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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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Thai man stumbles upon human skeleton near Pattaya reservoir
A Thai man stumbled upon a human skeleton at the rim of a reservoir near Pattaya yesterday morning. The man, 48 year old Praphat Namsuphat, was walking along the edge of the Chak Nok Reservoir with his child when he spotted what he at first thought was a canine skeleton. But after looking closely, Praphat was shocked to discover that…
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Democrat Party plan to transform Hat Yai into major economic hub
The Democrat Party in Thailand recently revealed its intentions to rejuvenate its previous plan to turn the commercial district of Hat Yai, located in Songkhla province, into a significant economic centre. This attempt aims to attract more investors to the area. Democrat Party officials mentioned that they are considering the enactment of a special law that would promote the growth…
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Thailand offers 11 billion baht subsidy for low-income electricity bills
The Thai government announced plans to allocate over 11 billion baht to support low-income earners with their electricity bills over the next four months, with the subsidy set to begin in May. However, the proposal needs to be reviewed and approved by the Election Commission (EC) before it becomes official. Following yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha addressed the…
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Vietnamese woman performs ritual for sacred objects in Thailand
A Vietnamese woman who sells sacred items and amulets with a Thai cult leader performed a ritual on some sacred objects in Supha Buri province, much to the chagrin of some Buddhists. The foreign woman revealed that the items were very popular among her customers in Vietnam. The Vietnamese woman, Thut Tam Che, travelled from Hanoi in Vietnam to join…
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China moves to regulate ChatGPT-like AI chatbots
The Chinese government is moving to regulate the nation’s burgeoning chatbot industry, taking a cautious approach to the technology to maintain tight control over its development. The draft rules unveiled by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) this month, which will affect artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ChatGPT used to generate text and images in response to user requests, demonstrate…
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China reaffirms commitment to ex-Soviet sovereignty after controversial comments
China reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty of all ex-Soviet countries yesterday, following controversial comments made by its ambassador to France. The statements, which questioned the sovereignty of former Soviet states, have triggered a backlash in Europe and cast doubt on Beijing’s attempts to position itself as an impartial mediator in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Ambassador Lu Shaye’s remarks prompted…
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Netflix to invest US$2.5 billion in South Korean content over next four years
Netflix has unveiled ambitious plans to invest US$2.5 billion in South Korean content over the next four years, following a meeting between the streaming giant’s CEO Ted Sarandos and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol in Washington. The announcement comes as South Korea’s star continues to ascend as a global cultural heavyweight, bolstered by the phenomenal success of the Oscar-winning…
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Vigilante justice in Haiti: More than a dozen alleged gang members stoned, burned alive by angry mob
More than a dozen alleged gang members were brutally stoned and burned alive by residents in Port-au-Prince, Haiti yesterday. This horrifying act comes as the United Nations warns that the levels of insecurity currently plaguing the country’s capital are comparable to those in nations experiencing war. In an incident that has incensed many and underlined the desperate situation in Haiti,…
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US Navy aircraft carrier arrives in Pattaya, Thailand
The USS Nimitz, an aircraft carrier belonging to the US Navy, anchored at Laem Chabang Port just north of Pattaya in Thailand yesterday accompanied by the Nimitz Strike Group for a five-day visit that aims to strengthen Thai – US security relations. The Nimitz Strike Group includes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill, and guided-missile…
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6 Chinese men arrested for 10 million baht fake gold scam in Thailand
Police arrested six Chinese men for selling fake gold to rich Thai people resulting in a profit of more than 10 million baht. The suspects were reported to be former members of a scam call centre gang based in Indonesia. The gang confessed that their criminal act was inspired by a television series about scammers. One victim, a Chinese man…
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Fox News and Tucker Carlson announce shock split days after US$787.5m defamation settlement
Tucker Carlson, the conservative face of Fox News and host of the network’s top-rated show, has unexpectedly left the broadcaster just days after it settled a defamation lawsuit for a colossal sum. The prominent presenter was a prominent figure within Republican circles and regularly interviewed former US President Donald Trump. Critics have accused him of disseminating false information and engaging…
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Ukraine’s soldiers make determined stand against Russia in brutal battle for Bakhmut
The basement in Bakhmut, Ukraine, trembles from the constant barrage of shelling above ground, as a bloodied, pale soldier, is brought in, having sustained shrapnel wounds. Soldiers move to help the medic treat the wounded man but are forced to quickly take cover when another Russian rocket crashes nearby, its impact felt in the surrounding abandoned housing. A soldier lying…
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Thai YouTuber reveals 25 million baht online gambling loss during police questioning
Today, a Thai YouTuber and celebrity Sodor Style, whose real name is Pimlada Wewvitsong, visited the Royal Thai Police’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) in response to a summons. She was there to give her side of the story regarding her live TikTok broadcast where she revealed her experience with online gambling. According to her account, she lost more than…
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MFP secretary-general confident of securing at least 100 seats in General Election
Chaithawat Tulathon, secretary-general of the Move Forward Party (MFP), expressed confidence that his party is on track to secure a minimum of 100 House seats in the upcoming General Election. Speaking at a major campaign rally in Samyan Mitrtown, which drew attendees of all age groups, Chaithawat was optimistic about the MFP’s chances of surpassing the now-dissolved Future Forward Party’s…
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Injured young Brit transferred to UK for treatment after 3 months in Thailand hospital
UPDATE 2 The young British man who sustained life-threatening injuries in a motorbike crash in Thailand in February has finally returned home to the UK after undergoing four surgeries in three months at Bangkok Hospital. The 24 year old ice hockey player from Blackburn, Josh Richardson, returned on a flight on £20,000 flight on Thursday accompanied by a doctor, two…
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Bangkok and surrounding provinces to experience scattered summer storms, gusty winds, hail
Scattered summer storms, gusty winds and hail are predicted for Bangkok and the provinces of north, northeast, east and central plains today and tomorrow. A moderate high-pressure system is expected to cover northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea during the two-day period, the local weather office announced. The upper regions are predicted to experience hot to extremely hot weather,…
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Ft set to decrease next month, says Thailand’s ERC
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to reduce the fuel tariff (Ft) next month, following a recommendation by the subcommittee responsible for its calculation. The decision comes in response to concerns regarding the rising cost of living, with water rates also marked for an increase after 23 years of stagnation. As reported by Khomgrich Tantravanich, the ERC’s secretary-general, the…
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Thai man fined and sentenced to prison over craft beer review
A court in central Thailand fined a man 150,000 baht and handed him a six-month suspended prison sentence for posting a picture and review of a craft beer on Facebook. He paid an additional 150,000 baht to be released on bail. In 2020, Artid Sivahansaphan posted a review on the Facebook page “Daek Beer Hai Plia Kaem,” a beer review…
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Palang Pracharath Party urges Chiang Mai voters to choose change in general election
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has recently urged voters in Chiang Mai to vote for change in the upcoming general election. The party’s leader has advocated for a national reconciliation plan which, he claims, would lead to prosperity and sustainability for the country. Capt. Thamanat Prompow, head of the PPRP’s election strategy panel for the North, addressed a large crowd…
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Democrats in Thailand get naughty: Pledge to legalize sex toys for the greater good
The Democrat Party pledged its commitment to the legalisation of sex toys in Thailand, arguing that such a move would bring about numerous benefits beyond the realm of sexual pleasure. This stance highlights the party’s determination to establish a thriving and regulated sex toy industry within the country. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, also an executive of the Democrat Party, clarified…
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Experts unite to oppose govt’s cannabis legalisation
A collective of medical professionals, academics, and civil organisations have released yet another open letter to express their opposition to the government’s decision to legalise cannabis. This marks their seventh open letter on the matter, urging the public to vote for political parties that do not support the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics, as well as its…
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Two hunters injured in shootout with rangers and arrested for possession of dead langur monkeys
Two hunters in Phetchaburi have been left with injuries following a clash with forest rangers, leading to their arrests. They were found to have six dead grey langurs, local authorities reported today. Forest rangers had been conducting a patrol in Huay Kum forest, close to Phu Sai in the Moo 3 village, situated in tambon Huay Mae Phriang of the…
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Cheating husband’s scandalous affair with niece escalates to murder plot by wife and in-laws
A cheating husband who had an affair with his niece survived a premeditated murder attempt by his wife and her family. The wife, her father, and her brother were arrested. The victim, 35 year old Sutthitee, filed a complaint at Chai Wan Police Station on Friday, April 21 that he had been attacked by two men. The attackers threw a…
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Top real estate properties in the north and south of Phuket, Thailand 2023
Phuket is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning beaches, world-class amenities, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Phuket is the perfect place to invest in real estate. Whether you’re looking for a modern villa with top-class amenities in the north or a luxurious property with sea views in…
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Grimes okays use of her voice in AI-generated songs for 50% royalties
Canadian singer Grimes has recently announced that she is perfectly content with allowing her voice to be utilised for AI-generated songs, provided she receives a 50% share of the royalties. The 35 year old artist stated in an Instagram post that any AI-produced hit that featured her voice would be treated in the same manner as if it were a…
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Kenyan pastor under investigation after 73 followers found dead
In a chilling discovery that left Kenya shaken, 73 presumed followers of an infamous pastor were found dead in a forest earlier this month. Notorious preacher Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, a former taxi driver who reportedly preached that starvation was the key to salvation, has been under investigation for years. Although already well-known to law enforcement, the recent tragedy has led…
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Chinese bride-to-be strips naked on street after fiancé cheats before wedding
A Chinese bride-to-be stripped naked in the middle of a busy street after she discovered her fiancé was cheating on her before the couple’s wedding. The incident went viral on Chinese social media. The eye-catching incident took place on Monday, April 17, in Jiangsu province, China. Passersby looked on surprised, alarmed and bewildered as they saw the young woman standing…
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Explosions at a police station in Pakistan leave seven dead and 44 injured
At least seven people have lost their lives, and dozens have sustained injuries in an attack inside a counter-terrorism police station in Pakistan yesterday. The incident caused the building to collapse, according to officials. The police station, situated in Kabal town in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, experienced numerous blasts, marking the latest in a series of high-profile attacks targeting law…
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3 million baht fire devastates east Pattaya wood shop industry
A recent fire in east Pattaya has left a significant impact on the local wood shop industry, as a blaze at a Nong Plalai wood shop resulted in an estimated 3 million baht in damages. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries caused by the fire. The rapid response from local fire crews from Nong Plalai, Takhiantia, and Nongprue prevented…
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Three Chinese nationals fined for missing 90-day immigration check-in in Thailand
Three Chinese nationals have recently been fined as part of an ongoing crackdown on immigration violations in Thailand. Acting under the instructions of national deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachet “Big Joke” Hakparn, officers in Banglamung and Sattahip have been carrying out weekly checks on Chinese nationals and other foreigners who may be involved in illegal activities or overstaying their…
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