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World News
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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World News
India’s deadliest train crash sparks criminal investigation
Families of victims of India’s deadliest train crash in recent memory gathered at a hospital in Bhubaneswar city on June 5, as railway officials called for the country’s premier criminal investigation agency to probe the accident that claimed 275 lives. Relatives of passengers who perished in the crash on Friday queued outside the eastern city’s All India Institute of Medical…
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Thailand News
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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Thailand News
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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World News
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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Travel
5 vineyards and wineries in Thailand all wine lovers should know
Thailand might not be the first destination to pop into your head when you ponder about vino. But, get ready to be chuffed, wine enthusiasts! The Land of Smiles actually has a fair few fabulous vineyards and wineries dotted around. Admittedly, Thai wine history is still in its infancy, but the quality has come on leaps and bounds in recent…
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Crime News
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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Economy News
Highway 12 expansion completed, boosting Thailand-Myanmar-Laos economic ties
The completion of Highway 12’s expansion, which connects Thailand with Myanmar, and Laos, is expected to significantly enhance cross-border economic activities among the three nations. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri announced that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is optimistic about the economic benefits the highway will bring, particularly to the residents of Kalasin and Mukdahan in northeast Thailand. Highway 12 forms a…
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World News
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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Crime News
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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Thailand Weather Updates
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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Road deaths
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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Thailand News
Thai government extends paternity leave to 15 days for male employees
The Thai government extended paternity leave for male government employees, granting them 15 days of paid leave following the birth of their child. This change is part of the recent Government Employees Executive Committee announcement regarding government employee benefits, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The updated paternity leave regulation was added to the section on maternity leave in the…
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Guides
The 5 best retirement homes to spend your golden years
You’ve put in the time, done the hard yards, and now it’s time to embark on the adventure of a lifetime in a nation as warm as the greetings you’ll receive at every turn. Thailand is calling your name, and we’ve got five of the most splendid retirement homes that will whisk you away to a life of sun-kissed bliss…
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Business News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
UK paediatricians demand ban on disposable vapes amid youth vaping surge
Paediatricians are urging a total ban on disposable e-cigarettes due to the potential harm they pose to young lungs and the environment. However, an anti-smoking advocacy group argues that such a ban would make quitting smoking more difficult for some adults and increase the illegal vape trade. UK governments are considering measures to reduce vaping among under-18s, including stricter regulations…
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World News
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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World News
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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World News
Jim Hines, first to break 10-second barrier in 100m, dies aged 76
The world of athletics mourns the loss of Jim Hines, the first man to complete the 100m race in under 10 seconds, who has passed away at the age of 76. Hines set the groundbreaking record in 1968, achieving a hand-timed 9.9 seconds at the US Championships. He then surpassed his own record at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City,…
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World News
Canada faces worst wildfire season on record, burning area size of Belgium
Canada is preparing for what could be its most severe wildfire season to date, with 2,214 fires already recorded this year, burning an area roughly equivalent to the size of Belgium. Forecasters predict the risk of wildfires will escalate in June and remain unusually high throughout the summer. Jonathan Wilkinson, the federal natural resources minister, described the season’s projections as…
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World News
Pence battles Trump for 2024 GOP nomination and evangelical vote
The prospect of a 2024 presidential campaign led by Mike Pence, with his background in Congress and experience as a state governor, would have been highly promising in a conventional political landscape. As a former vice-president, Pence has had numerous high-profile roles within the administration and four years to establish connections with his party’s grassroots. Additionally, he is a methodical…
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World News
Prince Harry’s US visa under scrutiny amid drug use revelations
A US judge is set to hear an appeal from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, demanding that Prince Harry’s visa application be made public due to his past drug use. The federal court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Washington DC and will be open to the media. In his memoir Spare, released in January, Prince Harry admitted…
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World News
Landmark defamation trial reveals decorated soldier’s lies and murder cover-up
A recent ruling in a high-profile defamation case has found that Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, lied to hide his misconduct and threatened witnesses. The judgement also determined that Roberts-Smith was “complicit in and responsible for” the murder of three Afghans. The case involved a defamation suit against three Australian newspapers, which Roberts-Smith accused of ruining his life…
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World News
Green Party secures first Northern Ireland mayoral role amid budget cuts
The Green Party in Northern Ireland has achieved a historic milestone by securing its first-ever mayoral position, with Áine Groogan being appointed as the deputy lord mayor of Belfast. This development comes after the party lost three seats in the recent Northern Ireland council elections, including the seat held by party leader Mal O’Hara in Belfast. Today, seven of Northern…
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World News
Mass hack hits BBC, British Airways, Boots, and Aer Lingus, exposing staff data
A series of organisations, including the BBC, British Airways, Boots, and Aer Lingus, have been impacted by a large-scale cyber attack. Employees have been alerted that personal information, such as national insurance numbers and, in some cases, bank details, may have been compromised. The hackers infiltrated a widely-used software program, enabling them to access multiple companies simultaneously. No ransom demands…
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World News
Princess Eugenie welcomes baby boy Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank
Princess Eugenie has shared the joyful news of the arrival of her second child, a baby boy, on Instagram. Born on May 30, the young royal has been named Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank. Eugenie, 32, and her husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed the 7lb 1oz baby, whose names pay tribute to his great-great-great grandfather George, his grandpa George, and Eugenie’s grandpa…
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World News
Riptide suspected in Bournemouth beach drowning of girl and teenage boy
A riptide is believed to have caused the tragic drowning of a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl off Bournemouth beach, according to an inquest. Joe Abbess from Southampton and Sunnah Khan from Buckinghamshire both passed away in hospital following the incident. The inquest held at Dorset Coroner’s Court suggested that a riptide may have led to the pair’s drowning.…
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World News
Tory MP Bob Stewart charged with racial abuse in Bahrain row
Conservative MP Bob Stewart is facing charges of racially abusing a man he allegedly told to “return to Bahrain.” The incident took place outside an event hosted by the Bahraini embassy in December last year, where the Beckenham MP was confronted by a human rights activist regarding his connections to the country. Stewart, 73 years old, is set to appear…
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World News
Last Wilson cabinet member Lord Morris of Aberavon dies at 91
Lord Morris of Aberavon, the final remaining member of Harold Wilson’s cabinet and the last Labour MP elected in the 1950s, has passed away at the age of 91. Previously known as John Morris, he held the position of Welsh secretary under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, and served as attorney general during Tony Blair’s tenure. Lord Morris was one…
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World News
COVID inquiry chair may resign if WhatsApp battle lost to government
The chair of the COVID inquiry, Baroness Hallett, has been cautioned that resigning may be the “only logical response” if she loses the battle with the government over access to unredacted WhatsApp messages. Solicitor Elkan Abrahamson, representing the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group, expressed his concerns after the government decided to launch a judicial review into Baroness Hallett’s…
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World News
Lewis Capaldi cancels commitments for rest before Glastonbury performance
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has announced the cancellation of all his upcoming commitments until his performance at Glastonbury later this month. The 26-year-old artist cited the need for rest and recovery after an intense period both mentally and physically. Capaldi is set to perform on Glastonbury’s renowned Pyramid stage on Saturday, June 24, before Lizzo and headliner Guns N’ Roses.…
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World News
Nurse on trial accused of poisoning two babies with insulin
The murder trial of Lucy Letby, a 33-year-old nurse, has revealed that she was one of only two nurses on duty when two baby boys were poisoned with insulin eight months apart. The prosecution alleges that Letby added unprescribed insulin to a bag or bags containing nutrients that were intravenously given to Child F in August 2015 at the Countess…
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World News
Harry’s High Court battle: Duke fights Mirror’s alleged illegal info use
Prince Harry is set to appear at the High Court as he seeks to prove that Mirror Group Newspapers published articles about him using illegally obtained information spanning over two decades. The Duke of Sussex was not present in court when his case against the newspaper group opened, but his lawyer, David Sherborne, shared some of the articles that will…
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World News
Prince Harry accuses Daily Mirror of hacking Diana’s voicemails
The trial involving Prince Harry has commenced with intense revelations and claims about phone hacking, dating back to his childhood years. The prince has accused the Daily Mirror of hacking into his mother, Princess Diana’s voicemail messages, expressing that she was left “devastated” when private conversations she had with entertainer Michael Barrymore were published in the paper under Piers Morgan’s…
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