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Myawaddy suffers as Thailand ceases electricity supply
Myawaddy has experienced a significant impact on its electricity supply after Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority ceased providing power on June 6, following the expiration of a contract with the Myanmar government. While the border in the Mae Sot district of Tak remains open for people and cargo, the electricity cut has had varying effects on different groups within Myawaddy. Chinese…
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India denies threatening Twitter with shutdown over farmers’ protest accounts
Twitter faced threats of shutdown and employee raids from the Indian government if it did not comply with orders to restrict accounts, according to the company’s co-founder Jack Dorsey. The Indian government has dismissed these claims as “outright lies.” Dorsey, who stepped down as Twitter CEO in 2021, revealed on Monday that India had threatened the company with a shutdown…
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Malaysia’s Covid restrictions slammed for political control, rights violations
Restrictions implemented by the former Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration to combat Covid-19 have been criticised by human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) for helping the government maintain control of Putrajaya. Ilaiya Barathi Panneerselvam, from the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), presented the report’s findings and accused Muhyiddin and his Cabinet of using the state of emergency…
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Thai police probe truck sticker bribery scandal: 46 types identified
There’s been a new development in Thailand’s truck sticker bribery scandal. The inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Office will likely take 15 days to determine who will be subjected to a disciplinary investigation in connection with the scandal. Pol. Gen. Visanu Prasartthong-osoth announced that an inquiry is being conducted by his office, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Ditsapoj…
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Senate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions
In an effort to seek a political compromise, the Senate has put forth a proposition for a deliberation on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by a pro-royalist group advocating for the preservation of the existing law. However, apprehensions have arisen within the…
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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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Malaysia PM defends Allah statements, seeks Rulers’ Council audience
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has defended his recent statements in Parliament regarding the usage of the word “Allah” and his government’s request for an audience with the Conference of Rulers on the matter. This comes after an Opposition MP accused him of misleading Parliament and attempted to refer him for disciplinary action. Anwar clarified that…
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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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Ride of deceit: Bangkok taxi driver steals 1.2 million baht from dozing Japanese passenger
Bangkok Police arrested another bad boy taxi driver who stole over 1.2 million baht from a Japanese passenger while the victim fell asleep during the journey. This is one of the far-too-many-to-mention stories concerning Bangkok taxi drivers who continue to undermine the good name of Thailand with their scams, schemes, and stealing. The theft occurred in the early morning of…
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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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Malaysia’s PN coalition nears agreement for six state elections
Negotiations among the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition’s component parties for the upcoming six state elections in Malaysia are nearly complete, with 97% of the seats agreed upon. PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar revealed that only five to six seats remain undecided out of the 245 they plan to contest in Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, and Penang. “There is…
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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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Parking pandemonium: Thai woman seeks payment from Bangkok mall after car calamity
A Thai woman demanded a renowned shopping mall in Bangkok to compensate her after her car was smashed and her belongings were stolen at the mall’s car park on Sunday, June 11. The victim, Kitiyaporn, took to social media on Sunday to share her distressing experience, accompanied by pictures of her damaged car. The images reveal a shattered window on…
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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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NATO launches largest air force exercise with 250 aircraft, 10,000 personnel
In an unprecedented show of unity, NATO has commenced its largest-ever air force deployment exercise, involving 25 member and partner countries. The German Air Force-led “Air Defender 23” exercises began on Monday, with approximately 250 military aircraft and up to 10,000 service members taking part. The drills are designed to improve interoperability and preparedness of NATO air forces in crisis…
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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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Thailand investigates activists seeking Muslim Patani State referendum
Security agencies in Thailand are investigating a group of activists advocating for a public referendum on the creation of an independent Muslim “Patani State” in the country’s southern region. The National Security Council (NSC) stated that the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Office and Provincial Police Region 9 are examining the group’s activities and monitoring its social…
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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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