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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 Top digital marketing and SEO agency: Why brands choose Convert Cake
A strong digital presence is a must for any business chasing market share and growth in this day and age. But turning that ambition into tangible results? That takes the right partner. And if you’ve been looking for a top...
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Malaysia comedy club owner awaits decision on improper network use charges
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in Malaysia is still considering the third representation submitted by Crackhouse comedy club owner Mohamad Rizal Van Geyzel, who is facing three charges of improper use of network facilities. Deputy public prosecutor Noor Haslinda Che Seman informed Sessions Court Judge Priscilla Hemamalini Nadarajan that the AGC had received the representation on June 7, but a…
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Malaysia targets quality investments, complex products to boost trade growth
Malaysia is focusing on attracting quality investments and manufacturing more complex products to manage risks to trade growth, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He emphasised the importance of creating an environment that attracts the right kind of investments, fostering industrial development, and producing products with higher complexity scores. Tengku Zafrul said, “It is only…
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Twitter 2.0: CEO Yaccarino unveils plan to revive platform
Linda Yaccarino, the new CEO of Twitter, has unveiled her ambitious plan for “Twitter 2.0,” aiming to transform the platform into a global town square and a reliable source of real-time information. Yaccarino took over the role from Elon Musk, who had implemented several controversial changes since acquiring the company in October 2022. The former NBC Universal marketing executive acknowledged…
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Pure Life Society appoints human rights advocate Ambiga Sreenevasan president
The Pure Life Society has announced the appointment of Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan as its new president, following the recent death of Datin Paduka Dr A. Mangalam. The news was shared by Hindu Sevai Sangam in a congratulatory Facebook post, which wished Ambiga strength and determination in her new role. Ambiga, 67 years old, has an impressive background as a lawyer…
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Sarawak launches major offshore carbon capture project, eyes 3.3m tonne reduction
The Sarawak government in Malaysia has announced the launch of a carbon capture storage (CCS) project in the Kasawari fields, off the coast of Sarawak, through the state-owned Sarawak Petroleum Berhad (Petros). Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg stated that the project is expected to reduce up to 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, making it one of…
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Malaysia thwarts buffalo meat import with misleading halal certificate
An attempt to import approximately 740 kilograms of buffalo meat valued at US$2,800 was thwarted by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service Department (Maqis) at Pasir Gudang Port. The meat, originating from India, was discovered in 37 boxes during an inspection. Upon further examination, Maqis officers found discrepancies between the information on the halal certificate and the actual details of…
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Malaysia-Indonesia maritime border deal safeguards sovereignty
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has reassured the public that the newly signed Malaysia-Indonesia maritime border agreement does not compromise the nation’s sovereignty or interests. He emphasised that Malaysia would never sacrifice its sovereignty, and the agreement was carefully considered, involving input from relevant parties and only covering areas agreed upon by both countries. Anwar Ibrahim…
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Thai police chief revamps recruitment after promotion scandal
In response to concerns over the rapid promotion of a young female police officer and the involvement of high-profile individuals and celebrities in the commissioned officer application process, Thailand’s national police chief, General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, ordered amendments to the recruitment procedure. National police spokesperson Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong stated that General Damrongsak has instructed Lieutenant General Kittirat Phanphet to establish…
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Malaysia greenlights AI ChatGPT in universities with strict guidelines
Malaysia has decided not to ban the use of AI-driven ChatGPT in higher education institutions, as long as its usage complies with the established guidelines. Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that a set of guidelines has been issued and distributed to local universities, outlining the appropriate and inappropriate situations for ChatGPT usage. The minister acknowledged that the use…
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NACC warns over 100 MPs yet to submit wealth declaration
According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), over 100 current and former MPs, including Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, have not yet submitted their wealth declaration following the House dissolution in March, as mandated by law. Since the House was dissolved on March 20, approximately 70% of the 500 MPs, or 384 members, have submitted their assets and…
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Green Line extensions: Operator anticipates 20 billion baht debt repayment
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas expressed optimism regarding the repayment of overdue debts by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for the operation and maintenance of the Green Line extensions. Following a meeting with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday, Keeree said the discussions were encouraging, and he anticipates a 20 billion baht repayment from the BMA. Keeree…
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Scouts pay 260 million baht in abuse compensation, campaign urges safeguarding policy change
Over the past decade, more than £6 million (260 million baht) has been paid out in compensation to individuals who suffered abuse within the Scouts, according to information obtained by the BBC File on 4. The data, collected from eight law firms specialising in child abuse claims, revealed that 166 cases were settled during this period. Lawyers have also noted…
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Selangor considers banning pet shop sales to promote animal shelter adoptions
A potential ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops across Selangor is being considered, as authorities aim to encourage adoption from animal shelters and reduce the number of abandoned pets. State executive councillor Ng Sze Han has suggested that pet stores focus on selling pet food instead, citing the success of a weekly pet adoption programme…
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Umno deputy denies 2 million member exodus, questions Annuar’s claims
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has denied claims made by former Umno information chief Annuar Musa that two million members have left the party. Mohamad, who is also the Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, urged Annuar to be cautious when making statements about Umno, even though he has the right to do so. “I don’t know where he got the numbers…
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Malaysia disburses US$2 billion Rahmah Cash Aid for B40 group
Ahead of the Aidiladha celebration, the Malaysian government has announced the disbursement of the third phase of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) for the B40 group recipients. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that this payment will involve an allocation of over US$2 billion, benefiting eight million beneficiaries across the nation. Additionally, Anwar mentioned that the e-Tunai Belia Rahmah, a cash…
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Udon Thani clothing traders fall victim to 1.3 million baht online share scheme fraud
Clothing traders in Udon Thani reported a 38 year old woman known as ‘Som Priao‘ for defrauding over 30 people in an online share scheme and escaping with 1.3 million baht (US$37,700). The victims claim she now lives a luxurious life at their expense, as they face financial difficulties, and urge the police to help recover their funds. One victim, 38…
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Couple killed in crash, family seeks refund of 150,000 baht from land scam for daughter
A tragic road accident claimed the lives of a couple who had been scammed into purchasing a plot of land without proper documentation. The family is now seeking the return of 150,000 baht (US$4,350) paid towards the fraudulent land deal to support their young daughter. Today, 42 year old Pim Hengkham, from Wiang Nuea, Pai, Mae Hong Son province, revealed…
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Mbappe informs PSG of exit plan amid Messi’s Inter Miami move
Kylian Mbappe, the French football sensation, has reportedly informed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that he intends to leave the Ligue 1 champions when his contract expires next year. This news comes from French sports newspaper L’Equipe and various international media outlets. On Monday, it was reported that Mbappe, 24 years old, shocked the PSG management with his decision not to take…
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RNZ apologises for publishing pro-Kremlin content on Ukraine invasion
The head of New Zealand’s national public service radio broadcaster, Radio New Zealand (RNZ), has issued an apology for publishing content favouring the Kremlin’s narrative on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Over a dozen wire agency articles were found to have been altered, prompting RNZ’s chief executive, Paul Thompson, to call it a “serious breach” of editorial standards and label…
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Russian airstrike hits Kryvyi Rih civilians, causing destruction and injuries
A Russian airstrike has struck civilian targets in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in significant destruction and potentially trapping individuals beneath the debris, according to a local authority. Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul reported on Telegram that several people sustained severe injuries in the attack, adding that there could be individuals trapped under the rubble. Social media videos, purportedly…
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Ukraine recaptures villages amid rainfall, Russia enlists Chechen forces
In the midst of heavy rainfall and fierce combat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported progress and losses inflicted on Russian forces. Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar announced that the Ukrainian military had recaptured seven villages, covering an area of 90 square kilometres (35 sq miles) in eastern Ukraine. In contrast, Russia’s defence ministry did not acknowledge any Ukrainian advancements, stating…
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PN coalition may seize control in Malaysia with ex-Umno members’ support
Perikatan Nasional (PN), a Malaysian political coalition, may seize control of Negeri Sembilan and Selangor from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the upcoming state elections, according to PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Hashim Jasin. He suggests that this could be achieved if former Umno members Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Noh Omar join PN. Hashim also claimed that another suspended…
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PM Anwar urges faster repairs for dilapidated schools, health clinics
In Putrajaya, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress of small-scale projects, such as the repair of dilapidated schools and health clinics, urging for the process to be accelerated. In November last year, the government announced that all such facilities should be repaired, with work to be completed this year. However, the implementation has been less…
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South Korean teen questioned for rocking high-speed railway
South Korean police are set to question a teenager for allegedly placing a large rock, the size of a brick, on a high-speed railway last week. The incident took place at Singyeongju Station in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province, where a rail traffic controller noticed the individual trespassing in the restricted area via CCTV cameras. Local reports claim the teenager admitted…
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Sand and screens: Pattaya Film Festival makes waves with free beachfront cinema
The Pattaya Film Festival 2023 is set to captivate cinephiles with its unique offering of free entry to watch movies on Pattaya Beach from June 16 to 19. This groundbreaking event marks the festival’s first venture into transforming the beach into an enchanting outdoor cinema. With a clear vision of becoming a member of the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network…
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Island visitors seek fortune with auspicious lottery numbers
Tourists flocked to Kham Chanod Wang Nakin island in Udon Thani to seek good fortune with auspicious numbers before the lottery draw, while red candle wax revealed beautiful digits akin to the lucky numbers on ceremonial candles. The island is located in the Ban Dung district. Yesterday, it was reported that a large number of tourists visited the ceremonial ground…
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Chiang Mai Police arrest gang after fatal stabbing at traditional dance event
Police in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai province, apprehended all four suspects involved in a brutal attack that left a 16 year old boy killed. The investigators have completed the arrest of the gang members, including 24 year old Thanakorn, who is accused of stabbing the victim. The deceased had been attending a traditional dance event with his girlfriend and friends…
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Stepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children
British expat James Lee Valentine demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050 kilometre walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand. The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. The 59 year old, who has two children himself, was…
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Child’s innocent blunder sparks debate on teaching kids proper crush-etiquette
A young boy’s innocent expression of affection towards his father’s female colleague has prompted online discussions about the importance of teaching children appropriate behaviour. The event happened in China as the boy, around 3-4 years old, encountered the attractive co-worker during a visit to his father’s office and, filled with joy, hugged and attempted to kiss her. The pretty woman,…
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Woman trades 2 houses for ancient inkwell dish worth millions in baht
A young woman surprised Chinese television viewers when she brought an unremarkable ‘brick’ or ‘inkwell dish‘ for appraisal, which turned out to be a valuable artifact. The show’s experts stunned the audience with their evaluation of the item, which was worth far more than anyone expected. Over the past few years in China, there has been a surge of interest…
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