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Taliban crackdown causes 80% drop in Afghan opium cultivation
Armed with AK-47 assault rifles and large sticks, a Taliban anti-narcotics unit in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province is on a mission to eradicate poppy farming. In April 2022, Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree prohibiting poppy cultivation, with violators facing crop destruction and penalties under Sharia law. The ban was imposed due to the harmful effects of opium…
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Ukrainian forces advance in Bakhmut amid fierce fighting and symbolic importance
Ukrainian forces have made advancements in the area surrounding Bakhmut, according to Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, who referred to the eastern city as the “epicentre of hostilities.” It remains unclear whether the anticipated counter-offensive has commenced. In a separate development, Russia’s military announced that it had thwarted a new attack in the eastern Donetsk region on Monday. Bakhmut has…
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Thai MFP pledges higher welfare, minimum wage, and economic growth
The Move Forward Party (MFP) in Thailand announced its commitment to increasing welfare spending and raising the minimum wage, while simultaneously promoting economic growth through opening up the market to competition and reducing corruption. The Thai economy experienced a 2.6% growth last year as it gradually recovered from the global pandemic. The MFP, which is striving to lead a coalition after…
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Gastrointestinal shocker: Viral video reveals nose-tickling tapeworm terror (video)
A video circulating online, showing the removal of a tapeworm of over one metre in length from a patient’s nose, has sparked fears for those who consume raw beef or pork dishes such as Larb, Koy, and Soi Joo. The event probably took place in Laos. The disturbing footage was first posted on Facebook by user Taning Ksb about six…
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China plans AI regulation after Elon Musk’s productive discussions
Chinese authorities are planning to introduce regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) in the country, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He shared this information during a Twitter Space conversation with Democratic presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, following his recent visit to China. Musk mentioned that he had “very productive discussions” with senior Chinese leadership regarding the risks of AI…
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Thai King sends condolences to India after tragic train collision
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand has expressed his condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu following the devastating rail accident in Balasore, State of Odisha, which claimed the lives of over 270 individuals last Friday. In the message, the King stated… “Queen Suthida and I are shocked and deeply saddened by the catastrophic collision of trains in Balasore, State…
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Golden surge: Thailand witnesses 100 baht spike in gold prices
Gold prices in Thailand saw a strong surge today, with prices for gold bullion and gold ornaments rising by 100 baht compared to their closing levels on June 5. Data from the Gold Traders Association revealed that the price for gold ornaments stood at 32,750 baht per baht weight, while gold bullion was being bought at 32,150 baht and sold…
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Thai future food industry targets 5% growth amid health and eco trends
The Thai future food industry is expected to see a 5% growth this year, as the demand for healthier and more environmentally friendly food options rises. Visit Limlurcha, president of the Thai Future Food Trade Association, highlights the potential for export growth due to global trends that are bringing about significant changes in production, economies, lifestyle, society, and behaviour. From…
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Floor tiles fright: Thai woman in Malaysian condo gets explosive surprise (video)
A Thai woman residing in a condominium in Malaysia was shocked when her floor tiles suddenly exploded, initially fearing the building was collapsing. Neighbours reassured her that this has occurred before and is common in the area due to extreme weather conditions. The woman, known as @cake.lansi on TikTok, posted a video capturing the terrifying moment when the tiles violently…
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Southern Thai tourism seeks eased regulations for Malaysian tour buses
The tourism association representing 14 southern provinces in Thailand has urged the Transport Ministry to relax regulations, allowing Malaysian tour buses to travel beyond the border province of Songkhla. This move could potentially stimulate the region’s economy through promotional campaigns, as discussed at a recent forum on tourism organised by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Jarun Kaewjeesub,…
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US diplomat’s China visit stirs controversy
The US State Department reported that senior US diplomat Daniel Kritenbrink had candid and productive discussions with Chinese officials during his visit to Beijing. Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, met with Chinese foreign ministry officials Ma Zhaoxu and Yang Tao, alongside US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and National Security Council official Sarah Beran. The…
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Youth vaping epidemic: Paediatricians urge UK ban on disposable e-cigarettes
Youth vaping has been described as “fast becoming an epidemic among children” by paediatricians, who are urging the government to ban disposable e-cigarettes. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) voiced its concerns in response to the government consultation on e-cigarettes, stating that they “are not a risk-free product and can be just as addictive, if not more…
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Ghosts or coincidence? DJ’s death adds to haunted room’s dark history
A former popular DJ was found dead in his haunted room, leaving a haunting note about ghosts and previous deaths. Neighbours were unaware of the tragic incident until a foul smell led rescuers to investigate. On June 4, the Sawang Phon Kuson Rayong Rescue Foundation, local authorities, and police officers from Muang Rayong Police Station responded to a rented room…
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Postman faces 200,000 baht baht bill for lost parcel
In the Nang Rong district of Buriram province, a postal worker has reported the disappearance of a valuable parcel worth over 200,000 baht (about US$5,800). Seeking fairness and assistance, the postman is uncertain about the fate of the package. The customer who lodged the complaint is demanding compensation for the lost merchandise. Uthai, the postman, admits he signed for the…
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5 trapped as house collapses in Samut Sakhon; rescue efforts underway
A house collapse in Samut Sakhon province left five people trapped under the wreckage, prompting swift action from rescue officials. Two of the victims suffered severe injuries, while preliminary investigation reveals that the house condition had been in bad shape, posing a hazard to its inhabitants. Authorities in Samut Sakhon were alerted to a single-storey wooden house collapse within Soi…
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Slow fraud recovery risks taxpayer money, MPs urge government action
MPs have criticised the government for its sluggish efforts in recovering taxpayer money lost to fraud and error during the pandemic. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a cross-party group, has called for a “step change” in Whitehall’s approach to risk in order to avoid similar “panic responses” in the future. The committee’s report revealed numerous “repeated problems,” including an estimated…
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Yellow Line monorail trial attracts 80,000 passengers, plans expansion
Nearly 80,000 passengers took advantage of the Yellow Line’s trial run over the weekend, as the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) plans to extend the trial to all 23 stations by mid-month. Pichet Kunadhamraks, the DRT’s director-general, stated that the current trial run includes 13 stations from Hua Mak to Samrong. Pichet noted that a large number of people participated…
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Missing Chinese woman caught on CCTV travelling to Myanmar
After reviewing CCTV footage, police believe that the missing Chinese woman in Chiang Rai province, located in northern Thailand, made her way across the border into Myanmar in search of employment at a casino. The young woman, 22 year old Chong Sumyee, who also goes by the name Angie, arrived in Chiang Mai on May 29. She informed her mother…
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Prince Harry’s US visa under scrutiny amid drug admissions
In an unusual legal twist, Prince Harry finds himself at the centre of a court case in the United States on the same day he is scheduled to appear in London’s High Court. Lawyers are set to appear in a federal courtroom in Washington DC, demanding the release of the Duke of Sussex’s US visa application form, which could potentially…
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Thai and South Korean officials tackle illegal ‘little ghosts’ labourers issue
A recent meeting between the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Thailand and South Korean authorities aimed to address the issue of illegal Thai labourers, or “little ghosts,” working in South Korea. The discussions focused on finding a systematic resolution to labour problems that could lead to human trafficking. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, at least 170,000 Thai labourers were working in South…
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Fake police car chase on Malaysian expressway sparks investigation
Malaysian authorities initiated an investigation into an expressway car chase involving three men who allegedly posed as police officers. The incident occurred on the North-South Highway near the Sedenak exit in Kulai, Johor, and was widely shared on social media. The suspects are believed to have used blue beacon lights and hand gestures to signal the driver to stop his vehicle.…
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Thai-iranian man stabs friend over fried chicken insult
The police arrested a 29 year old man of Thai-Iranian descent for allegedly attacking his 40 year old Iranian friend during the purchase of fried chicken, reportedly in response to offensive comments. He stabbed the victim multiple times in Chon Buri, and the victim is now in critical condition. CCTV footage from midnight on Sunday, June 4 showed two men…
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Heavy rainfall warning for 48 provinces – 70% of Bangkok areas affected
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecasted to hit 48 provinces across Thailand, with a 70% chance of precipitation in the Bangkok area. The Meteorological Department warns residents of potential flash floods and forest runoff, while waves up to 3 metres high are expected in coastal areas on June 6. The country’s adverse weather conditions are attributed to a combination…
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Tragedy strikes as mysterious car fire claims life of unidentified woman near Pattaya
A mysterious fire erupted in a parked car, causing a tragic accident, resulting in the death of an unidentified woman. The incident unfolded near a reservoir in Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chon Buri yesterday evening. At around 6.50pm on the said day, local authorities, firefighters, and volunteers from the Nong Prue Municipality and Sawang Boriboon Foundation in Pattaya City arrived on…
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Sky ICT’s subsidiary Pro Inside eyes Stock Exchange of Thailand listing
Sky ICT, a SET-listed aviation technology firm, is planning to list its wholly-owned subsidiary Pro Inside on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in early 2024, in a bid to create a new long-term revenue stream. Pro Inside, an intelligent system integrator, was separated from Sky ICT last year to focus on bidding for state projects. Pro Inside CEO Benyapa Chalermwat…
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Apple unveils Vision Pro mixed reality headset, challenging Meta
Apple has revealed its first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, entering the market dominated by Meta and targeting users beyond gamers and technology enthusiasts. The headset is priced at US$3,499 and will be available in the United States in early 2024. The announcement marks Apple’s most significant product launch since the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2015. Apple…
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UK civil servants strike despite government’s improved pay offer
Strikes by civil servants across the United Kingdom are set to continue despite the government presenting an improved pay offer. Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will participate in industrial action on Tuesday in Northern Ireland and Wednesday in Wales. The PCS has stated that the stoppages will persist as they evaluate the “significant concessions” related to…
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Nurse recruitment crisis: Ghana’s health system suffers as UK beckons
A growing number of nurses are leaving countries like Ghana to work in high-income nations, leading to concerns about a “brain-drain” and its impact on healthcare systems in poorer countries. In 2022, over 1,200 Ghanaian nurses joined the UK’s nursing register, as the National Health Service (NHS) increasingly depends on staff from non-EU countries to fill vacancies. Howard Catton, from…
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CBI faces crucial vote on reform package amid misconduct scandal
Rain Newton-Smith, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), is urging members to approve a series of reforms in a critical vote that could determine the future of the embattled business lobby group. The CBI, a 59-year-old organization that has traditionally represented big business, is facing a potentially existential referendum at an extraordinary general meeting in London. Members…
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Fatal Virginia plane crash probed amid hypoxia concerns
Investigators in the United States are examining the wreckage of a small plane that veered off course and crashed in rural Virginia, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and three passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet disclosed the identities of those involved. The wreckage, described as “highly fragmented,” is scattered across a mountainous area, and it…
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