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Zelenskyy visits flood-hit Ukraine; warns of mines, chemicals, disease risks
As the aftermath of the Nova Kakhovka dam breach unfolds, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the flooded regions, expressing concern over the dangers posed by floating mines, hazardous chemicals, and the potential spread of disease. Zelenskyy reported witnessing dead bodies floating in the water, a consequence of the Soviet-era dam’s collapse. Oleksandr Prokudin, the regional governor, stated that flooding from…
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Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces begins, says think tank
The long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces seems to have commenced, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a think tank based in Washington, DC. While Ukrainian officials have not yet confirmed the operation, the ISW has observed a general uptick in military activity across the entire front line. Ukrainian forces have reportedly gained territory in the…
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Ukrainian forces target Zaporizhzhia in counter-offensive, heavy fighting reported
Heavy fighting continues in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region, with Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks, artillery, and drones, attempting to advance south of the town of Orikhiv for a second consecutive night. Military experts believe that the focus of Ukraine’s counter-offensive will be on regaining access to the Sea of Azov and dividing the Russian forces in the region to weaken…
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Tesco reported to regulator over unclear pricing amid cost of living crisis
Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has been reported to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by consumer group Which? over concerns regarding unclear pricing on the majority of its food and drink promotions. The complaint comes as the CMA investigates whether supermarkets are making excessive profits through inflated prices amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. Which? accuses Tesco…
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Perlis halts new gaming licences, discusses fate of existing outlets
Perlis, a state in Malaysia, has decided not to issue new operating licences to gaming and lottery companies, with a discussion scheduled next week to determine if the six existing outlets can continue operations. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli announced the decision, stating that the matter will be brought to the Perlis state executive council (exco) meeting for further…
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Fishing boat capsizes off Phetchaburi coast, rescuers search for 3 missing
A fishing boat capsized in Phetchaburi due to strong waves, leaving four crew members in danger. One was found alive near an oil depot island, while authorities continue searching for the other three missing individuals. Last night, at around 9pm, the Sawangsanphettammasatan Foundation was informed that a fishing boat had been struck by large ocean waves and capsized near Ban…
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Phuket’s diarrhoea disaster: An unpleasant dose hits over 70 students and residents
More than 70 students and residents across Phuket fell victim to an unpleasant dose of diarrhoea yesterday. The Phuket Provincial Public Heath Office suspects the cause of this distressing episode could be attributed to the drinking of contaminated drinking water and ice procured from nearby factories. It is believed that a stomach bug, possibly the notorious norovirus, managed to infiltrate…
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Man hallucinates after drug use, raids neighbour’s home causing fear and chaos
Yesterday, police in Kabin Buri, Prachinburi province were alerted to an incident involving a 50 year old man causing chaos in a neighbour’s home. The man, identified as Kla, displayed signs of drug-induced hallucinations and continually verbally abused residents, prompting police intervention. Kla was eventually taken for treatment at a local hospital. Kabin Buri police responded to a call from…
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Imposter monk scams temples, steals over 20 robes worth 20,000 baht
A man disguised as a monk stole over 20 Buddhist monks’ robes worth 20,000 baht from Chong Lom temple in Samut Sakhon province yesterday. The imposter claimed to be the abbot of the temple and loaded the stolen items into a white Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck with Bangkok registration, as captured on CCTV. Yesterday, a man dressed as a monk…
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Ex-beauty queen’s rapid Thai police promotion sparks patronage investigation call
A former beauty pageant contestant’s rapid ascent through the ranks of the Thai police force has sparked concerns over potential patronage and corruption. The individual in question reportedly rose from police lance corporal to police captain in under two years, prompting calls for an investigation into the matter. A post on the “Phuen Tamruat” Facebook page highlighted the issue, stating…
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Thailand’s DLT combats illegal driving license sales exposed by MP on Facebook
Thailand‘s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is taking action against individuals selling driver’s licenses illegally, following a Move Forward Party MP’s exposé on the matter. MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn discovered several people advertising online services to provide driver’s licenses without requiring the driving test and posted screenshots of customers who had received valid DLT-certified licenses despite not taking the test. Wiroj expressed concerns…
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Lorry driver dozes off and crashes into car, female passenger killed
A lorry crashed into a passenger vehicle on Prasert Manukitch Road in Bangkok, resulting in the tragic death of a woman who was flung five metres from the car. The accident occurred in the early hours of the morning, with investigations revealing that both drivers experienced bouts of drowsiness. At around 5.45am this morning, Tai Sawangjit, Deputy Inspector at the…
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Woman feigns insanity to avoid restaurant bill, takes shower on premises (video)
A woman dined at a Thai barbecue restaurant, left without paying and feigned insanity. After finishing her meal, she claimed to be waiting for a friend, but ultimately entered the bathroom and took a shower before leaving the establishment without paying the bill. Yesterday, a Facebook user named Thotsaphon, the 33 year old owner of the barbecue restaurant, posted images…
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Jealous man fatally stabs girlfriend, attempts suicide, later found injured in sugarcane field
A jealous 30 year old Thai man, identified as Karun, fatally stabbed his 45 year old girlfriend Nantharat before driving their vehicle into a pond, and finally, attempting to end his own life. The incident, which took place amidst a sugarcane plantation, was later discovered by local villagers who reported it to the police. The victim and the assailant both…
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90% Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy
A significant majority of Thai workers are open to exploring new job opportunities despite an uncertain global economic climate, a recent study by recruitment firm Michael Page has found. The Talent Trends report, which surveyed 942 individuals in Thailand, revealed that over half of the respondents are actively seeking or planning to find new employment within the next six months.…
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Nurse scams lovestruck man out of 100,000 baht, taunts him to sue for refunds
A heartbroken man from Sisaket in northeastern Thailand warned others to be vigilant after falling prey to a deceptive nurse he met on an online dating app. Despite his genuine love and financial support, he was duped, losing over 100,000 baht (US$2,888). Yesterday, Sek, a storekeeper, shared his heart-wrenching experience. In late October 2022, he met a nurse through a…
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FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is seeking to boost Chinese investment in Thailand, focusing on the electric vehicle (EV), food, and healthcare sectors, through increased business collaboration with Beijing. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, recently met with the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, to discuss potential investment opportunities. Kriengkrai envisions Thailand as a production base for Chinese…
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Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim pushes for needs-based affirmative action
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the necessity for reforms in the country, stating that Malaysia must change or it will not survive. In an in-depth interview with Al Jazeera’s 101 East programme, the 75-year-old leader expressed his commitment to transitioning Malaysia from race-based to needs-based affirmative action policies. Anwar’s journey to the top of Malaysian politics has been…
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Watchdog warns public trust in police at all-time low, urges neighbourhood policing
The police watchdog has issued a warning that public trust in the police has reached an all-time low, and urgent action is needed to restore it. Chief constables have been advised to focus on crimes that matter most to the public, ensure proper investigations, and reinstate the policy of neighbourhood policing. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy Cooke, is…
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Umno deputy backs Youth’s demand for DAP apology in alliance row
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has expressed support for Umno Youth’s demand that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) apologise for past criticisms of the party. This controversial stance appears to contradict that of Umno’s president. Hasan, also known as Tok Mat, believes that the proposal made by Umno Youth is a good one and that an apology would be a…
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US invests $100m in Caribbean for weapons crackdown and Haiti aid
The United States is set to invest over US$100 million in the Caribbean to combat weapons trafficking, provide aid to Haiti, and support climate change initiatives. Vice President Kamala Harris announced this investment during her visit to the Bahamas, where she attended a meeting with Caribbean and US leaders alongside Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis. Harris, the highest-ranking US official…
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Trump faces indictment over classified documents, claims innocence
In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has claimed on his Truth Social platform that he is facing indictment for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. According to Trump, he has been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on an unspecified Tuesday. “I have been summoned to appear at the…
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Annecy park stabbing: Four toddlers stable, Syrian knifeman arrested
A horrifying knife attack in a children’s playground in Annecy, southeast France, left four young children between the ages of one and three injured. The children, including a three-year-old British child and a Dutch toddler, are now in stable condition in hospital. Two adults were also injured, one critically. The police arrested a 31-year-old Syrian man with refugee status in…
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Umno members struggle with Anwar alliance ahead of crucial state elections
The 2023 Umno general assembly, taking place today, is anticipated to reveal the extent of internal friction within the party, as some grassroots members struggle to accept their new partnership with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s national unity government. Analysts suggest that despite being part of Anwar’s administration for over six months, Umno has not fully convinced its grassroots members about…
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Amber heat-health alert as UK temperatures set to surpass 30C this weekend
An amber heat-health warning has been issued as the UK braces for a surge in temperatures, potentially exceeding 30C in some regions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised its alert level after the Met Office forecasted that temperatures could reach up to 31C (88F) on Saturday. Aiden McGivern, a forecaster, mentioned that the highest temperatures are expected between…
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Saudi wealth fund takes over clubs, lures football stars
Next season, Saudi Arabia’s football league will feature some of the sport’s top players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante. The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is set to commence in August, and more high-profile signings are anticipated. In addition to these transfers, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin…
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Afghanistan mosque explosion kills 11 at Taliban deputy governor’s memorial
A deadly explosion occurred near Nabawi Mosque in northern Afghanistan, claiming the lives of at least 11 people who were attending a memorial service for the recently deceased Taliban provincial deputy governor, Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi. Over 30 individuals were wounded in the blast, and officials fear the death toll may rise. The memorial service took place on Thursday, honouring Ahmadi,…
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Pakistan crackdown targets PTI supporters’ businesses in Punjab
In Punjab province, Pakistan, supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have reported that authorities are targeting businesses of those sympathetic to the former prime minister. Hammad Azhar, a top PTI aide, said his family-owned business, AFCO Steel Industries, was closed by police for over a week without any documentary evidence or sealing warrants. “The authorities did not have…
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Wildfires cause air quality alerts across North America and disrupt travel
Air quality alerts have been issued for millions of people across North America as wildfires continue to rage in Canada, causing evacuations, disruption to air travel, and smoke-filled skies even thousands of kilometres from the fires. The US National Weather Service has extended air quality alerts for the East Coast, from New England to South Carolina, as well as parts…
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Off-duty officer testifies in trial of deputy accused in Parkland shooting
An off-duty officer, Jeffrey Heinrich, who was present during the 2018 Parkland high school massacre in Florida, has given his testimony in the trial of the deputy accused of failing to stop the shooter. Heinrich described how he initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks before realising the situation and approaching unarmed. The trial focuses on what former Broward Deputy Scot…
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