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Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Thousands of subreddits go dark protesting Reddit’s API changes
Between June 12 and June 14, a vast number of Reddit communities, known as subreddits, are going dark in protest of the planned API changes that could potentially put an end to many third-party applications. Reddit, often referred to as the “front page of the internet,” is one of the top 20 most popular websites with approximately 430 million monthly…
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George Soros hands $25bn empire control to son Alexander
Philanthropist and billionaire George Soros has decided to entrust his 37-year-old son, Alexander, with the control of his philanthropic and financial empire, worth US$25bn. A spokesperson for Soros, a significant supporter of liberal and democratic initiatives, confirmed the plan following its initial report by the Wall Street Journal. Previously, Soros, who is now 92, did not want any of his…
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Ofsted reforms insufficient, says sister of teacher who died post-downgrade
The sister of a headteacher who took her own life after her school received a downgrade from Ofsted has stated that the recently announced inspection system reforms are insufficient. Ruth Perry, former headteacher of Caversham Primary School in Reading, passed away in January. The school was rated “good” in every category except leadership and management, where it was deemed “inadequate.”…
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Anwar orders transfer of minor infrastructure projects from JKR to district offices
In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that minor infrastructure projects, such as repairs of dilapidated schools currently overseen by the Public Works Department (JKR), will be transferred to other departments or district offices. This decision aims to reduce the workload of JKR, which is responsible for implementing development projects and maintaining infrastructure for various ministries, departments, statutory…
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Covid inquiry: Bereaved families demand government accountability
Lobby Akkinola has experienced a range of emotions since his father Femi’s death in April 2020 due to Covid-19. The 60-year-old key worker’s passing left Lobby searching for answers and questioning why his father was left vulnerable to the virus. This led him to join thousands of other bereaved families in demanding a public inquiry into the handling of the…
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Health Ministry to table bill targeting smoking products for public health
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 is set to be tabled today in the Dewan Rakyat by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The bill, which includes amendments and suggestions to cover both conventional and new smoking products, aims to address the growing issue of smoking, particularly among young people. Dr Zaliha stated that the bill still…
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Malaysia needs action plan to retain talent amid planter shortage
Malaysia is urged to develop an action plan to retain existing talents and attract a new generation of planters, as the industry faces a potential shortage of skilled professionals. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted the issue at the 10th International Planters Conference 2023, noting that some planters have retired or are seeking opportunities in other countries. Fadillah, who also…
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PAS open to all members contesting in six state elections
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has stated that all party members, including Muafakat Nasional President Annuar Musa, are eligible to become candidates in the six states facing elections this year. The party is yet to finalise its list of candidates, but Takiyuddin expects a decision to be made next week. “Any PAS member has the right to be a candidate and…
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Bear horror: Man loses eye in villagers’ forest foraging encounter
A man lost his eye when a group of villagers in Chanthaburi province were attacked by three large bears while foraging for forest produce. The incident, which occurred around 2.30pm yesterday, left Uthai, a 41 year old man, seriously injured with deep facial lacerations and his right eyeball missing. Multiple authorities collaborated to trek five hours to rescue the victim…
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Bangkok governor urges universities to join citywide cleanup efforts
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently participated in a Big Bangkok cleanup event at Swuniplex retail plaza on Asokemontri Road, organised by Srinakharinwirot University. The event saw the involvement of university lecturers and students, Watthana district office executive officials, and representatives from various networks and agencies. During his address, Chadchart praised the university for being a role model in environmental maintenance…
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Chinese gang caught selling overpriced amulets to tourists in famous Thai temple
Two Chinese men willingly surrendered as they were about to be arrested for their involvement in scamming tourists at a well-known temple in Chon Buri, Thailand. The gang had been selling sacred objects at inflated prices. Thai police established a connection between the two men and another group that was apprehended at Khaocheechan Temple in the Bang Sare area of…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal set for soft takeoff in September
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is set to soft launch its Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) in September, with a full opening planned for early next year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) president, Kerati Kijmanawat, stated that the new 216,000-square-metre facility, with a capacity for 28 aircraft parking bays, aims to address existing issues at the airport. With the ability to accommodate…
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Decorated soldier Roberts-Smith found guilty of war crimes in defamation case
Allegations of war crimes involving Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, have left the nation grappling with difficult questions about its national identity and the role of its armed forces. When reports of the alleged war crimes first surfaced in 2017, Roberts-Smith launched a defamation case against the newspapers involved. However, on June 1, Judge Anthony Besanko ruled that…
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Ukraine recaptures villages, Russia shoots down fighter jet amid flooding
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture three villages from Russian control in the southeast region, marking the first liberated settlements since the launch of their latest counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry announced that it had downed a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region and repelled three Ukrainian attacks in Zaporizhia. The aftermath of last…
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MPs set to condemn Boris Johnson in partygate inquiry conclusion
The parliamentary panel investigating allegations that Boris Johnson lied to Parliament regarding the “partygate” scandal is concluding its inquiry and is expected to deliver a harsh judgement. The former Prime Minister expressed outrage after receiving advance notice of the privileges committee’s conclusions, leading MPs to anticipate strong criticism of his behaviour. Before Johnson’s unexpected resignation as an MP, the committee…
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Malaysia aims to attract Microsoft, Google for data hub ambitions
As part of its strategy to become a data hub, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, is seeking to attract tech giants Microsoft and Google to establish operations in the country. Amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, Malaysia aims to position itself as a neutral supply chain base. Tengku Zafrul stated that…
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Minister slams Muafakat Nasional for misleading public with old news
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has accused Muafakat Nasional president Tan Sri Annuar Musa of misleading the public by sharing outdated news as if it were current. Fahmi questioned a Facebook post by Annuar that featured an article from 2014 in which DAP’s Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham advocated for Muslims to respect apostates. The post, which has…
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Eggs-traordinary crisis: Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike
The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand. Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65 year old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached…
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Thrifty mother’s extreme frugal cooking raises concerns among netizens
A TikToker from Vietnam gained attention with her frugal cooking methods on social media after it was brought to netizens’ attention she spends between 7 and 22 baht per family meal. Netizens criticised the Vietnamese mother’s approach, concerned about the potential health impacts on her children. A Vietnamese TikToker, who currently has around 250,000 followers, garnered attention after posting budget…
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Ice factory owner fatally shot in failed dispute resolution meet
Today morning, a deadly shootout occurred in a Chon Buri neighbourhood near the Wat Nong Tamlueng temple, leaving one person dead and causing significant property damage. The altercation stemmed from an unresolved dispute between two local families. Police were alerted to the incident at 3:30am and promptly arrived on the scene to find a 40 year old ice factory owner…
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Bolt invests 300 million baht in Thai expansion amid ride-hailing competition
Estonian tech firm Bolt is set to invest 300 million baht in Thailand to bolster its presence in the country as part of its Southeast Asian expansion strategy. This move follows Bolt’s recent funding round, which raised 628 million euros at a valuation of 7.4 billion euros, earmarked for geographical growth. The company’s expansion adds to the fierce competition in…
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China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability
China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…
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Impact of higher interest rates on Thai businesses and homebuyers
Concerns are rising among industry leaders that higher interest rates could negatively impact businesses, particularly small ones, and weaken the purchasing power of homebuyers. The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee recently voted to raise the policy rate to 2.00% from 1.75%, prompting state and private banks to follow suit. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that higher interest…
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Thailand urged to boost beauty and wellness market for long-term growth
Thailand’s new coalition government is being encouraged to adopt a consistent policy to support the nation’s beauty and wellness market over an extended period. Ketmanee Lertkitcha, the chairwoman of the health, wellness and beauty industry cluster of the Federation of Thai Industries, highlighted the need for a national strategy to promote this sector, which, along with tourism, plays a crucial…
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Textual ties: Netizens knot amused by groom’s wedding texts
A video of a groom texting on his wedding day left netizens scratching their heads. The video captures him texting on his mobile phone while leaving the church with his new bride. The video, initially posted to TikTok, has since been viewed over 43.8 million times, sparking widespread speculation. TikTok user @CynthiaUmunze initially uploaded a video but later removed it…
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Heavy rainfall to hit 37 provinces: Stay alert for flash floods
Heavy rainfall is expected in 37 provinces across Thailand this week, with a 60% chance of precipitation, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The country and parts of Bangkok are on alert for potential flash floods, prompting residents to exercise caution as accumulated rainfall increases the risk. These weather conditions are a result of low-pressure troughs affecting the northern…
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Newborn abandoned under train station, police search for mother
A newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned, crying near the lift entrance of a BTS Skytrain station in Bangkok. Local authorities and volunteer rescue teams rushed to the scene and took the child to a nearby hospital. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to locate and prosecute the individual responsible for leaving the infant. At around 3am today, the alarm…
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Armed Forces personnel resort to food banks amid cost of living crisis
Military personnel and their families in the United Kingdom have increasingly turned to food banks due to the rising cost of living and high inflation rates, according to Sky News. One such food bank, initially set up by an aviator to support the local community, is now being used by Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.…
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Ofsted revisits inadequate schools within 3 months after head teacher suicide
Following the tragic suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, Ofsted has announced changes to school inspections in England, including revisiting schools graded inadequate over child welfare within three months. Additionally, the complaints system will undergo a significant overhaul. Ruth Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, stated that while the changes were a start, more substantial reforms were necessary. The Education Secretary, Gillian…
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Johor-Singapore economic region proposal gains momentum amid unique relationship
The potential establishment of a Johor-Singapore economic region is generating excitement among residents and business owners in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor. The idea, which aims to strengthen the state’s economic potential, has been discussed by the state government, the federal government, and the Singaporean government, but has not yet been raised as an official proposal. Johor and Singapore have…
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