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Sponsored Pre-existing conditions? These expat insurance plans still have you covered
Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...
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Russian Major-General killed in Ukrainian missile strike, says official
In a significant development, a high-ranking Russian officer has reportedly been killed during a Ukrainian missile strike, as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russian forces. According to Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-backed official in Ukraine, Major-General Sergei Goryachev, Chief of Staff of Russia’s 35th Army, was killed in the southern Zaporizhia region on the frontlines where Ukrainian forces have been regaining…
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AI discrimination more pressing than human extinction, says EU competition chief
The European Union’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has highlighted discrimination as a more urgent concern than human extinction in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with the BBC, Vestager emphasised the need for “guardrails” to counter the technology’s risks, particularly in areas where AI is used for decision-making that can impact livelihoods, such as mortgage applications. The…
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Instant Brands files for bankruptcy amid $1bn liabilities, weak demand
Instant Brands, the company behind Pyrex glassware and Instant Pot multicookers, has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing liabilities of up to US$1bn. The firm attributes its financial troubles to high interest rates and weak demand. With over 2,400 employees, Instant Brands plans to continue operations while restructuring the business. This follows a warning from fellow kitchenware brand Tupperware in April,…
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Berlusconi’s death leaves €6bn empire, Forza Italia’s future uncertain
The passing of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left the nation in mourning, with a state funeral being held in Milan’s grand cathedral. This level of tribute, usually reserved for popes, war heroes, and serving ministers, demonstrates the impact of Berlusconi’s life on Italy. The media mogul and political leader leaves behind a vast empire and a powerful…
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Malaysian mother and daughter die in Toronto house fire
A Malaysian mother, aged 38, and her three-year-old daughter tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Brampton, Toronto. The mother, Melissa Archana John, passed away during the fire, while her daughter, Aria Jeanne Phoenix, succumbed to her injuries the following day. Melissa’s husband, Omar Watson, is currently in a medically induced coma due to severe injuries sustained in…
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Thai coconut milk industry battles PETA’s monkey abuse claims
Thai coconut milk producers are calling on the government to swiftly hire a lobbyist to counteract allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the treatment of monkeys by local farmers. PETA recently reiterated its claims on Twitter, stating that monkeys are kidnapped as babies and later forced to pick coconuts in the Thai coconut industry.…
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Car sales consultant found dead in Nonthaburi temple parking lot
A female car sales consultant was found dead in her car at a temple’s parking lot in Nonthaburi province after being reported missing by her sister. The 55 year old victim’s body was discovered yesterday, at around 4.30pm, in a white Toyota sedan with Phetchaburi licence plates. Local police arrived at the scene where the woman’s body was found, having been…
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Speeding motorbike hits parked car, rider severely injured in northeast Thailand
A parked car outside the owner’s home was hit by a speeding motorbike, leaving the bike’s rider severely injured in northeast Thailand. The incident occurred in the community of Sra Kaew, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Early morning today, police from the Phimai station were alerted to a road accident involving a motorbike straying out of its lane and colliding with a…
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Baleh hydroelectric project on track for 2028 despite pandemic delays
The Baleh hydroelectric project, a 1,285MW dam in Kapit, Sarawak, is on track to commence operations by 2028, according to Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. The construction is expected to be completed within the next three to four years, despite some delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and worker-related issues. “Our schedule for the dam to be completed is in…
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Indian man drowns in Pattaya pool as witnesses mistake struggle for play
A 44 year old Indian man yesterday tragically drowned in a Pattaya hotel swimming pool. The incident took place at 8.30pm in a well-known South Pattaya hotel, which remains unnamed by local police as they continue their investigation. The Indian tourist, identified as Vivek Kumar, was reportedly enjoying his time in the pool with an Indian woman, whose name has…
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Surat Thani storm leaves durian farmers with over 6 million baht loss
Durian farmers in Surat Thani province are suffering immense losses as the storm knocked down more than 50 tonnes of unripe fruit, resulting in a financial setback of over 6 million baht (US$173,310). Agricultural officials assessed the damage in two affected sub-districts of Ban Na San district, Lamphun and Phoem Phun Sap sub-districts, with assistance required for the devastated farmers.…
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Factory worker found dead after mother disapproves of girlfriend
A 39 year old factory worker was found dead in his bedroom after being reportedly distressed by his mother’s disapproval of his girlfriend. The incident took place at the man’s residence in the Tha Maka district of Kanchanaburi province. He had only been dating the woman for three months. Local police and forensics teams are investigating the case. After finding…
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Israeli soldiers avoid prosecution over Palestinian-American’s death
The Israeli military has decided not to criminally prosecute the soldiers involved in the death of Omar Assad, an 80-year-old Palestinian-American, who passed away in January 2022 after being detained at a West Bank checkpoint. Instead, the soldiers will only face disciplinary measures. Palestinian leaders had called for the soldiers to be prosecuted in an international court. Omar Assad, a…
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Trump dismisses charges over mishandling classified documents as abuse of power
Former US President Donald Trump has dismissed the federal charges brought against him regarding his handling of classified documents, just hours after pleading not guilty at an arraignment in Miami, Florida. Trump faces 37 counts of concealing and mishandling classified documents. Addressing a crowd from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, he labelled the case as the “most evil…
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Malaysia’s Health White Paper set for Dewan Rakyat debate
The Health White Paper, which includes a comprehensive policy on reforming Malaysia’s health system over 15 years, is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa will move the motion to table the paper after the winding up session for the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) annual report. The Health White…
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PKNS urged to strategise for socio-economic growth in Selangor state
The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has been urged to continue strategising in order to drive socio-economic growth in the state, according to Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari. As an agency under the state government, PKNS is expected to have a clear focus and direction for development and new growth, particularly for the next 50 years. “PKNS will be celebrating…
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MIC leader dismisses need for explanation on Sivarraajh’s CWC removal
An MIC leader has stated that there is no need for the party to provide an official explanation to former vice-president C. Sivarraajh regarding his removal from its central working committee (CWC). According to Free Malaysia Today, MIC information chief Thinalan Rajagopal claimed that there was no reason given when Sivarraajh joined the CWC in 2021, as it was the…
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Tile pattern ice cream: Must-try ice cream at Wat Arun in Bangkok
A Bangkok café and restaurant has created a delicious, arty ice cream to help support the education of monks and novices and pay for the upkeep of a well-known temple in the capital. The Arun-Cafe Coffee & Restaurant has conjured a 3D ice cream which has been crafted to mirror the ceramic tiles adorning the central prang (which means tall…
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Udon Thani man fatally stabs stepson over missing fighting cocks
A brutal crime unfolded in Udon Thani, Thailand after a 56 year old man allegedly stabbed his 33 year old stepson to death in a fit of rage over the disappearance of two fighting cocks in their family home. The victim, Nookraisak Saikhao, was found lying lifeless in a pool of blood on his bed by his ex-wife, who immediately…
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Newborn girl’s body found in Buriram rubbish heap
A 60 year old man discovered the body of a newborn girl, estimated to be about two days old, abandoned on a rubbish heap in a bag in Thailand’s Buriram province. The disoriented man, who has a speech disability, protected the body from flies until authorities arrived to investigate and recover the infant. Yesterday, Pol. Lt. Col. Chaleow Phayakkul, an…
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Monsoon causes 60% of Bangkok to face heavy rain risk, flash flood warnings issued
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Thailand, with 60% of Bangkok at risk of downpours. The public has been cautioned about flash flooding. The Department of Meteorology forecasts continued to warn of rainfall and stormy conditions, particularly in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions. The department has issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning that the moderate southwestern monsoon…
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Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support, US announces US$325m aid
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the progress of his troops as they advance near the city of Bakhmut in the east and on the southern front. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, promising increased support from NATO leaders in their upcoming meeting. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that…
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Trump pleads not guilty amid showmanship and Republican unease
The indictment of Donald Trump unfolded in two distinct arenas on Tuesday afternoon – a federal courtroom in Florida and the realm of public opinion. Within the Miami courthouse, Trump and his legal representatives maintained a composed demeanor. A lawyer for the former president informed the judge that Trump was pleading not guilty to all charges. Discussions ensued regarding the…
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NHS struggles with junior doctor strike amid heatwave pressures
NHS England is facing significant challenges as the hot weather and the latest junior doctors’ strike put pressure on the health service. The British Medical Association’s 72-hour walkout began on Wednesday, and it is anticipated that much routine care will be cancelled. The heat is also causing extra demands on accident and emergency units, prompting health bosses to urge people…
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Sarawak ministry mulls Tuak Festival to boost local culture, tourism
As part of its efforts to promote Sarawak culture, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is considering the idea of organising a “Tuak Festival.” The event, which may initially be held in Kuching, aims to showcase and promote tuak, a traditional rice wine of the Dayaks, and the culture of the state. Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian…
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Manhunt for Indonesian escapees expands in Sarawak with 100 officers
A manhunt involving 100 police personnel, including members of the General Operations Force’s (GOF) Tiger Platoon, has been launched in Sarawak to locate two Indonesian men who escaped from the Tapah police station lockup. Sarawak police commissioner Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri announced that the search radius for the escapees, Kelvin, 21 years old, and Bony, 31 years old, has been…
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Sabah police probe handling of woman’s case before ex-lover’s alleged murder
Sabah police are investigating potential breaches of standards in the handling of a case involving a woman who was later allegedly killed by her ex-lover at a shopping mall. Police commissioner Jauteh Dikun stated that if the investigation reveals any shortcomings, disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved. The family of Nurul Ain Silien, who was allegedly murdered…
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Trump’s defamation lawsuit advances despite prior sexual abuse verdict
A US federal judge has ruled that E Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump can proceed, despite a jury in May finding Trump liable for defaming and sexually abusing her. District Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed arguments that the case could not go ahead due to the jury’s determination that Trump was responsible for sexual abuse, not rape.…
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Trump pleads not guilty to 37 charges, supporters rally in Miami
Supporters of former US President Donald Trump gathered in Miami, Florida, as he pled not guilty to 37 charges of mishandling classified information. This indictment marks the first time a former US president has been federally prosecuted. Trump’s supporters rallied around the court, protesting the charges and claiming they are politically motivated to hinder his potential 2024 campaign. Last week,…
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New law grants police power to intervene in seriously disruptive protests
Parliament has approved a law granting police in England and Wales clearer authority to intervene in protests considered seriously disruptive. The House of Lords passed the new regulations, despite opposition from some peers. The law allows officers to take action when protesters attempt to block roads through slow marching, a tactic employed by groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop…
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