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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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Witches brew: Canadian captures semi-naked women feasting on dead deer
In a bone-chilling encounter that could rival scenes from a cannibal horror movie, a nature enthusiast from Canada was left in shock after witnessing what appeared to be two semi-naked witches indulging in a macabre feast on the carcass of a dead deer. Corinea Stanhope, who had set up a camera to capture wildlife activity near her home, stumbled upon this…
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Music teacher assaults 10 year old girl with ADHD in Nonthaburi school
A 50 year old father filed a complaint against a music teacher for physically abusing his 10 year old daughter, a fourth-grade student, in a school located in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. The little girl was allegedly slapped and kicked, leaving a shoe print on the back of her shirt and suffering from physical pain. The father, Pongsak, said…
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Ultra-processed foods linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are now consumed by approximately half of the UK population, are being linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, and strokes. The term UPF refers to food products that have undergone significant industrial processing and contain ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, and preservatives that are not typically used in home…
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Mortgage deals vanish as rates surge amid inflation fears
The average cost of a two-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen by £35 per month in recent weeks, according to financial data firm Moneyfacts. This increase is attributed to a 0.3% rise in interest charges, following inflation data that did not decline as rapidly as anticipated. Consequently, many experts predict that the Bank of England may raise interest rates more than…
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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,…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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%.…
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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.”…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.”…
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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…
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