers to Thailand. These factors could contribute to the Thai government failing to achieve its target of attracting 2 million Indian tourists this year. Enchantive Asia’s chief executive…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Roadside bomb injures monks and rangers in South Thailand
A roadside bomb blast in the Rueso district of South Thailand‘s Narathiwat province injured three monks and two volunteer rangers yesterday morning. The explosion took place near an agricultural equipment shop in tambon Rueso Ok at around 6.25am, as a white van carrying the monks from Wat Phairot Pracharam passed by. The monks were in the area to collect alms,…
Read More » - World News
Utah school district removes Bible for ‘vulgarity and violence’ concerns
Elementary and middle schools in Utah’s Davis School District have removed the Bible from their premises, citing concerns over “vulgarity and violence” within the text. The decision comes after a parent complained that the King James Bible contains material unsuitable for children. This follows a 2022 law passed by Utah’s Republican government, banning “pornographic or indecent” books from schools. Most…
Read More » - World News
Biden averts economic collapse, praises Republicans in Oval Office address
In his first Oval Office address to the nation, President Joe Biden announced that raising the US borrowing limit has prevented an “economic collapse.” He is set to sign the bill into law after it received bipartisan support in Congress. In a rare show of appreciation, the Democratic president commended his Republican counterparts for their good faith efforts. He warned…
Read More » - World News
LGBTQ+ veterans demand apology, compensation for armed forces ‘gay ban’ era
LGBTQ+ veterans are seeking compensation and an apology from the prime minister for their treatment in the armed forces during the so-called “gay ban.” Although homosexuality was decriminalised in 1967, those who were gay in the military prior to 2000 faced dismissal, invasive medical examinations, loss of pension, and even imprisonment in extreme cases. Campaigners are now demanding compensation for…
Read More » - World News
Andrew Tate calls out BBC over Savile and Harris hypocrisy after tense first interview
Influencer Andrew Tate, 36, has accused the BBC of attempting to “vilify” him in his first major interview following his detainment over sex trafficking charges. Tate, currently under house arrest in Romania, dismissed allegations of rape, human trafficking, and exploitation of women during the combative interview. He later criticised the broadcaster on Twitter, comparing its treatment of him to its…
Read More » - World News
YouTube reverses policy on removing 2020 election fraud videos
YouTube has announced that it will no longer remove videos containing false claims regarding the 2020 US presidential election fraud. The decision, which comes ahead of the 2024 elections, marks a change in the platform’s policy that was implemented following the 2020 vote. The social media giant revealed that it has removed tens of thousands of videos questioning the integrity…
Read More » - World News
South Africa’s muddled diplomacy amid Russia-Ukraine conflict risks economy
South Africa’s diplomatic ties have been under scrutiny in recent months, with the nation’s close relationship with Russia raising concerns among Western countries. These concerns have led to speculation about South Africa’s support for Moscow in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and potential arms shipments. However, some argue that this perception is unfair and could have a negative impact on…
Read More » - World News
Belgian students sentenced for hazing death spark racism debate
The tragic death of Sanda Dia, a 20-year-old black Belgian student, in 2018 during a hazing ritual at an elite Belgian fraternity shocked the nation. Dia was made to consume large amounts of fish oil and alcohol, swallow a live goldfish, and stand in an icy pit during his initiation into the Reuzegom fraternity at a prestigious university. He later…
Read More » - World News
Mossad agent among victims in mysterious Lake Maggiore boat tragedy
A tragic boat accident on Lake Maggiore, situated south of the Swiss Alps, on May 28 resulted in the drowning of four people, including a former Mossad agent, two Italian intelligence officers, and a Russian woman. The boat, carrying 23 passengers, was caught in a fierce storm with gusts exceeding 70km per hour. The incident has sparked speculation about the…
Read More » - World News
Record 12p drop in UK diesel prices still not enough, says RAC
In the UK, diesel prices experienced a record decline of 12p per litre on average last month, as reported by the RAC. The cost of filling up a family car decreased by £6.50, with pump prices falling from around £1.59 to £1.47. Since the RAC began monitoring prices in 2000, this reduction marks the largest monthly drop. However, the motoring…
Read More » - World News
Rome blaze kills one, injures nine, and leaves over 100 homeless
A devastating fire has claimed the life of one individual and injured nine others in an eight-storey building located in Rome’s eastern Colli Aniene district. Firefighters in Rome have successfully extinguished the blaze and are currently searching the building for any trapped occupants. The fire, which broke out around 2pm local time, was battled by six teams of firefighters. The…
Read More » - World News
Pence cleared of mishandling classified documents ahead of presidential bid
The US Justice Department has decided not to pursue criminal charges against former Vice-President Mike Pence regarding his handling of classified documents. US media reports indicate that an investigation has cleared Pence of any wrongdoing. This development comes just days before he is anticipated to announce his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. In January, Pence’s lawyers revealed that a…
Read More » - World News
Twitch streamer Puppers dies at 32, gaming community mourns loss
Renowned Twitch streamer Puppers, aged 32, has passed away after a three-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND). The American streamer gained fame through his gameplay of Dead by Daylight, where he was celebrated for his positive attitude. Following his diagnosis, the gaming community came together to establish the Light in the Fog Foundation, raising US$270,000 (£216,000) to support his…
Read More » - World News
Blind, terminally ill veteran skydives, raising £3,000 for charity
A blind and terminally ill former soldier achieved one of his bucket list goals by participating in a 13,000ft tandem skydive. Mark Pile, 58 years old, who served in the Light Infantry between 1984 and 1993, wanted to complete a skydive while he still had the ability. Despite having cancer and recently recovering from pneumonia, Pile was determined to take…
Read More » - World News
Police release e-fit of man found dead in Gatwick plane undercarriage
Police have released an e-fit image of a man who was found dead in the undercarriage of an aircraft that arrived at Gatwick Airport from The Gambia on December 7. The unidentified man is believed to be in his 20s or 30s, and authorities are working with the High Commissioner for Gambia, Interpol, and HM Coroner to establish his identity.…
Read More » - World News
Labour MP suspended amid multiple harassment allegations, sparking investigation
A Labour MP has filed a complaint against Geraint Davies, who has been suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, according to sources. This marks the second formal complaint received by the Labour party after a woman also contacted the party previously. Davies has been “administratively suspended” from the party pending an investigation into reports of “incredibly serious allegations of completely…
Read More » - World News
UK ticket-holder scoops £111.7m EuroMillions jackpot, urges Camelot check
A lucky UK EuroMillions player has become the winner of a staggering £111.7m jackpot, according to Camelot. Ticket holders are encouraged to check their numbers from Friday’s draw to see if they have won the life-changing prize. The winning numbers consist of 03, 12, 15, 25, and 43, while the Lucky Stars are 10 and 11. Andy Carter, the senior…
Read More » - World News
Dorset Belle investigated after Bournemouth sea deaths
Investigations are underway into the sightseeing boat at the heart of the inquiry surrounding the tragic deaths of a young girl and a teenager who were recovered from the sea in Bournemouth. The boat has been seized by Dorset Police, following the incident on Wednesday, when a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton lost their lives.…
Read More » - World News
Schofield fears leaving home amid affair backlash and spitting concerns
Phillip Schofield has expressed his fear of leaving his house and being spat on in public after the exposure of his affair with a younger male colleague. The presenter resigned from ITV last week and was dropped by his talent agency, YMU, after admitting to having an “unwise, but not illegal” relationship with the man he worked with on This…
Read More » - World News
Far-left extremist jail term sparks uproar in German politics
A far-left extremist, Lina E, has been handed a five-year and three-month jail sentence for her involvement in violent attacks on neo-Nazis, sparking controversy among German politicians. Lina E, who has been in custody since 2020, was also granted temporary freedom pending an appeal, causing further uproar. Three men convicted alongside her were given jail sentences as well. Left-wing protesters…
Read More » - World News
Cosby faces fresh assault lawsuit from ex-Playboy model under new California law
A fresh lawsuit has been filed against Bill Cosby by former Playboy model Victoria Valentino, 80, who claims that the comedian drugged and sexually assaulted her in 1969. The lawsuit comes after Cosby’s release from prison in 2021, when his sexual assault conviction was overturned. Valentino’s suit has been filed under a California law that temporarily lifts the statute of…
Read More » - World News
Girl, 8, dies in US border custody after medical care repeatedly denied
An eight-year-old girl suffering from underlying medical conditions passed away in US Border Patrol custody after her requests to be taken to the hospital were repeatedly denied. Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez, born in Panama to Honduran parents, was seen by medical staff nine times in three days for fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain. On the day of her death, Alvarez’s…
Read More » - World News
Dame Elan Closs Stephens named BBC acting chair after Sharp’s resignation
Dame Elan Closs Stephens has been named the acting chairwoman of the BBC following the resignation of Richard Sharp. Sharp stepped down earlier this year due to breaking rules surrounding his dealings with then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson prior to his appointment. Dame Elan is set to lead the BBC board from June 27 for a 12-month period or until a…
Read More » - World News
Two children dead after Bournemouth sea incident, police investigate nearby boat
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy who were among a group of 10 swimmers involved in an incident off the coast of Bournemouth on Wednesday. The pleasure cruiser Dorset Belle, which was in the area at the time, is currently anchored at Cobb’s Quay in Poole Harbour, with a…
Read More » - World News
Johnson bypasses government to provide WhatsApp messages to Covid inquiry
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed to provide unredacted WhatsApp messages from May 2021 directly to the Covid inquiry, despite the government’s refusal to do so. The Cabinet Office has initiated a legal challenge against the inquiry’s request for text messages from the former PM and officials, claiming that many of the messages are not pertinent to the investigation. However,…
Read More » - World News
Teen jailed for life over plot to stab police and soldiers in UK
A life sentence with a minimum term of six years has been handed to a 19-year-old man for plotting to stab police officers and soldiers. Matthew King, who embraced extreme Islamism during the lockdown, was potentially hours away from executing an attack when authorities apprehended him. King’s mother, who reported her concerns to the police, was commended by the judge.…
Read More » - World News
Alison Hammond in tears over Phillip Schofield’s affair fallout
Alison Hammond, a presenter on the popular TV programme This Morning, has become emotional on air while discussing the recent departure of her former colleague Phillip Schofield. Schofield has expressed concerns that his career may be over after admitting to an affair with a younger male coworker. During Friday’s episode, Hammond acknowledged Schofield’s apology and urged the public not to…
Read More » - World News
Scotland’s recycling scheme at risk as UK excludes glass bottles
A disagreement over the inclusion of glass bottles in Scotland’s deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers could potentially lead to the scheme’s collapse. The UK government has decided against including glass bottles, causing concerns that the Scottish scheme, originally planned for launch in August 2023, may not proceed. The revised launch date is now set for March next year,…
Read More » - World News
River Severn murder probe: Woman identified as family grieves
The identity of a woman discovered dead in the River Severn has been revealed as Natalie Dean, aged 34, while a murder investigation is ongoing. Her family expressed their devastation at the loss of their daughter and sister, stating that she will be greatly missed by them all. Natalie’s body was found in the river in the Llanidloes area, Powys,…
Read More » - World News
Rail union boss claims strikes successful despite ongoing pay dispute
The general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, Mick Lynch, has declared the ongoing rail strikes in the UK a “success,” despite the lack of an agreed pay deal after nearly a year of industrial action. Lynch stated that the strikes, which commenced in June 2022, have successfully prevented management from implementing redundancies and controversial reforms such…
Read More » - World News
Teen nearly drowns in beach hole, emergency services urge caution
A teenager narrowly escaped drowning at Exmouth beach in Devon after becoming trapped in a deep hole he had dug in the sand. The incident occurred just after 5pm on Thursday, prompting a significant response from emergency services, including the coastguard, fire, police, and ambulance crews. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported receiving a call about a “man…
Read More » - World News
Galleri blood test detects over 50 cancer types, potentially saving thousands
A groundbreaking blood test, known as the Galleri test, has shown potential in detecting over 50 types of cancer, which could lead to faster diagnoses and potentially save thousands of lives. The University of Oxford led a study involving thousands of NHS patients, revealing promising results in the trial. Out of the 6,238 participants from England and Wales who visited…
Read More » - World News
Schofield reveals affair details, suicidal thoughts in interviews
Phillip Schofield, the former TV presenter, has spoken out in two interviews after news surfaced of his relationship with a younger male colleague during his time on This Morning. ITV has initiated an external review to investigate the situation, as Schofield had not disclosed the relationship to his employers, colleagues, or wife. In the interviews, Schofield revealed that he has…
Read More » - World News
US calls UN meeting over North Korea’s failed spy satellite launch
The United States has requested a UN Security Council meeting to address North Korea’s recent attempt to launch its first spy satellite, which ultimately ended in failure. The US condemned the launch, stating that it used ballistic missile technology in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and posed a risk to the stability of the regional security situation and…
Read More » - World News
Finance Ministry revokes Asia Wealth Securities licence for misusing client funds
The Ministry of Finance has withdrawn Asia Wealth Securities‘ (AWS) securities business license following a recommendation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) due to the unauthorised use of client funds. The SEC discovered that on November 14, AWS had improperly utilised 154 million baht of clients’ funds to buy shares of More Return (MORE) from Thailand Clearing House without…
Read More » - China News
Toxic beauty standards: Chinese teen dies after losing 25kg to impress a boy
A Chinese girl, 15 years old, dies after losing 25kg in a quest to win over a boy who preferred thinner women, raising concerns regarding beauty standards in social media. The teenager resorted to extreme methods to lose weight, eventually resulting in her tragic death. The story of Xiaoling (pseudonym), 15 years old, from Tongguan in Guangdong Province, southeast China,…
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