Year: 2023
- World News
Putin accuses Ukraine of drone attacks targeting Moscow civilians
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has accused Ukraine of attempting to intimidate Russian citizens following Tuesday’s drone attacks on Moscow, the capital city. He claimed that civilians were targeted, but the air defences managed to handle the threat effectively. The defence ministry reported that at least eight drones caused minor damage, but Kyiv denies any involvement. This marks the first…
Read More » - World News
Universal credit parents to get hundreds more for childcare costs
Universal credit recipients will be able to claim significantly higher amounts for childcare costs starting from the end of June, according to a recent government announcement. Parents on the benefit will now be able to claim back £951 for childcare costs for one child and £1,630 for two or more children, marking a 47% increase. This policy, announced as part…
Read More » - World News
US punishes Kosovo for forcibly installing Albanian mayors, cancels Nato exercise
Tensions have escalated in northern Kosovo following the forced installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in majority-Serb areas, leading to the United States taking measures against the country. Clashes between police, NATO troops, and Serb protesters in Zvecan resulted in injuries to 30 peacekeepers and 52 demonstrators. In response, NATO plans to deploy an additional 700 troops to the region. The…
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Macau enforces new security law, widening punishments for opposition to Beijing
Macau has implemented a new national security law, increasing penalties for opposition to Beijing and placing a stronger focus on preventing foreign interference in the special administrative region. The legislation builds upon a law introduced in 2009, and the Macau government claims it aligns with legislation in Hong Kong, where Beijing has tightened control following political unrest. The initial national…
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AI extinction risk warning backed by OpenAI, DeepMind chiefs
The potential threat of artificial intelligence (AI) causing human extinction has been highlighted by numerous experts, including the leaders of OpenAI and Google DeepMind. They have endorsed a statement on the Centre for AI Safety’s website, which calls for mitigating the risk of extinction from AI, placing it alongside other global priorities such as pandemics and nuclear war. However, some…
Read More » - World News
South Africa to alter law for power to arrest Putin amid ICC warrant
South Africa is planning to amend its law to give itself the authority to decide whether to arrest a leader wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Obed Bapela, a deputy minister in the South African presidency. This comes amid growing speculation over South Africa’s stance on its invitation to Russia’s President Putin to visit in August. The…
Read More » - World News
UK government probes video games’ mental health impact and economic benefits
The UK government is seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s thriving video game industry, including the potential impact on users’ mental health. With popular games such as Grand Theft Auto and Football Manager being produced in the UK, the industry is valued at £2.8bn and over half of the country’s adults participate in gaming. However, the government…
Read More » - World News
Woman rescued waist-deep in mud near West Kirby Marine Lake
A woman was rescued after being trapped waist-deep in thick mud while walking near West Kirby Marine Lake on Merseyside. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) deployed the Hoylake hovercraft Hurley Spirit to assist her at approximately 2:45pm on Monday. The woman had become stuck in a channel of shallow water and was unable to reach the shore. Following her…
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Prince’s Trust drops Phillip Schofield as ambassador over affair admission
The Prince’s Trust has decided to part ways with Phillip Schofield, 61 years old, as an ambassador after he confessed to having an affair with a young male colleague and lying to cover it up. The charity, established by the King, stated that continuing to work with the presenter was no longer suitable. Schofield announced his departure from ITV last…
Read More » - World News
UK mortgage deals drop 10% as lenders reassess amid interest rate fears
In the wake of rising concerns over interest rates, nearly 10% of UK mortgage deals have been withdrawn from the market since the previous week. Financial data company Moneyfacts reported that close to 800 residential and buy-to-let deals have been removed as lenders reassess their offerings. Furthermore, average rates on two-year and five-year fixed deals have experienced an increase. This…
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Protest at Oxford Union over Kathleen Stock’s gender-critical talk
A large crowd assembled outside the Oxford Union to express their disapproval of a lecture delivered by Kathleen Stock, a gender-critical academic. Despite facing opposition from some students, Stock remained resolute in her decision to proceed with the talk, which has been labelled transphobic by critics. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported Stock’s right to speak, stating that universities should foster…
Read More » - Crime News
Woman shot dead by ex-owner refusing to vacate repossessed house
A tragic incident unfolded this afternoon in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani when a woman was fatally shot by the irate former owner of a house she had recently purchased from a bank. The man, 65 years old, had refused to vacate the property and was in a standoff with the police at the time of the shooting. Officers were alerted…
Read More » - World News
Viral sensation: Vietnamese couple’s extravagant engagement ceremony leaves social media in awe
A Vietnamese couple’s lavish engagement ceremony, involving extravagant gifts of cash and gold necklaces, gained a lot of attention on social media. The bride received more than 50 gold necklaces and 7.3 million baht (US$201,000) in cash, causing online users to express amazement and envy. Local media reports state that the engagement ceremony took place on Saturday, May 27, involving…
Read More » - Thailand News
Songkhla Lake bridge project raises concerns for Thailand’s last Irrawaddy dolphins
Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of a proposed bridge across Songkhla Lake in Thailand on the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population. Environmentalist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted the importance of conservation efforts to protect the last 14 remaining Thai dolphins. Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, an expert in marine science and environmental issues, took to social media to express concerns…
Read More » - Thailand News
Petrol station scandal: Thai soldier accuses pervy transwomen of secret filming in public bathroom
A Thai soldier accused a group of perverted transwomen of filming him and his friend when they used a public bathroom at a petrol station in the Lee district of Lamphun province in northern Thailand. The incident gained attention after explicit images were shared on Twitter The soldier, 37 year old Arm, shared his story on a residents’ Facebook group…
Read More » - World News
Indonesia probes potential leak of election system verdict
Indonesia‘s Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and Security, Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, has called for an investigation into a potential leak involving a Constitutional Court verdict that could alter the country’s parliamentary election system. This comes after former deputy justice minister, Denny Indrayana, claimed that the court had repealed the current “open-list proportional representation” system for Indonesia’s parliamentary elections. Indrayana stated…
Read More » - Crime News
Two arrested in Phuket for selling guns online via Facebook
Two men have been arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Region 5 branch for allegedly selling firearms online via Facebook from their homes in Kathu, Phuket. The arrests were announced late on Sunday, though the specific dates were not disclosed. In the first raid, at a house in Moo 1, Kathu, officers arrested Kriangkrai, a 31 year old…
Read More » - Thailand News
150 year old durian trees draw crowds to Trang, selling out daily
Residents and tourists are dashing to a 150-year-old durian orchard in Trang Province for its delicious, 50-baht-per-kilogram fruits. Demand has outpaced supply, with customers flocking to buy the durian varieties from this unique orchard of indigenous species. Sathit Rammana, a 52 year old orchard owner from Trang Province, tends to a 1,000 year old tree orchard called Ta Chan. Sathit’s…
Read More » - Thailand News
E-cigarette use linked to lung disease, concerns over misdiagnosis in Thailand
Concerns are rising among medical professionals in Thailand as e-cigarette-related pneumonia and bronchitis cases increase, particularly among those who use cannabis oil. Difficulties in diagnosis and a lack of awareness among doctors have contributed to under-reporting cases. Thai medical professionals have expressed their concerns over the increasing number of pneumonia and bronchitis cases connected to e-cigarette usage. Specifically, those using…
Read More » - World News
Mysterious drone attack damages Moscow buildings, raises security concerns
Numerous buildings in Moscow sustained damage following an unidentified drone attack, although no serious injuries or fatalities were reported. Russian security services continue to investigate the incident, with no confirmation of the origin of the drones. Sergey Sobyanin, Moscow Mayor, assured that no one sustained serious injuries from the attack and emergency responders reached all affected areas. Social media footage…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Hit-and-run chaos in Pattaya: Thai man left stranded as white sedan driver escapes justice
A Thai man involved in a hit-and-run accident near a Big C department store in Central Pattaya with the driver of the white sedan responsible is still at large. Thanachot Aranyapragorn shared his story with local media, expressing frustration that the driver has not been apprehended despite filing a report with Pattaya Police nine days ago. The accident occurred on…
Read More » - Thailand News
Ex-national parks chief’s complaint rejected in bribery scandal case
A bribery scandal involving a former director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Thailand took a new turn as the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases dismissed the complaint filed by the accused against the arresting police officers. Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya accused members of the police Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) of malfeasance, fabricating…
Read More » - Crime News
Abusive teacher faces arrest for tormenting 280 kids
A Thai nursery teacher faces arrest for allegedly abusing over 280 children at a childcare centre. On May 30, 2023, Wichit Boonchinwuttikun, the Saraburi Province’s police chief, disclosed the progress in the case; the suspect admitted their guilt and remorse. The investigation into the childcare centre abuse began when nine children were interviewed by a multidisciplinary team of prosecutors, police,…
Read More » - Economy News
Thai exports decline for seventh month as global demand slows
The Thai Ministry of Commerce has reported a decline in the nation’s export value for the seventh consecutive month. In April, the value dropped by 7.6% compared to the previous year, a significantly larger decrease than the 2% fall anticipated by economists. April’s exports were valued at US$21.72 billion, a notable decrease from March’s 12-month high of US$27.65 billion. Despite…
Read More » - Thailand News
Woman rescued after lying naked in roadside forest
A 36 year old woman sought police help after she discovered herself lying naked in a roadside forest along Sri Waree Noi Road in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. The police suspect she was violated by a couple of friends who she spent time with the previous night. At about 9am today, a member of the Bang Plee Rescue Team accompanied…
Read More » - World News
Taiwanese couple gropes on motorbike at traffic lights sparks outrage
A Taiwanese man has been accused of inappropriately touching a woman as they both rode a motorcycle whilst waiting at a traffic light. The pair’s acts have drawn widespread criticism online after a video clip of the incident went viral. A short video has emerged online in Taiwan, sparking outrage and criticism. The footage, posted on the Taiwanese website Nextapple,…
Read More » - Thailand News
A bug’s life: Century-old temple overrun by termites attracts lottery enthusiasts in search of lucky signs
A century-old temple in Phetchabun province, Thailand, has termites almost completely covering its ancient Buddha statues. News of this brought lottery enthusiasts dashing to the temple in search of lucky signs. Locals and temple committee members opened the ancient chapel at Noen MaKha Noi Temple in preparation for its renovation, yesterday, May 29. Upon entering, they witnessed large termites covering…
Read More » - Business News
Bank of Japan to maintain ultra-loose policy, downplays change expectations
The Bank of Japan’s Governor, Kazuo Ueda, has stated that the central bank will continue to maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy, as there remains a significant gap to achieve the 2% inflation target sustainably. Ueda’s comments downplay the expectations of a policy change in the near future. He told parliament, “We expect inflation to quite clearly slow below 2% toward…
Read More » - Food
Jan Lorenzen named new Director of Food and Beverage at Angsana Laguna Phuket
Press Release Angsana Laguna Phuket is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan Lorenzen as Director of Food and Beverage. He brings to the resort over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, including recently as the Cluster Director, Food and Beverage at ONYX Hospitality. Jan began his career at The Landmark Hotel, London, working to become Director of…
Read More » - Thailand News
11 year old girl left distraught after hair raising buzz cut drama
An 11 year old girl was left distressed after a hairdresser mistakenly cut her hair into a short buzz style meant for boys in Pangmakha, Kamphaengphet province. Despite her grandmother’s explicit request for a “student’s haircut,” the stylist ignored their objections and continued cutting her hair. The girl’s mother turned to a Facebook group, “Free Legal Advice Forum” to seek…
Read More » - Thailand News
Brawl erupts between foreigners and Thai driver on road in Phuket (video)
A Thai minibus driver filed a complaint at Chalong Police Station yesterday after some foreigners broke two side view mirrors of his vehicle during a dispute on the road in Phuket. The Thai minibus driver, Monnaphan Makaraphan, told police that he was involved in a dispute with the foreign drivers and passengers of a red Toyota Yaris hatchback. He admitted…
Read More » - World News
Mexican woman jailed for killing rapist sparks nationwide protests
Outcry in Mexico as woman jailed for self-defence killing – Protests are erupting across Mexico after 21 year old Roxana Santiago was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for killing a man who had raped her. People are rallying for justice, believing the young woman acted in self-defence during a horrific attack. “Defending my life is not…
Read More » - Thailand News
Teacher slaps student for chatting in class, unable to solve problem
A Thai secondary school teacher has come under criticism after slapping a 7th grade student for talking to a classmate during a lesson and failing to solve a problem on the board. A video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the school and teacher to apologise. The incident took place at a school in Ubon Ratchathani province,…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s NRCT and Chulalongkorn University launch anti-corruption knowledge hub
The Knowledge Hub for Regional Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Collaboration (KRAC) has been established in Thailand through a partnership between the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Chulalongkorn University‘s Faculty of Economics. KRAC’s main objective is to develop an anti-corruption ecosystem in the country by applying academic knowledge and fostering international cooperation networks. Asst. Prof. Dr. Torplus Yomnak, director…
Read More » - World News
Typhoon Mawar lashes Taiwan’s coast, heads towards southern Japan
Typhoon Mawar battered Taiwan’s eastern coast with strong winds, heavy rains, and large waves today, causing residents in the fishing town of Yilan to secure their boats and homes. Despite losing some of its strength since hitting Guam last week, the slow-moving typhoon remained dangerous with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 190…
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Teen fights off crocodile while fishing with siblings in Australia
A 19 year old teenager in Northern Australia has had a miraculous escape after being dragged underwater by a giant crocodile while out fishing with his relatives on Groote Eylandt. Despite his terrifying experience, Zefha Butcher managed to survive the harrowing encounter with only minor injuries. Zefha had been fishing along with his 10 year old brother and another relative…
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