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Top 5 luxury villas in Phuket and Koh Samui for your next holiday
Ask people to name the most beautiful places in Thailand, and you'll often hear Phuket and Koh Samui being mentioned. Who would disagree? One is renowned for its bustling nightlife, vibrant culture, and lively beach scene, while the other is...
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Ultra-processed foods linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are now consumed by approximately half of the UK population, are being linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, and strokes. The term UPF refers to food products that have undergone significant industrial processing and contain ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, and preservatives that are not typically used in home…
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Mortgage deals vanish as rates surge amid inflation fears
The average cost of a two-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen by £35 per month in recent weeks, according to financial data firm Moneyfacts. This increase is attributed to a 0.3% rise in interest charges, following inflation data that did not decline as rapidly as anticipated. Consequently, many experts predict that the Bank of England may raise interest rates more than…
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BCC forms Business Council to rival embattled CBI with big business backing
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has established a new lobbying organisation, the Business Council, in a move that could pose a challenge to the beleaguered Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Among the founding members of the Business Council are Heathrow Airport, BP, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. Business leaders are convening in London today to discuss the new body’s…
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Manslaughter arrest after Bournemouth beach tragedy claims two young lives
The mother of a 12-year-old girl, Sunnah Khan, who tragically died after encountering difficulties in the water off Bournemouth beach, has expressed her heartbreak on social media. Sunnah was one of two victims in the incident, the other being 17-year-old Joe Abbess. Eight more people were injured in the event. Stephanie Williams, Sunnah’s mother, shared her grief on Twitter, stating,…
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Woman severely burnt by fallen high-voltage power line after storm
A 54 year old woman in Chiang Mai, Thailand, sustained severe burns and had to have her arm amputated after a powerful storm toppled a large tree, which subsequently caused a high-voltage electric cable to fall onto her. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 1, and the victim remains in hospital receiving treatment for her injuries. During the storm, the…
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Moo-ving miracle: Driver escapes unharmed after car ‘meets’ wandering cows in Phuket
A driver managed to walk away unscathed after his car collided with a group of wandering cows on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket in the early hours of this morning. The driver, identified only as Bancha, was travelling in his white Toyota Veloce car around 4.30am when ten cows suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran onto the road. Unable to…
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Pregnant woman injured by hot oil declines 4,000 baht aid, calls for more accountability
A pregnant 37 year old woman was severely burned by hot oil while selling French fries at a local football match in Rayong province. The organisers offered 4,000 baht as compensation but the victim, Suchada Phusawangporn, refused, calling for the culprit to take greater responsibility. Local authorities are investigating the incident. Suchada, who is three months pregnant, was serving French fries…
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UBS set to complete Credit Suisse takeover, creating $1.6tn Swiss banking giant
Today, UBS announced its expectation to finalise the acquisition of Credit Suisse by June 12, forming a colossal Swiss bank with a US$1.6 trillion balance sheet. The completion of the takeover is contingent on the registration statement being declared effective by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and other remaining closing conditions. “UBS expects to complete the acquisition of Credit…
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Saudi Arabia announces fresh oil output cut amid recession fears
Riyadh unveiled a new oil output reduction on Sunday after a gathering of major producers focused on supporting prices despite concerns over a potential recession. The meeting involved the 13-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, and its 10 partners, including Russia, and featured intense negotiations. Saudi Arabia announced a fresh cut of one million…
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Public disapproves Sunak’s progress on key priorities, Ipsos UK poll reveals
A recent Ipsos UK poll reveals that the majority of the British public believe Chancellor Rishi Sunak is underperforming in delivering on his five key priorities. These priorities, announced almost six months ago, include halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing NHS waiting lists, lowering the national debt, and stopping small boat crossings. The survey indicates that over 50% of respondents…
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Kidney disease risks overwhelming NHS without increased funding, warns charity
A public health emergency may arise due to kidney disease without increased government funding, warns Kidney Research UK. The charity’s recent report reveals that the illness already costs the UK economy £7bn annually, a figure that could increase to £13.9bn over the next ten years if no action is taken. These costs include both the direct treatment expenses for the…
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Thai woman stabs foreign boyfriend in leg amid row in Pattaya
A blazing row between a Thai woman and her foreign boyfriend in Pattaya culminated with her stabbing him in the leg. She immediately fled the scene leaving the knife lodged in his calf. The unidentified foreign man had a kitchen knife embedded in his left calf when Sawang Boriboon rescuers came to his aid at 11pm yesterday. The incident took…
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Toilet terror: Python’s restroom wriggle shocks couple in Thailand
Residents have been advised to check toilets before use after one stunned couple discovered a 3-metre python taking a nap in their toilet in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The slippery snake was successfully captured after a 20-minute struggle. Yesterday at 10pm, a couple living in village No. 3, Phimonrat Subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, reported the presence of a large,…
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India’s top agency to probe deadly train crash killing 275
India’s Railway Ministry has called for an investigation by the country’s top detective agency into the devastating train crash that claimed 275 lives. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement, though further details were not provided. Investigations led by the railways are already underway, with initial reports suggesting a signal fault as the cause of the crash. The collision involving…
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Miraculous twist: Kazakhstan tourist presumed drowned in Phuket found alive, in coma
A tourist from Kazakhstan, initially reported to have drowned at Kata Beach in Phuket, is alive but in a coma. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan provided the updated information, clarifying that earlier reports of the tourist’s death were incorrect. The tourist, Artur Iskakov, was rushed to the hospital following a drowning incident in tambon Karon on Thursday, June…
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Phuket immigration issues yellow cards to Thai landlords and foreigner
Last month, Phuket Immigration Bureau reported that five Thai landlords received yellow cards while only one foreigner was given a warning. Twenty-three foreigners were arrested during the same month for various violations classified under Group 4, which pertain to offences against the state. Additionally, nine landlords or property managers were arrested for failing to register their foreign tenants, as required…
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Taxi-ous times in Phuket: Crackdown leads to double ‘fare-ests’ in Kathu
Phuket‘s crackdown on illegal taxi drivers continues, with two arrests made in Kathu last week. At Si Kor Intersection, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials and Kathu Police officers set up a checkpoint to identify and apprehend drivers using their private vehicles for commercial transportation services. The operation took place on the main road to and from Patong, the island’s…
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Bank of Thailand likely to hike rates amid inflation concerns
Inflation concerns prompt predictions of further Bank of Thailand rate hikes this year, as the nation’s economy recovers. Siam Commercial Bank’s research unit, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), anticipates the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will increase its policy benchmark rate by a quarter percentage point in both August and September, bringing it to 2.5% from the current 2%.…
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Spice of success: Thai chef ‘thais’ the knot as first-ever MasterChef UK winner
Chariya Khattiyot made history last week by becoming the first Thai chef to win the prestigious MasterChef UK competition. Her innovative northern Thai dishes wowed the judges throughout the eight-week BBC One contest, ultimately triumphing over 44 other contestants. The 40 year old Thai chef entered the competition to showcase the diverse flavours of northern Thai cuisine, which she is…
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Creepy crawler goes viral: Giant centipede ‘wall-stounds’ online viewers (video)
A viral video recently circulating online has captured a giant centipede climbing up a residential wall, leaving viewers intrigued and startled. The clip, posted by TikTok user @paphatsanat, has accumulated over 6 million views since it was uploaded on social media. The owner of the clip said… “I have never seen such a huge and long centipede in my life.”…
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BAFS targets 7.5 billion baht revenue by 2026 with renewable energy focus
Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS) is predicting its revenue to hit 7.5 billion baht by 2026, with a significant boost from its diversification into renewable energy development. Although the jet refuelling service, which has bounced back from pandemic-induced losses over the past three years, remains the company’s primary focus, its earnings proportion is expected to decrease. BAFS estimates that…
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Lee Kum Kee eyes Thai ready-to-eat market expansion (video)
Asian sauce and seasoning manufacturer Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group is exploring opportunities to enter Thailand’s ready-to-eat food market through collaborations with local partners. Having been in the industry for 135 years, the company recognises the growth potential in this sector as it caters to the demands of busy consumers seeking convenience. Cheryl Chan, the regional marketing director of Mahsuri…
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Thunderstorms hit Thailand: Heavy rainfall sparks flash flood warnings
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning for increased thunderstorms, affecting 37 provinces across the country, including Bangkok. Heavy rainfall is expected in several areas, potentially causing sudden flooding and flash floods, particularly in hilly regions and low-lying areas. The warning is a result of the southwest monsoon, intensified over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, as…
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Prudential Thailand hits record Q1 results, joins top six insurers
Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand) achieved a record-breaking first quarter in 2023, with the highest weighted first-year premiums in the company’s history, propelling it into the top six insurance providers in the country. During the first three months, the firm’s weighted first-year premiums grew by 36% year-on-year, surpassing the market growth of 17% and raising its market share from 5.7% in…
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Ukrainian families return to frontline towns despite Russian threat
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the train station continues to operate despite Russia’s ongoing invasion. Millions of people depend on these trains, with many passengers travelling to the last stop before the eastern front line. Among them are soldiers and young families returning to their homes. One such passenger is 20-year-old Viktoria, who is heading back to Pokrovsk…
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Pupils charged hundreds for fake leaked GCSE and A-level papers on social media
Scammers on social media platforms are targeting students with offers of fake GCSE and A-level exam papers, charging them hundreds of pounds. One pupil stated that the idea of papers being available for sale has become a major topic of discussion during exam season. Exam boards have confirmed that it is highly unusual for genuine papers to be leaked, but…
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Austerity left UK unprepared for pandemic, warns TUC report
A report by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) claims that the UK’s years of austerity significantly impacted the country’s preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic. The TUC asserts that funding cuts left health and social care “dangerously understaffed,” reducing the sectors’ ability to respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. The report also highlights that pay caps and freezes contributed to staffing…
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Mum demands apology after son’s psychiatric release leads to fatal stabbing
Sharon Lees has called for a public apology from Hywel Dda health board after her son, David Fleet, stabbed a man to death due to “voices in his head” ten days after being released from a psychiatric unit. Lees claims she warned staff that her son was too unwell for release, and the tragedy “could [and] should have been prevented.”…
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Hong Kong police detain activists on Tiananmen Square anniversary
Hong Kong police have arrested multiple pro-democracy activists, including 67-year-old Alexandra Wong, during the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Public commemorations of the tragedy have been banned, although candlelight vigils have taken place in other cities globally. Despite the ban, several individuals were detained in Hong Kong, including the leader of a major opposition party and a former…
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Desperate relatives continue search for loved ones after India train crash
Families of victims of Friday’s tragic train collision in India continue their desperate search for missing loved ones. The accident, which occurred in Odisha, is now believed to have claimed 275 lives, making it the country’s worst rail disaster in decades. A signalling fault is thought to be the cause of the tragedy. The rescue mission was declared over on…
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