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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Sponsored 5 hospitals in Thailand digital nomads trust most
Thailand is still one of the best places for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, comfortable lifestyle, and good healthcare system. For remote workers living far from home, having access to a trusted hospital is very important....
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World’s largest crocodile celebrates 120th birthday in Australia
Australia‘s Marineland Crocodile Park celebrated the presumed 120th birthday of Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile. Cassius, measuring 5.48 meters in length, has been a resident of the park on Green Island in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef since 1984, after being captured in the Northern Territory’s Finniss River for allegedly causing numerous cattle deaths. Cassius, who holds the Guinness World…
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Hong Kong tragedy: Tourist group’s beach photo shoot turns sad as sudden wave drowns woman
A 43 year old woman was swept away by a large wave while attempting to take a group photo with fellow tourists at Ap Lei Chau Harbour in Hong Kong. Despite immediate efforts to rescue the woman, Sai Jong, the powerful wave proved fatal, leaving the group devastated by the unexpected loss. The event took place at Ap Lei Chau…
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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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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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Share your pandemic story to shape UK’s COVID-19 Inquiry recommendations
The COVID-19 Inquiry has launched the Every Story Matters initiative, encouraging individuals to share their personal experiences of the pandemic. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded and identify areas for improvement in the UK’s preparedness for future crises. Nearly 6,000 people have already submitted their stories, with various organisations, such as homeless charities…
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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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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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Elderly Thai woman duped by thieves in lottery and gold necklace scam
An elderly Thai woman was tricked by gold necklace thieves performing a scam lottery number ceremony at famous temple in Udon Thani, Thailand. The 75 year old victim lost a one-baht gold necklace worth 32,800 baht (US$993) to the criminals. A Sanook reporter visited Udon Thani’s Wat Phra Thaen yesterday at 3pm to investigate Mai Boonpha’s complaint. She claimed that…
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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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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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Double vision: Young Thai-British girl fights diabetes and blindness to chase teaching dreams
A nine year old Thai-British girl battling diabetes and blindness is preparing to undergo eye surgery so she can fulfil her dreams of becoming a teacher in Ban Dung, Udon Thani, Thailand. The girl, Angel, admired for her cheerful nature, is loved by everyone in her village who wishes for a speedy recovery from her debilitating vision-threatening condition called diabetic…
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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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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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Wildfire smoke forces millions in North America to wear masks outdoors
Intense wildfires in Canada have led to poor air quality levels across North America, prompting millions of people to be advised to wear N95 masks outdoors. New York plans to distribute free masks starting today, while Canadian officials have recommended wearing masks for those unable to stay indoors. The smoky conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, with much…
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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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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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Unprecedented wildfire season sparks concern across Canada
Canada is experiencing an unprecedented start to its 2023 wildfire season, with hundreds of fires raging across the country and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Over 3.8 million hectares have been scorched by the fires, which have also caused discoloured, smoke-filled skies in areas not typically affected by wildfires. This has prompted growing concern and demands for…
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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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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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US faces worst chemotherapy drug shortage in 30 years, affecting 100,000 patients
Toni Dezomits, a 55-year-old retired law enforcement officer, faces a difficult battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Just before her third round of chemotherapy last month, she was informed of a nationwide shortage of the generic chemotherapy drug carboplatin, one of the three medications she was scheduled to receive. Left with no choice, the North Carolina resident is completing her…
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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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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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Sunak unfazed by Covid inquiry’s demand for unredacted WhatsApp messages
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has stated that he is not concerned about being embarrassed by messages seen by the Covid inquiry, despite the government’s legal battle over their disclosure. The government has taken the unprecedented step of suing the inquiry over its demands to see unredacted WhatsApp messages sent during the pandemic. However, the prime minister has insisted on a transparent…
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