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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Deputy Premier slams Malaysia Airlines’ magazine for Sarawak nickname error
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his disappointment over the incorrect nickname for Sarawak featured in the Going Places traveller’s guide. In a recent Facebook post, Dr Sim shared his shock at discovering the error in the June 2023 edition of Malaysia Airlines’ magazine. He did not explicitly mention the mistake, but it was evident that he…
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Myanmar gang caught providing illegal labour in Samut Prakan
Police in Samut Prakan province swooped on a Myanmar human trafficking gang involved in illegally providing undocumented workers. Officers arrested two gang members and 13 other Myanmar nationals, who were found inside two taxis. Security officers in Samut Prakan province recently arrested Mr Jo and Mr Bung, both from Myanmar, along with 13 other Myanmar nationals who were found in…
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Health Ministry discusses halted sponsorship for medical students
The Health Ministry (MOH) and the Public Service Department (JPA) are in discussions regarding the JPA’s decision to cease sponsorship for students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa expressed concerns that this move may discourage students from pursuing studies in these fields, which are essential for the country’s health services. Dr Zaliha also mentioned that the…
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Gunmen attack Pattani railway checkpoint, security officer killed
An attack on a railway checkpoint in Pattani province left a 22 year old officer dead, as unidentified assailants believed to be separatist militants, fired shots and stole a gun. Security forces are now hunting for the perpetrators along their escape routes. On the evening of June 10, a group of armed suspects, dressed like Va’ah members, attacked a railway…
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Annuar Musa rejects Umno return, claims party causes division and betrays Malays
Tan Sri Annuar Musa, a former senior Umno leader, has announced that he will not return to the party from which he was sacked, according to a report by PAS-owned daily Harakah. Annuar, who recently became a PAS member, stated that Umno is no longer the preferred party for Malaysians since GE13 and has caused divisions. “I decided not to…
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Sultan Ibrahim pays record RM1.2m for Malaysia’s priciest number plate
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Johor Ruler, now possesses Malaysia’s most expensive number plate in the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) special “FF” series. Loke had initially planned to present the “FF 1” plate to Sultan Ibrahim as a gift, but the monarch chose to pay the government RM1.2 million (US$290,000) for it instead. Loke stated,…
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8 year old girl’s body found in bamboo grove after drowning in creek
The body of an 8 year old girl was discovered floating near bamboo shoots in the Lum Hua Klong Kong Creek, 100 meters away from where she drowned in Udon Thani’s Kum Pha Wa Pi district. The tragic incident occurred on June 9 when the girl, Patty, and her friends played at the creek after school. On the evening of June…
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Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed named new Bank Negara Malaysia governor
The Association of Banks Malaysia has extended its congratulations to Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour on his appointment as the next governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli, the association’s chairman, praised Abdul Rasheed as a “true home-grown talent” who has contributed significantly to the country’s economy. “The banking industry will certainly benefit from his experience as…
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Newborn’s body found floating in Kota Kinabalu water village
A newborn baby’s body was discovered floating in a water village in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. Villagers made the tragic discovery as they were crossing the wooden bridge in the village around 6.30pm and promptly contacted the police. The gender of the baby has yet to be determined. Acting Kota Kinabalu district police chief, Kalsom Idris, stated in a press release…
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Purrr-perplexing predicament: Python’s toilet tango turns into kitten craving catastrophe
A 4 metre long python trapped in a toilet in Nonthaburi, Thailand, was found to have eaten three kittens before swelling difficulties led to its rescue. Officials from the Charlie Radio Rescue Centre took more than 30 minutes to extract the snake. On June 10, at 2pm, Charlie Radio Rescue Centre was alerted to the incident of a large python…
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Umno VP urges early candidate selection for upcoming state elections
Umno Vice-President Johari Abdul Ghani has urged his party to announce its candidates for the upcoming six state elections early, allowing grassroots members ample time to accept the decision and prepare, as reported by Mingguan Malaysia. Speaking at the close of Umno’s general assembly, the Titiwangsa MP emphasised that election victory relies on three key factors: the party, its machinery,…
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MACC: No constitutional right to lawyer presence during questioning
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has stated that lawyers do not possess a constitutional right to be present during the questioning of their clients. This statement comes in response to accusations by rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), which claimed that the MACC was restricting access to a client. MACC deputy director Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin cited legal precedents supporting…
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National Unity Index Survey to assess Malaysia’s multi-racial unity
The Ministry of National Unity in Malaysia is set to conduct the National Unity Index Survey (IPNas) for the third time this year, aiming to evaluate the unity levels among the nation’s diverse racial communities. The IPNas, which was carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) last year, demonstrated an increase…
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Mysterious Naga-like pattern appears on temple candle, reviving dead gecko
A mysterious event occurred at the Poo Srisuttho Shrine in Udon Thani Province when worshippers encountered unrecognisable markings on sacred candles and a seemingly dead gecko revived, causing awe and astonishment. On June 10 at 11am, amid drizzling rain, devotees continued to visit and pay their respects to Poo Srisuttho at Wat Sri Daram in Nakhum Saeng District, Udon Thani…
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Rees-Mogg warns Tories against blocking Johnson, risking party civil war
Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Cabinet minister, has cautioned the Conservative Party against attempting to block Boris Johnson from standing in another parliamentary constituency, warning that such a move could lead to a “civil war” within the party. Johnson resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on Friday due to the ongoing investigation into Partygate. Rees-Mogg received a knighthood in Johnson’s…
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Heatwave hits 32C amid amber thunderstorm warnings and flood risks
The ongoing heatwave in the United Kingdom is expected to reach 32C today, but weather experts are warning of potential thunderstorms that may lead to flooding. Saturday marked the hottest day of the year thus far, with temperatures in Surrey reaching 32.3C. However, in the North, heavy rain and hail were experienced on Saturday evening, prompting the Met Office to…
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Tory mortgage penalty costs UK homeowners extra £7,000 annually
Labour has accused the Conservative Party of causing a “Tory mortgage penalty” of £7,000 for homeowners, with interest rates now three times higher than they were two years ago. Pat McFadden, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, pointed to the “reckless economic gamble” taken by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng during their time in power as the cause of the…
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Manchester City clinch treble with Champions League victory
The roar of 6,000 Manchester City fans filled the air as their team claimed victory in the Champions League, securing the treble. This moment of sheer elation caused the ground to shake and bodies to tremble. Rob, 64 years old, was in disbelief, stating, “I never thought I’d see this day.” He had been a loyal City fan since he…
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Top SPM student’s mother dies, school to provide support
An 18-year-old top student from Sekolah Menengah Ugama (A) Darul Iman, Muhammad Syahril Saidi, lost his mother, 54-year-old Faridah Ismail, on June 11. The young achiever had recently earned 11As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Noor Ruziana Ismail, the principal of the school, confirmed the sad news and expressed her condolences to Muhammad Syahril’s family. Faridah Ismail passed…
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Annuar Musa wishes Umno’s Zahid luck in dominating state elections
Former Umno lawmaker Tan Sri Annuar Musa has extended his well wishes to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding the latter’s ambition to dominate three of the six seats in the upcoming elections. Annuar, who was expelled from Umno last December, acknowledged that Ahmad Zahid has a responsibility to rally his supporters, but also noted that voters in…
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Tory civil war fears as more Johnson allies may quit
The Conservative Party is on high alert as rumours circulate that additional allies of Boris Johnson may resign as MPs, potentially escalating internal conflict within the party. Johnson’s supporters have indicated that two more MPs may be preparing to step down, following the recent resignations of Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams, who joined the former prime minister in triggering by-elections.…
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Anwar Ibrahim denies using judiciary for political revenge as Malaysia PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has dismissed allegations that he is utilising the nation’s judiciary system to exact political revenge on certain individuals. Instead, Anwar emphasised his respect for the country’s judiciary and his commitment to not interfering in decisions made by the attorney-general or judges in any case. Anwar stated, “If revenge was on my mind or my…
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Mortgage shock hits UK homeowners as interest rates surge
Mortgage rates have become a hot topic of conversation among homeowners and tenants alike, as concerns grow over the impact of rising rates on monthly payments and rental costs. Here are five key factors contributing to the current unrest. Inflation forecasts predicted a significant slowdown in price increases, but recent data has indicated that inflation may remain higher for longer…
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PM urges focus on values-based education to boost Malaysia’s global competitiveness
In a recent speech, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of raising education standards based on core values and virtues to create knowledgeable individuals with strong principles. He cited the need to draw strength from religion and instil confidence, values, and virtues in education, similar to efforts in other countries. Anwar also highlighted the importance of using the…
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Umno AGM 2023: DAP fears, Najib’s freedom, and party’s blind spots
Umno, Malaysia’s grand old party, recently concluded its annual general assembly, aiming to assure its grassroots members that it will rebuild following the last general election. The party remains in power but as a weaker ally of the Pakatan Harapan political bloc, sparking unease among grassroots members. Here are three key takeaways from the Umno AGM 2023: 1. DAP remains…
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Kazakhstan forest fires claim 14 lives, 60,000 hectares scorched
A total of 14 individuals have lost their lives in devastating forest fires that have swept through northeastern Kazakhstan, marking the highest death toll from such incidents in recent years. Over the weekend, the emergency situations ministry revealed that 316 people were evacuated, and the situation was now under control, ensuring the safety of homes in the affected area. However,…
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Unabomber Ted Kaczynski dies aged 81 in North Carolina prison
The infamous “Unabomber,” Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski, passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday. Kaczynski, a Harvard-educated mathematician, was responsible for a 17-year bombing campaign that claimed the lives of three people and injured 23 others. He died at the federal prison medical centre in Butner, North Carolina, according to Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of…
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Trump rallies support amid 37-count indictment for hoarding classified documents
Donald Trump, the former US President, is scheduled to make his first public appearances since being federally indicted, addressing supportive Republican audiences in Georgia and North Carolina. He aims to rally support for his defence as he remains the frontrunner for the Republican Party nomination in 2024, despite his growing legal troubles. Trump is expected to use speeches at two…
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Sabotage team used Poland base to blow up Baltic Nord Stream pipelines
German investigators are delving into evidence that suggests a sabotage team may have utilised Poland as a base to orchestrate the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea, according to the Wall Street Journal. The two-week journey of the Andromeda, a 15-metre yacht suspected to be involved in the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2…
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Man City claims first Champions League title, completes treble
In a historic moment, Manchester City has secured their first-ever Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan with a 1-0 victory at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium. This win marks the completion of a treble for the team, making them the second English club to achieve this feat. On Saturday, Spaniard Rodri scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute, resulting in…
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