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Sponsored 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision
The fate of an ailing Thai elephant residing in Sri Lanka will be determined on June 28, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decides if the animal is fit enough to endure a six-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa explained that a Thai caretaker team, consisting of veterinarians and two mahouts, has been preparing the elephant…
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Thai Cabinet supports Ethanol Bioplastic for eco-friendly transition
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light for the promotion of ethanol in the production of bioplastics, aiming to develop more eco-friendly materials, according to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. This decision supports the ethanol bioplastic manufacturing industry with tax exemptions for bioethylene, a key precursor in bioplastic pellet production. Current legislation states that domestically produced ethanol can only be…
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Driver who severely injured Thai actor ordered to pay 4.17 million, still battles case
News has emerged of Thai actor Off Thanakrit, who became bedridden after a severe road accident involving a drunk woman crashed her car into the back of his motorcycle. The court recently sentenced the woman to one year imprisonment and ordered her to pay a total of 4,172,962.62 baht (US$120,577) in damages, while the defendant continues to battle the case…
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Germany returns ancestral remains, artefacts to New Zealand in heartfelt gesture
In a poignant gesture, Germany has returned the ancestral remains of 95 Indigenous New Zealanders, along with artefacts and cultural treasures, to their homeland. The remains of the Maori and Moriori individuals, including six mummified tattooed heads known as toi moko, were received at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, in a private ceremony. Craig Hawke, New Zealand’s Ambassador to…
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Malaysia’s Economy Ministry targets 4,900 vending machines in two months
The Economy Ministry of Malaysia anticipates the acquisition of the remaining 4,900 vending machines aimed for this year under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) programme to be finalised within the next two months. Rafizi Ramli, the Economy Minister, explained that the ministry is currently selecting and evaluating suitable applicants through an ongoing open procurement process. “Our aim is also to…
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Seven arrested in Malaysia over Pakistani human trafficking suspicions
Seven Pakistani men were arrested in Kuala Lumpur on suspicion of involvement in a human trafficking case. The suspects, aged between 21 and 44, were apprehended at an apartment in Taman Pandan Perdana, Ampang. The police were alerted to the situation by a 23-year-old Pakistani male victim who had been beaten by four of the suspects, who were believed to…
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22 PR1MA housing projects underway, 13 ‘sick’ projects targeted for 2024 completion
Twenty-two 1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme (PR1MA) projects are currently under construction, including 13 that are classified as ‘sick’ projects. Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir reported that as of yesterday, 54 PR1MA projects had been completed, with another 10 still in the planning stage. “Of the 54 projects that have been completed, two of them have received…
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Thai interest rates raised to 2% by BoT amid core inflation worries
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) anticipates ongoing economic growth with some potential risks, as evidenced by their decision to increase the key Thai interest rates for the sixth consecutive meeting, according to the minutes released recently. On May 31, the committee unanimously agreed to increase the one-day repurchase rate by a quarter point to 2%,…
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Influencer Andrew Tate faces intensified human trafficking charges in Romania
Romanian authorities have intensified human trafficking charges against well-known influencer Andrew Tate, his brother Tristan, and two associates. The case now includes one more victim, bringing the total to seven women. Since April, the Tate brothers and their associates have been under house arrest in Bucharest. Initially detained in December, they are being investigated for rape, human trafficking, and forming…
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UK economy grows 0.2% in April driven by pubs and car sales
The United Kingdom’s economy experienced growth in April, with a 0.2% increase following a 0.3% contraction in March, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data revealed a 0.1% growth over the three months leading up to April. ONS Director of Economic Statistics, Darren Morgan, attributed the bounce back to strong performance in bars and pubs, a rebound…
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El Niño threatens Thai agriculture with 5% rainfall drop and water shortages
The El Niño weather pattern’s impact on Thailand is becoming more apparent, with hot and dry conditions persisting despite the rainy season’s official commencement on May 22. The Meteorological Department has announced that this year’s total rainfall will be approximately 5% lower than the annual average, leading to potential water shortages and prolonged dry spells. The El Niño phenomenon, which…
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Phallic procession invokes divine showers: Thai residents parade huge wooden penis to summon rain gods (video)
Residents in the central province of Kanchanaburi took part in a ritual with an enormous wooden sculpture of a penis to invoke rain and paraded it around the community while praying to Devas, also known as Buddhism angels. The 600 kilogrammes wooden phallic sculpture, called Palad Khik in Thai, serves as an amulet that many Thai people carry with them,…
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Thai outbound travel surges as Asian flight capacities increase
The Thai outbound travel market is experiencing fierce competition among Asian countries, as flight capacities have increased compared to last year. The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) anticipates that the Thai outbound market could recover to half of the 11.2 million departures in 2019, prior to the pandemic, due to stronger flight frequencies in Asia. TTAA vice-president Chotechuang Soorangura stated…
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Over 200,000 parents miss out on £53m Healthy Start vouchers
Over a third of eligible parents are not receiving the Healthy Start voucher scheme, which is intended to help families afford essential items like baby formula. This revelation comes after a Sky News investigation into the extreme measures UK families are taking to feed their infants due to the soaring cost of baby formula milk. Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck is…
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Royal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation…
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Brake urges 20mph limit near schools to cut child road casualties
Safety charity Brake has called for a 20mph speed limit to be imposed on all roads near schools in the UK to reduce child fatalities. Last year, 2,456 children under 16 were seriously injured or killed on the country’s roads. Many councils have already implemented 20mph zones near schools, but Brake claims that two-thirds of parents report higher limits on…
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Ex-minister disputes PM’s claims on 30,000 absent SPM exam students
Former Malaysian education minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin has countered Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s claims regarding the number of absent SPM candidates during last year’s national examinations. Mohd Radzi pointed out that local news reports indicated 14,858 students were absent, not the 30,000 cited by the prime minister during a dialogue session with undergraduates at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Anwar had…
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KLIA aerotrain service upgrade set for 2023 completion, minister urges haste
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is set to have one of its two Automated People Mover (APM) or aerotrain services back in operation next year. The Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has instructed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to ensure the upgrading works are completed on schedule or earlier. The aerotrain has been in service for 25 years and is now…
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Terrifying near-miss in Ratchaburi prompts calls for improved road safety measures
A terrifying incident occurred on a dark, poorly lit road when a white sedan suddenly emerged from a side road, narrowly missing a pickup truck, before crashing into a road sign and street isle. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as passengers, escaped unharmed from the ordeal in Ratchaburi province. A social media user shared a video of the…
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Motorist crashes into house causing 2 million baht in damages, leaves family homeless
A 21 year old man has caused nearly 2 million baht (US$57,745) in damages after he lost control of his truck and crashed into a house, destroying the roof and damaging another car. The incident occurred in Ban Na Don, Nong Na Kham sub-district, Mueang district, Udon Thani Province. Luckily, the five people sleeping inside were unharmed. The driver sustained…
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RNLI lifeboats rescue 108 migrants amid 290 Channel call-outs
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) revealed that lifeboats were deployed 290 times in 2022 to rescue migrants attempting to cross the English Channel. This is the first time the charity has disclosed details about its involvement in migrant crossings. Despite criticism that the RNLI is operating as a “taxi service” for migrants, the organisation has saved 108 lives in…
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Kelantan state assembly dissolves, paving way for Malaysian elections
The Kelantan state assembly in Malaysia is set to be dissolved on June 22, clearing the way for state elections, as announced by Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob. He had previously sought an audience with the state ruler of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, to discuss the dissolution of the 14th state assembly. Kelantan is not the only state to hold elections…
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Teenage rider killed in brutal shooting near Bangkok, police pursue gunman
A teenage motorcycle rider was fatally shot in a brutal attack in Bangkok, at around 6.30pm yesterday. Deputy Superintendent Suwat Deeplang of Nong Chok Police Station and his team are investigating the incident while pursuing the ruthless gunman responsible for the murder of the 19 year old. At the scene of the crime, near Soi Liabwari 32 in Nong Chok…
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Malaysia’s Klang Valley rail lines expect shorter travel times by September
Klang Valley commuters in Malaysia can anticipate reduced travel times and increased train frequencies on several public transport rail lines by around August or September, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. In a parliamentary response, Loke stated that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd are currently implementing various initiatives to restore public confidence in the rapid transit system.…
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Miss Universe Thailand contestants promote cultural tourism in Udon Thani
Several Miss Universe Thailand beauty pageant contestants visited a number of sacred sites in Udon Thani where they were warmly received by locals. The group took part in several traditional rituals as a gesture of respect and homage. The beauty pageant contestants participating in Miss Universe Thailand 2023 yesterday morning visited Wat Si Dara in Na Chum Saeng, Thung Fon, and…
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Global displacement hits 110 million, UNHCR cites Ukraine and Sudan conflicts
A staggering 110 million people across the globe now find themselves displaced, with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan contributing significantly to this figure, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency’s annual report revealed that approximately 19 million individuals were forced to flee their homes last year, marking the largest annual increase ever recorded.…
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AI use in workplace linked to loneliness and insomnia, study reveals
A recent study has revealed that employees who frequently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplace are more likely to experience loneliness, leading to insomnia. The research was conducted in four locations – Taiwan, Indonesia, the US, and Malaysia – and found consistent results across all regions. Lead researcher Pok Man Tang explained that the rapid advancement in AI systems…
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Cosplay pianist Pan Piano shocks viewers with sexy outfits: Are they appropriate for YouTube?
A pianist YouTuber known as Pan Piano has shocked viewers by posting a risqué piano performance while donning revealing cosplay outfits, resulting in millions of views in a short period. The viral video has sparked debates about the appropriateness of such content on the video-sharing platform. Pan Piano, previously known for her elaborate cosplay looks, now displays more of her…
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Russian Major-General killed in Ukrainian missile strike, says official
In a significant development, a high-ranking Russian officer has reportedly been killed during a Ukrainian missile strike, as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russian forces. According to Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-backed official in Ukraine, Major-General Sergei Goryachev, Chief of Staff of Russia’s 35th Army, was killed in the southern Zaporizhia region on the frontlines where Ukrainian forces have been regaining…
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AI discrimination more pressing than human extinction, says EU competition chief
The European Union’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has highlighted discrimination as a more urgent concern than human extinction in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with the BBC, Vestager emphasised the need for “guardrails” to counter the technology’s risks, particularly in areas where AI is used for decision-making that can impact livelihoods, such as mortgage applications. The…
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