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Sponsored Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Ukraine agriculture crisis looms as dam collapse risks desertification
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not only resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences but also poses a severe threat to the country’s agriculture. Ukrainian officials have warned that the southern region’s fertile lands could transform into deserts as early as next year due to the destruction of vital irrigation systems that rely on the Kakhovka reservoir. The reservoir is rapidly…
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UK to host global AI summit addressing technology’s significant risks
This autumn, the UK government will host a global artificial intelligence (AI) summit aimed at assessing the technology’s most significant risks. With growing concerns about the potential existential threat AI poses to humanity, regulators worldwide are working to establish new rules to mitigate these risks. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his desire for the UK to lead efforts in ensuring…
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Cancer care compromised by staff shortages, radiology leaders warn NHS
Cancer patients are experiencing increasing delays and compromised care within the NHS due to staff shortages, according to radiology leaders. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) surveyed all 60 directors of UK cancer centres and found that 95% believed staff shortages were causing longer waiting times for appointments and treatment delays. In 97% of centres, patient treatment had been postponed…
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Smartphone camera lens speeds up skin cancer diagnosis for thousands
A new smartphone camera lens has the potential to expedite skin cancer diagnosis for thousands of patients. The 50p-sized lens can be attached to a smartphone, enabling it to capture detailed images of moles and skin lesions. This innovative approach, referred to as “teledermatology” by NHS officials, is expected to be implemented across England by July. The technology could allow…
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Thai economy could face 36 billion baht hit from extreme weather
Extreme weather conditions, including drought and floods, could potentially inflict a 36 billion baht blow to Thailand‘s economy this year, warns the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). Drought, in particular, is a significant concern as it may severely affect the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, further hindering the country’s already sluggish exports. “Manufacturers are worried about drought…
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Heavy rainfall warning: 70% of Thailand faces risk, 43 provinces affected
Continuous rainfall and flooding have led to warnings in 43 provinces in Thailand, affecting 70% of the region. The Thai Meteorological Department urged citizens to be cautious of potential dangers amidst the downpour, including landslides and flash floods. The heavy rainfall is a result of a strong monsoon trough passing through Myanmar, affecting parts of northern, northeastern, central, and eastern Thailand,…
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Husband wins almost 500,000 baht for wife’s extramarital affair
A Chinese father discovered his wife’s extramarital affair after their child returned late at night seeking care. A lawsuit and court order required the wife and her lover to pay 100,000 yuan (489,000 baht) in damages. The Taoyuan City man, who was the primary carer for their child, slept separately from his wife, reported Sanook. In the middle of the…
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THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 achieves resounding success with impressive growth
Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, concluded with outstanding results, surpassing expectations in terms of exhibitors, attendees, and international participation. The event took place between 23rd and 27th May, featuring 3,034 exhibitors from 45 countries and covering a vast 130,000 square metres of exhibition space. This represents significant growth compared to the previous…
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Thai man dozes off using GPS, crashes car into barrier, and dies
A 31 year old Thai man tragically lost his life after his car veered off course and collided with a barrier on a U-turn near Ban Mueang Luang in Chachoengsao province. The incident occurred at 3am this morning, and witnesses say the driver seemed to be dozing at the wheel prior to the crash. Police officer Dechrit Srikacha and a…
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140 Thai women lured into prostitution in Myanmar
The Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women revealed that the foundation is working to rescue 140 Thai women lured into prostitution in the Shan state of Myanmar. Some of the victims were forced to take drugs. Several Thai people employed in the Shan state urged the foundation and relevant Thai authorities to intervene and rescue these women. Some employees…
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Probe into Thai school’s alleged forced relocation of 130 ethnic children
A committee has been formed by the Ministry of Education to investigate allegations that 130 ethnic children were forcibly relocated from a Thai-Myanmar border town to a school in Ang Thong’s Pa Mok district. Local complaints have been filed, claiming that a large group of ethnic children was enrolled in Thairath Wittaya 6 School, a small institution with only two…
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Thai state banks raise interest rates after central bank policy hike
Following the Bank of Thailand‘s recent policy rate increase, state banks, including the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), have raised interest rates for loans and deposits, with deposit rates exceeding loan rates. Vitai Ratanakorn, GSB’s president and chief executive, stated that after the central bank’s policy rate increased by a quarter percentage…
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Pandemic shifts UK grocery habits: fewer visits, own-label surge, loyalty focus
The pandemic has caused a significant shift in grocery shopping habits in the UK, as data from analyst firm Kantar reveals. Consumers now visit supermarkets less frequently, spend more on own-label products, and increasingly rely on loyalty schemes for discounts. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has contributed to these changes, with food prices reaching their highest levels in 45 years. Kantar’s…
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Wrestling legend Iron Sheik dies aged 81, transcending sports entertainment
The world of professional wrestling has lost an iconic figure as Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known as the “Iron Sheik,” passed away at the age of 81. Vaziri, an Iranian-born athlete, gained prominence in the 1970s and ’80s as part of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which later became the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The wrestler’s death was announced on…
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Trudeau slams Alphabet, Meta for bullying tactics over Canadian news bill
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused tech giants Alphabet and Meta of employing “bullying tactics” in response to proposed legislation aimed at providing financial support to news publishers. The Online News Act seeks to force companies such as Google and Facebook to negotiate commercial agreements with news outlets and compensate them for their content. In anticipation of the legislation,…
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Ex-sheriff’s deputy on trial for inaction during Parkland school massacre
The trial of a former sheriff’s deputy accused of failing to intervene during the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida has begun, marking the first time a law enforcement officer has been criminally prosecuted for inaction during a school shooting in the United States. Scot Peterson, who served as a school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, faces…
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Japanese startup Exit outsources resignations, easing employee guilt
In Japan, a unique startup named Exit has emerged, offering employees a way to resign from their jobs without facing their bosses directly. Exit, founded by Toshiyuki Niino and Yuichiro Okazaki, charges a fee of 20,000 yen (US$144) to inform a client’s employer about their decision to quit, eliminating the need for any uncomfortable confrontations. Since its inception in 2017,…
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Ex-PM Imran Khan accused of abetting murder in lawyer’s death
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been accused of involvement in the murder of a lawyer who had filed a high treason case against him. The lawyer, Abdul Razzaq Shar, was shot dead on his way to the Balochistan High Court complex in Quetta on Tuesday. Shar’s son, Siraj Ahmed, filed a criminal complaint against Khan, alleging that the…
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Pakistani military vows punishment for unrest masterminds after Khan’s arrest
The Pakistani military has pledged to take action against those responsible for the violence that occurred last month, following the brief arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges. The military’s top brass convened in Rawalpindi and expressed their determination to bring those who attacked military installations and monuments to justice. The military also refuted allegations of human…
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Wrestlers postpone protest after minister promises swift action on assault allegations
Indian wrestlers have decided to temporarily halt their planned protest following assurances from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur that the investigation into sexual assault allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief will be concluded promptly. Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Asian Games medallist Vinesh Phogat have been at the forefront of the protests, demanding action against WFI…
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Sunak visits US to discuss AI, Ukraine war, and transatlantic trade
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has embarked on a two-day visit to Washington, DC, where discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), the Ukraine conflict, and transatlantic trade are expected to take centre stage. Sunak commenced his visit by paying his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by meetings with congressional leaders. He is slated…
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Russian cyber gang’s MOVEit hack threatens global corporations, including BBC
A Russian cyber-extortion gang’s hack of a widely-used file-transfer program, MOVEit, could have severe global consequences, with initial victims including the BBC, British Airways, and Nova Scotia’s government. Cybersecurity experts have warned that this could be one of the most significant breaches in recent years, with the true impact becoming clearer as more information emerges. The Cl0p ransomware syndicate announced…
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Virginia high school graduation shooting kills two, injures five
A high school graduation ceremony in Virginia turned tragic when a shooting claimed the lives of a student and his stepfather, leaving five others injured. The incident occurred outside Altria Theater in Richmond, where hundreds of people, many clad in graduation gowns, ran for safety. The police have identified the 19-year-old suspect, Omari Pollard, who is believed to have carried…
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Ex-deputy on trial for inaction during Parkland school shooting
The trial of a former sheriff’s deputy charged with failing to protect students during the 2018 Parkland, Florida school shooting has commenced. Scot Peterson, 60 years old, was the on-duty police officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when the deadliest school shooting in US history occurred. Seventeen people died, and 17 others were injured. Peterson is the first US…
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Canadian wildfires cause major flight delays at New York airports
New York airports, including LaGuardia and Newark International, have experienced significant flight delays due to reduced visibility caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed travellers of potential two-hour delays, with 619 flight delays reported by 17:50 EST (22:50 BST) at New York City airports, according to Flight Aware. The air travel disruptions have also…
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Dutch museum’s Egypt excavation ban over black musicians exhibition
The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, Netherlands, has been banned from carrying out archaeological excavations at a significant Egyptian site due to an exhibition exploring ancient Egypt’s influence on black musicians. The Egyptian authorities accused the museum of “falsifying” history through its display featuring artists such as Beyoncé, Nas, and Miles Davis. The museum has labelled the accusations as…
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Pence slams Trump, launches 2024 campaign with constitutional focus
In a recent speech launching his 2024 presidential campaign, former US vice-president Mike Pence delivered his strongest criticism of Donald Trump yet. Pence accused the former president of betraying the US constitution and abandoning conservative values. The speech in Ankeny, Iowa, marked the official start of Pence’s White House campaign, which puts him in direct competition with his former running…
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Ukraine dam breach sparks major landmine threat, warns Red Cross
A significant dam breach in southern Ukraine could have disastrous consequences for landmine detection, warns the Red Cross. The ongoing water surge down the Dnipro river, which separates Russian and Ukrainian-controlled territories, has forced thousands to evacuate from areas in the Kherson region. Both nations accuse each other of sabotaging the Kakhovka dam, though the BBC has been unable to…
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Heat-health alert issued as England braces for 30C weekend temperatures
A heat-health warning has been announced for certain areas of England as temperatures are expected to soar to 30C (86F) over the weekend. The alert is active from 9am on Friday 9 June to 9am on Monday 12 June, covering London, the Midlands, and eastern and southern England. The public is urged to keep an eye on vulnerable friends and…
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Labour MP Beth Winter alleges unfair obstacles in Wales seat selection
Labour MP Beth Winter has expressed her disappointment after losing a selection battle for a new seat in Wales due to proposed boundary changes. Winter claimed she faced “unacceptable obstacles” during the contest against Labour frontbencher Gerald Jones, who was announced as the candidate for Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon. Winter stated she would be “taking advice and soundings” on…
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