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Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu face off in historic Turkish presidential runoff
Voters in Turkey gave President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu another opportunity yesterday to make their case for the future of the country. A close result means neither secured 50% of the votes and will face each other in Turkey’s first presidential runoff on May 28. Erdogan, 69 years old, rose from humble beginnings in Istanbul to…
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Elderly voters inadvertently tear ballot papers, violating Thai election law
Instances of individuals tearing up ballot papers were reported in various provinces across Thailand. Most of those involved were elderly individuals who suffer from health conditions, and they maintained that they had no intention of damaging the papers. The Royal Thai Police revealed that the police’s election coordination centre had received around 20 reports of voters tearing up their ballot…
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Cyclone Mocha brings storm surge to western Myanmar and southeastern Bangladesh
Cyclone Mocha swept through Myanmar and southeastern Bangladesh yesterday, causing storm surges in western Myanmar, despite sparing large refugee camps. The cyclone made landfall between Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar and Sittwe in Myanmar, with winds reaching up to 195kph in the most significant storm to hit the Bay of Bengal in over ten years. Although communications with Sittwe were mostly cut…
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Thailand General Election shows opposition parties in the lead
Preliminary results of Thailand’s General Election revealed that the majority of voters support the opposition parties Move Forward and Pheu Thai to lead the country, potentially ending nearly nine years of pro-military rule under incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Data from the Election Commission of Thailand displayed a strong lead for both parties, with 114 and 111 constituency seats respectively.…
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Turkey’s earthquake impact on presidential election
In the southern Turkish city of Antakya, residents feel that it’s time for change as they prepare to vote in yesterday’s election. Ravaged by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February, Antakya has experienced significant devastation, which many believe will be a deciding factor in the polls. The crisis has soured the opinions of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, potentially ending his…
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Biden administration warns of catastrophic consequences if US defaults on debt
The United States government is facing a potential economic catastrophe if a debt deal is not reached in the coming days. The possibility of the country’s first-ever default is causing concern, as negotiations between Democrats and Republicans are expected to continue this week. The two parties have been unable to come to an agreement, despite warnings from officials and bankers…
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Biden optimistic about avoiding US debt default despite impasse with Republicans
Tensions continue to rise over the US debt limit, with President Joe Biden expressing optimism about reaching an agreement with Republican counterparts while acknowledging that no deal has been struck yet. The ongoing deadlock has raised the spectre of a first-ever US default, which could bring potentially disastrous consequences, including a possible recession and global financial contagion. Republicans in Congress…
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Machine anxiety: How to reduce confusion and fear about AI technology
In the 19th century, computing pioneer Ada Lovelace wrote that a machine can only “do whatever we know how to order it to perform”, little knowing that by 2023, AI technology such as chatbot ChatGPT would be holding conversations, solving riddles, and even passing legal and medical exams. The result of this development is eliciting both excitement and concern about…
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Cambodian runner’s determination at SEA Games captures hearts (video)
Phnom Penh witnessed the rise of a new local hero, Bou Samnang. The 20 year old Cambodian runner gained fame during the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, particularly for her performance in the 5,000-metre event. Despite finishing last, her determination to complete the race in heavy rain endeared her to the nation, and she even received praise from Prime Minister Hun…
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Pattaya buzzing as Thai national election polling stations open
Pattaya has been buzzing ever since polling stations for the Thai national election opened at 8am today, marking the beginning of the Thai General Election. The atmosphere has been lively at polling stations around Pattaya, with long queues of eager voters waiting to cast their ballots for their preferred candidates. One notable voter seen waiting in line was Pattaya Mayor…
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French suspect arrested for theft, and Burmese suspect for human trafficking in Phetchaburi
In two separate incidents in Thailand’s central Phetchaburi province, police apprehended a French suspect for alleged theft, and a Burmese suspect for alleged human trafficking. Both arrests took place yesterday. Phetchaburi Police arrested Patrick, a French suspect, at his residence in Phetchaburi on suspicion of theft against a Belgian man named Laffel C. Patrick allegedly stole Laffel’s backpack, which contained…
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Bangkok voting area with large army presence sees crowding and long qeues
Army members flocked to vote at Bangkok‘s Dusit district polling station, while the public complained about long queues and inadequate facilities for over 6,500 people. The atmosphere at the voting site Health Service Centre 38 was bustling and hectic since the polls opened today at 8am. This location, with eight polling stations, has a total of 6,506 eligible voters, with…
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Phuket governor casts first vote in General Election
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew kicked off the General Election process on the island by casting the first vote at the Phuket Auditorium in Phuket Town today. The Phuket Auditorium, located at the government administration centre on Tha Kraeng Road, is one of 22 polling stations established throughout the Talad Yai sub-district of Phuket Town. Candidates are vying for Constituency 1…
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Heavy rain and Cyclone Mocha warning for north and northeast Thailand
The meteorological department warns that heavy rain is expected in north and northeast Thailand, with Cyclone Mocha contributing to the wet weather conditions today, May 14, and tomorrow, May 15. Continuous rain and heavy downpours in some areas of the northern and upper northeastern regions have prompted the public to be cautious of flooding, flash floods, and forest runoffs. Farmers have…
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Thai student gives birth and hides baby on fire escape
A 19 year old Thai student left her newborn baby on a fire escape after giving birth, having kept her pregnancy a secret from friends and family. Her 19 year old boyfriend found out only after discovering the baby on the fire escape. This morning police in the city of Pak Kret in Nonthaburi province received reports from concerned citizens…
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Thai teen faces extended stay in juvenile facility due to royal defamation charge
A Thai teen is facing an extended stay in a juvenile facility due to a royal defamation charge. The Central Juvenile and Family Court has become involved in the case involving a 15 year old girl who has been held in a juvenile facility for over 40 days. The court said yesterday that the girl’s mother neglected to attend her…
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Free shuttle bus services to ease Bangkok traffic on school routes
School routes in Bangkok might soon see a bit less traffic. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to offer free shuttle bus services connecting Samsen Road to various areas in Thon Buri to alleviate traffic congestion when schools reopen tomorrow. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt spoke after a trial run, stating that the shuttle bus services will help mitigate heavy traffic…
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Pattaya mayor unveils concept art for revamped and covered Bali Hai Pier
Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampiches unveiled concept art yesterday for a revamped and covered Bali Hai Pier. The need for improvement has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, with numerous complaints from tourists, both local and international, about the lack of shade and protection from rain at the pier. Travellers use the pier to access various islands around…
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Thaiger Top Shelf: Best dispensaries in town (Video)
With its captivating culture and mouth-watering cuisine, Bangkok has long been known as an attractive destination for travellers seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure. And now, with the flourishing cannabis industry, the capital of Thailand has also transformed into a hotbed for cannabis enthusiasts eager to find the best dispensary spots in the country. From the bustling streets of Sukhumvit to the…
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Intimidation by armed men against anti-cannabis rally in Bangkok
Former politician Chuwit Kamolvisit led a team to file a complaint after being threatened by a group of men with guns during an anti-cannabis rally in Bangkok. The 61 year old claimed that some wore logo shirts of the Thai Pride Party (Bhumjaithai Party), with live broadcast footage as evidence. Chuwit led his team to file a complaint at Phaya…
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Drunk driving incident kills Phuket motorbike rider
A drunk driving incident killed a Phuket motorbike rider this morning. A 48 year old Phuket passenger van driver has been charged with drink driving causing death following a collision with a motorbike in Samkong, resulting in the death of the 54 year old motorbike rider. The incident occurred at around 6am when the van, travelling at a high speed,…
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Four men claim to be fathers of a newborn baby, revealing touching truth
When a baby is born, it’s not uncommon to see people anxiously waiting outside the delivery room, hoping for good news. However, it’s rare to witness four men all claiming to be the father of the same baby. A pregnant Chinese woman experienced sudden abdominal pain despite not yet reaching her due date. Her family quickly took her to the hospital.…
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Bride chains groom’s wrists to make him attend wedding
A bizarre incident involving a bride and groom caught the attention of a large crowd in Xian, China. The bride, dressed in her wedding gown, was seen attempting to pull a chain wrapped around the bound wrists of her would-be groom, who was lying on the floor, trying to hold onto the chain, and refusing to be dragged away. The…
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Pheu Thai Party candidates launch campaign caravan at Democracy Monument
Today at 9.30am, the Pheu Thai Party began its campaign at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok. Led by 35 year old Patongthan Shinawatra, and Sathorn Taweewon, they were joined by 33 Bangkok constituency candidates. Patongthan and Sathorn waved flags and released a car caravan as a symbol of their commitment to Thailand’s democracy. The Pheu Thai Party’s caravan procession was…
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Pattaya’s transgender thieves target Indian men in separate incidents
An age-old legend has once again repeated itself. In Pattaya, two Indian men separately reported thefts by transgender individuals on the same night. In both incidents, the thieves ripped gold necklaces off the victims’ necks. The first incident took place when 34 year old Nagasesha Reddy Neeruganti was walking along Pattaya Beach with friends near Soi 13. A transgender person…
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Thai Election Commission predicts 85% turnout, confident of smooth process
Thailand‘s Election Commission (EC) predicts an 85% voter turnout for the upcoming General Elections tomorrow (May 14) and maintains confidence in its ability to conduct the elections efficiently despite a few issues encountered during advance voting last week. EC member Thitichet Nuchanart revealed the estimation after an impressive 91% turnout was recorded for last weekend’s advance voting process. The EC…
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Thai tourism rebound evident with surge in new business registrations
Thailand’s tourism sector has witnessed a strong rebound, as evidenced by the significant surge in new registrations for tourism-related businesses during the initial four months of this year. The Ministry of Commerce revealed yesterday that the number of new tourism-related business registrations had doubled year-on-year, reaching 2,579 in the first four months, with a total registered capital increase of 135%…
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Marine Department official allegedly smuggled Chinese nationals into Thailand
A Marine Department official allegedly smuggled eight Chinese nationals into Thailand. Police arrested the official in Chiang Rai last night. A joint patrol led by the Deputy Chief of Chiang Saen Police Station, Kittiphum Kanjini, and Sub-Lt Vathit Thampradit of the navy’s Mekong Riverine Unit, discovered a suspicious vehicle near the Ban Sob Kok community in Chiang Rai’s Chiang Saen…
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FazWaz’s successful Agent Recruitment Event in Phuket paves way for Koh Samui
Thailand’s leading real estate company, FazWaz, held a successful Agent Recruitment Event on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Four Points by Sheraton at Patong Beach. The event aimed to give interested agents an in-depth understanding of FazWaz and the advantages of working with the esteemed firm. The recruitment event included informative presentations, speed interviews, and an engaging networking session. Aspiring…
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Regents International School Pattaya: Offering unique Sixth Form Pathways for your child’s success
Regents International School Pattaya recognises that each student is unique, and their journey towards academic success should be tailored to their individual needs and passions. The school offers an unrivalled choice of subjects, a breadth of experiential adventures beyond the classroom, and, most importantly, two distinct pathways in the sixth form. Globally Recognised Curricula The globally recognised British and international…
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