- Politics News
Julian Assange supporters ‘heartened’ by Aussie govt
Family, friends and supporters of imprisoned journalist Julian Assange were “heartened” and frustrated by the words of the Australian Government Attorney General yesterday. Supporters, keen to secure the release of the Australian citizen as he fights extradition from Belmarsh prison in the United Kingdom, may be frustrated but Greg Barns SC, a legal advisor to the 51 year old’s campaign,…
- Politics News
Thailand refuses to condemn Russia at UN Assembly
Thailand refused to condemn Russia’s decision to annex parts of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday. In September, Russia proclaimed its annexation of four partially occupied regions in Ukraine – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia – after staging what it called referendums. Ukraine, the UN General Assembly, and their allies refused to recognise the referendums,…
- Crime News
Mother of the daycare massacre killer says sorry
Thailand’s Department of Health released a video of the mother of the daycare centre massacre killer issuing a heartfelt apology for the tragedy while more details emerge about the lack of urgency by the police to the killing spree. The mother of the former police officer who murdered 37 people, including 24 children, in Nong Bua Lamphu province, northeast Thailand, delivered her…
- Thailand News
Israeli girl in stable condition after jellyfish causes cardiac arrest
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday reported that the six year old Israeli girl who suffered a cardiac arrest after being stung by a dangerous jellyfish is in serious but stable condition. The Israeli child’s heart stopped after she was stung by a poisonous box jellyfish on a beach in Ko Pha Ngan on Sunday. She received first aid on…
- World News
‘Give China some control of Taiwan,’ says Elon Musk
United States business magnate Elon Musk embroiled himself in the politically sensitive One China-Taiwan debate over the weekend. Unsurprisingly, the Tesla CEO’s controversial comments in the Financial Times caused a backlash and, even more surprisingly, drew praise. The world’s richest man endeared himself to China, but not Taiwan, suggesting the mainland should have some control over the island to resolve…
- World News
Legendary Spain custodian causes social media storm with ‘I’m gay’ tweet
Former Spain international goalkeeper Iker Casillas caused a social media storm yesterday when he allegedly announced he is “gay” on Twitter. Casillas, who played his club football for Real Madrid and Porto tweeted… “I hope you respect me: I’m gay,” in Spanish. His former Spain colleague Carles Puyol replied on Twitter… “It’s time to tell our story.” The tweet was…
- Crime News
Colleagues reveal daycare killer prone to mood swings
Former colleagues of the daycare centre killer revealed Panya Khamrap had a long history of drug use, behavioural problems and bad mood swings and was not popular at work. The 34 year old disgraced cop reportedly armed with a shotgun, pistol and meat cleaver murdered 37 people, including 24 children, butchered while they slept at the nursery in Nong Bua…
- World News
China punishes Taiwan farmers for Pelosi visit
Taiwan is still feeling the fallout from the visit of US politician Nancy Pelosi in August. China’s response to Taiwan accepting the US House of Representatives Speaker was to punish the country with a series of economic measures such as blocking the imports of more than 2,000 different Taiwanese foodstuffs, including pomelos. Understandably, Taiwan’s farmers are suffering from the ban.…
- World News
Book on Trump reveals casual racism and homophobia
A controversial new book on Donald Trump by a New York Times journalist reveals that an intriguing look into his life from businessman to United States President, from casual racism to homophobia, and fear of dying from Covid-19. The book, Confidence Man, written by Maggie Haberman chronicles Trump’s time as a New York businessman and life during and after his…
- Thailand News
Thailand & Australia pledge to stamp out trafficking
The government pledged to make human trafficking its top priority as Thailand renewed stronger trade ties with Australia yesterday. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met Australia’s new ambassador, Angela Jane Macdonald, at Government House yesterday to discuss several options including trade opportunities between the two nations as they celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations. Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri made it known…
- World News
Former Coventry footballer seriously ill in Thai hospital
The family of a former professional footballer appealed for help after he fell seriously ill in Thailand. He has a 50-50 chance of survival. John Horsley, a footballer with Coventry City and Shrewsbury Town in his youth, was in Thailand when he became sick late last month. The 77 year old man from Desborough in Northampton is now in a…
- Environment News
Ao Kung gets green light for marina despite opposition
Conservationists are opposed to plans to build a new marina in a sleepy bay in Phuket. Developers believe it will reignite tourism blighted by the Covid-19 pandemic but preservationists hit back saying the project will damage the island’s coral reefs and affect marine life in the area. A developer has targeted Ao Kung, a sleepy bay north of Phuket Island,…
- World News
Cambodian delegation in UK to search for stolen treasures
A Cambodian delegation is in London today to investigate whether the United Kingdom is harbouring any cultural treasures stolen from Khmer sacred temples. Earlier this year Cambodia sent a list of missing artefacts to the British Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The Southeast Asian nation believes a number of precious items were stolen by a British art…
- Politics News
Royal defamation case dropped against Thai activist
A Thai political and human rights activist admitted he is surprised the court dismissed a royal defamation charge against him. Tiwagorn Withiton was arrested after posting a picture of himself on Facebook wearing a t-shirt printed with “I lost faith in the monarchy” in June 2020. The political arm of the military, Internal Security Operations Command, visited Tiwagorn’s house soon after…
- Politics News
The Russia-Ukraine conundrum and US interference
The conflict in Ukraine ramped up even further last night when United States President Joe Biden declared America will “never recognize Russia‘s attempt to take territory in Ukraine.” The US President spoke ahead of an expected speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin today who is predicted to announce that four regions of Ukraine, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, are rejoining…
- Technology News
Line Man Wongnai now Thailand’s largest tech startup
Line Man Wongnai became Thailand’s largest tech startup by valuation thanks to a new round of funding. Singapore sovereign wealth fund, Capital Market Company (GIC), led the latest funding round that managed to raise 10.1 billion baht for the Thai food delivery app and in doing so made it Thailand’s latest unicorn company. Line, Taiwan Mobile, BRV Capital Management and PTT…
- World News
China backs Philippines online gambling crackdown
The embassy of China in Manila backed the Philippines government’s plan to crackdown on online gambling and the expulsion of Chinese nationals. A Philippines Justice Ministry official yesterday announced its decision to shut down some 175 offshore gambling companies and expel around 40,000 Chinese workers in a bid to clean up a haven of crime that envelopes the industry. Justice…
- World News
Burmese beauty queen granted safe haven in Canada
The former Burmese beauty queen denied entry to Thailand last week has been granted a safe haven in Canada. The 23 year old Han Lay tried to seek asylum in Thailand last Thursday when she landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Vietnam after being allegedly targeted by the Myanmar ruling military junta following a speech she made during the Miss Grand International 2020…
- Crime News
13 murdered, including 7 kids by Russian neo-Nazi
Thirteen people were murdered by a terrorist wearing a balaclava and a black t-shirt sporting a Nazi symbol today at a school in Russia. Seven children were among the 13 dead while another 21 were injured before the gunman shot and killed himself. The shooting took place in Izhevsk, the capital of the Udmurtia region about 600 miles east of…
- Politics News
Unlikely Biden will make APEC meeting in Thailand
Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson reported that they are trying to find a way for US President Joe Biden to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting in Bangkok after he made it known it clashes with a family wedding. The US President will attend the G20 conference in Bali on November 15 and November 16 but will probably…
- World News
Thai Airways releases details of winter flights itinerary
Thai Airways (THAI) announced its winter flights schedule from October 30 to March 25, 2023, with 34 flights slated to take off from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok for destinations to Asia, Europe, and Australia. Thailand’s flag carrier has endured a tough time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world over two years ago. But THAI recently announced a restructuring plan to…
- China News
No word from China on Xi military coup whispers
Media reports from India last night claimed China President Xi Jinping is under house arrest after a military coup. TFI Global and the Times of India both speculated that the Chinese premier is under house arrest after Beijing Airport cancelled more than 6,000 domestic and international flights, and suspended the nation’s high-speed rail. The Indian media outlets also went as…
- World News
Chinese lost at sea reported to have been trafficked
The Chinese nationals lost at sea off the coast of Cambodia are believed to have been illegally trafficked. A Cambodian government official today reported that 23 Chinese nationals are missing after the boat overturned carrying 41 alleged illegal immigrants. Government official Kheang Phearom announced that the boat carrying 41 Chinese people got into trouble near Sihanoukville yesterday and only 18…
- Entertainment
Controversial British street artist Banksy in Bangkok
An art exhibition by the controversial British street artist Banksy is coming to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Bangkok next month. Under the banner of The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, the exhibit will display over 150 works by the anarchic graffiti artist on October 26 until the end of the year. The exhibit will showcase a number…
- Crime News
Trump slams fraud lawsuit as a ‘witch hunt’
Former United States President Donald Trump dismissed a fraud lawsuit against him and his family as “another witch hunt” and claims the black New York Attorney General is a racist. The 76 year old former US president and three of his children, Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric, were hit by the lawsuit after an investigation into the Trump Organisation alleged…
- Crime News
Corrupt police chief’s 137 million baht fortune nabbed
A former deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8 found guilty of fraudulent activity has had his 137 million baht fortune confiscated by Thailand’s Criminal Court for Corruption. Pol Lt Gen Somchai Nitayabowornkul was found guilty by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAAC) on August 10 for having assets worth more than he could ever afford in relation to his rank…
- World News
Thailand’s drugs operation with Korea hailed a success
Thailand hailed the success of a joint operation with Korea to stamp out drug trafficking between the two nations after their counterparts revealed they had collected a large supply of narcotics. This is the first time the Thai nation has sent agents to foreign shores to take part in such a joint operation. The Korea Customs Service (KSC) sent a team…
- Technology News
Apple to raise prices throughout globe but not Thailand
United States multinational Apple Inc. yesterday declared it is to raise prices in its app stores across most parts of the world but not Thailand. Apple announced the price increases will take effect on both App Store apps and in-app purchases next month. Great news for the Kingdom or Smiles but not so good for the likes of Japan, South…
- Crime News
US mother of two who faked her own abduction is jailed
A mother of two in the United States who faked her abduction has been jailed for a year and a half. Sherri Papini from California was sentenced to 18 months in prison for making false statements to the FBI relating to a false kidnapping claim. The 39 year old went missing in November 2016 after going jogging sparking a nationwide…